The pre‑season buzz this year largely revolved around Manchester City’s attempt to defend their WSL crown and the prospects for the revamped London City squad. In contrast, Tottenham quietly continued the work they began under Martin Ho last term, reinforcing the platform that brought them close to the top of the table. A key figure in that ongoing development is Danish forward Olivia Holdt.
The midfielder‑turned‑winger arrived at Spurs in January 2025, signing under then‑manager Robert Vilhämn. Vilhämn immediately labelled her the team’s "X‑factor" and hinted that she could evolve into one of the league’s elite talents.
Those lofty compliments set high expectations, and Holdt has already begun to justify the hype, even if she rarely dominates the headlines. She opened the campaign with a spectacular hat‑trick in a 7‑0 demolition of Crystal Palace – a performance she described as "special".
That win kept Tottenham unbeaten in the WSL, leaving them perched in second place, three points adrift of Manchester City and a point ahead of this weekend’s opponents, the headline‑making London City. "It’s still early, there are plenty of fixtures left and it will be a long season, but so far things are looking very positive," Holdt told Sky Sports ahead of the Sunday match. "No one is complaining about being second right now – we’re delighted with our position and it’s earned because our displays have been strong in the opening games." She added, "I’m looking forward to Sunday.
It’ll be interesting to face London City. They’ve invested heavily this season and have assembled a squad full of quality players.
It should be a good contest, and we hope to keep our momentum and secure three points." The outcome of that encounter could shape Tottenham’s final standing in May, as could the two fixtures that follow after the international break when they meet Chelsea and Arsenal in quick succession. Those matches will provide a clear barometer for the Spurs side’s ability to compete with the league’s traditional powerhouses.
Tottenham currently lead the league in goals scored, with 15, while conceding only two goals. Their style combines dominant possession with rapid, attacking transitions.
If they can maintain these statistics and stay within the top three after the upcoming trio of games, they will firmly stake their claim as genuine title challengers. "Scoring 15 goals in four games shows how well we’ve gelled," Holdt explained. "We don’t focus on who gets the credit – whether it’s a 7‑0 win or a 4‑0 victory, the important thing is the team wins.
Everyone contributes, and if we keep this up, many players will add a goal or two to their tally. The primary goal is three points; the individual scorers are secondary." She also highlighted the significance of the forthcoming tests: "Facing Chelsea and Arsenal will be a great measure of where we stand. It’s a step up in intensity, and while we respect the opponents we’ve beaten so far, we expect to secure three points against them as well." Holdt has been one of the most reliable performers under Ho’s guidance and finished last season as Tottenham’s top scorer, netting ten goals across all competitions, eight of which came in the league.
Their partnership appears mutually beneficial and has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence. "Martin is an excellent coach who has helped me raise my game in the league," the Denmark international said. "His ability to instil confidence and energy in the squad is vital, and we share a strong bond off the pitch as well." She elaborated on their rapport: "We respect each other deeply. I can voice disagreements and he can do the same.
That honesty has been key – Martin tells me hard truths, and I’m blunt with him. Sometimes it gets heated, but we both want the best for the team, and that mutual respect keeps us moving forward." Although Holdt has primarily featured on the right wing, she has drifted more centrally this season compared with last year and is comfortable wherever Ho deploys her. "Since joining Spurs, I’ve played in several positions.
We’re still figuring out where I can contribute most and where I can maximise my own performance," she noted. "Ultimately, Martin decides. If he wants me on the right, I’ll be there; if he prefers a number‑10 role, I’ll adapt; even on the left, I’ll give it my all." "I view myself as a versatile attacking player, so my exact spot on the pitch matters less than the overall game plan and the quality of teammates around me," Holdt added. "Being able to operate in multiple areas can confuse opponents – they never know where I’ll appear." Spurs hope this flexibility will continue to unsettle the established order of the WSL in the weeks ahead.
Fans can catch Tottenham’s clash with London City Lionesses live on Sky Sports Football at 2 pm on Sunday, with highlights and in‑game clips available shortly after full‑time on Sky’s digital platforms. The club also invites supporters to join the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.