Key Highlights
- Tottenham are in contention for a Champions League place after winning five of their first eight games this season.
- The team finished 20th last season but have improved significantly under new manager Martin Ho.
- Arsenal leads the Women’s Super League table, with Tottenham and Arsenal level on points.
- Spurs captain Bethany England believes they can win a north London derby against their rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Rise in the WSL
In a thrilling turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur (Tottenham) are emerging as serious contenders for a Champions League place this season. Their rise to prominence is evident from their performance so far, where they have won five out of eight games and are currently tied on points with Arsenal in the Women’s Super League (WSL). This season marks a significant turnaround for the club, which finished 20th last year with only four points separating them from relegation.
The change in fortunes can be attributed largely to the arrival of new manager Martin Ho. Previously an assistant coach at Manchester United and Everton, Ho brought a fresh approach and leadership that has rejuvenated the team’s mentality on and off the pitch. “Martin coming in has changed a lot,” Tottenham captain Bethany England shared with BBC Sport. “Our intensity has got higher, the demands have got more, and testing us more as players as well as people.”
North London Derby: A Test of Mettle
The upcoming north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday (14:30 GMT) is a crucial match for Tottenham. With both teams level on points after eight games, the victor will gain an upper hand in their quest for European qualification. The history between the two clubs does not favor Spurs; they have won only once in 11 north London derbies, including a narrow victory in December 2023 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
England remains optimistic about the team’s prospects: “We’ve got a big opportunity in a north London derby to do what we’ve done previously.
I know we’ve only beaten them once before, but it’s not impossible,” she added. Ho echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that his players are aware of the significance of such matches and are focused on maintaining the right attitude.
Implications for Arsenal
A victory for Tottenham could be damaging to Arsenal’s title aspirations as it would leave them at least six points behind leaders Manchester City. This scenario becomes even more pressing given that Arsenal has recently suffered a defeat in the Women’s Champions League, where they lost a two-goal lead against Bayern Munich. Manager Renee Slegers acknowledged the disappointment but assured her players that such setbacks can serve as motivation for future matches.
Ho’s arrival has not only improved Tottenham’s performance but also instilled a new sense of confidence and ambition among the squad. As the team prepares to face Arsenal, the stage is set for an intense and potentially pivotal encounter in the WSL.
