Tottenham Hotspur Women have started the new Women's Super League season with a win, positioning themselves third in the early standings. The club's 3-1 victory over West Ham on September 6th provided a positive platform for a campaign where manager Martin Ho is targeting a top-four finish, as reported by Cartilage Free Captain this week.
After finishing fifth last term, the squad has undergone significant change. A total of eleven players, including Beth England, Molly Bartrip, and loanee Maika Hamano, departed at the start of the summer. In their place, six new signings arrived. The attack was bolstered by the additions of Shekiera Martinez, who was West Ham's top scorer last season, and pacy winger Kirsty Hanson, who netted 12 goals for Aston Villa. Victoria Pelova joined the midfield, while defenders Caitlin Dijkstra and record-signing Alice Sombath strengthened the back line.
How does the new squad compare to last season?
The rebuild follows a period of gradual evolution. The core of last season's successful fifth-placed finish has been retained, with top scorer Olivia Holdt, playmaker Toko Koga, and forward Signe Gaupset all staying. Key January signings like Julie Blakstad and Matilda Nildén also remain. However, the club has had to navigate significant losses in recent years, from the departures of Rachel Williams and Grace Clinton to Manchester United, to the ACL injuries suffered by Kit Graham and Ria Percival.
Goalkeeper was a position of focus after Becky Spencer's form declined. Selma Panengstuen was brought in to compete with Lize Kop for the number one shirt. The defense also saw Amanda Nildén step up impressively last season, a trend that will need to continue. You can view the full updated roster on our squad page.
What are Tottenham's ambitions for this WSL season?
Manager Martin Ho has set a clear target. "I'm going to say we'll finish 4th," he was quoted as saying. "I don't know that we can push any higher than that without signing or developing a true superstar." This ambition is set against a changing league landscape. The WSL has expanded to fourteen teams for the 2026-27 season, with three promoted from the Championship, and the relegation format has reverted to a straight drop for the bottom club.
The opening day performance, with three goals scored and one conceded, shows early promise. The team's attacking options are varied. Alongside Holdt, who scored the most goals last term, Tinka Tandberg chipped in with six. New signing Kirsty Hanson brings direct pace, while Matilda Vinberg and Julie Blakstad, who were tied for assists last season, offer creativity. Blakstad is adept at working the touchline, and Ho's tactical preference is to keep his fullbacks wide rather than his wingers.
What challenges did the club face in the offseason?
The summer transition wasn't solely about players. Andy Rogers, the former director of football, departed before the transfer window announcements. Rafi Moersen is reportedly being considered for a role, while chairman Vinai Venkatesham continues to be involved, appearing in club videos. On the pitch, a setback came when defender Clare Hunt returned injured from the Asian Games in March and was not training with the group at the time of the season preview.
Retaining key talents was a priority, and the club succeeded with Holdt, Koga, and Gaupset. Their continuity is vital for integrating the new arrivals. The team's current league standing of third with three points from one win provides a solid base. Fans can track their progress throughout the season in the standings.
The season's opening fixture, a 12:00 PM BST kick-off against West Ham, resulted in a positive three points. Tottenham Hotspur Women's next challenge will be to maintain this form as they pursue their goal of a top-four finish in an expanded WSL. The next match in the fixtures list will be a key test of their early momentum.
