Spurs Under Ho’s Leadership
In his second season with Tottenham Hotspur, Martin Ho is successfully keeping the team competitive as they navigate the early stages of the 2026-27 season. Their performance thus far has shown some promise, but recent setbacks suggest that persistent issues remain in their quest to join the league’s elite.
A tough loss to the revamped London City Lionesses has raised some eyebrows, revealing perhaps lingering challenges that could hinder their progress. Still, this disappointing outing shouldn’t overshadow the team’s notable tactical improvements and enhanced finishing capabilities.
According to a recent report by Opta’s The Analyst, Tottenham has significantly boosted its scoring capacity since the last season, more than doubling their goals in the first five matches (from seven to 16). It’s quite remarkable—who would have thought they’d emerge as one of the league’s most potent offensive forces?
Some eye-catching stats include 42 shots against Crystal Palace (who were down to ten players from the seventh minute) and 35 shots against Aston Villa. Altogether, that’s 77 shots across just two games, demonstrating their ability to maintain relentless attacking pressure. Interestingly, they also showcased a more patient approach, with one attack encompassing 14 passes before finding the net.
Ho’s squad isn’t just shooting for the sake of it or relying on sheer luck. They’ve been creating consistent pressure, moving the ball effectively, and getting players into scoring positions purposefully.
Their impressive performance in early matches can’t be attributed merely to the volume of shots. They rank among the league leaders with a 14.1 expected goals (xG) and 20 significant scoring opportunities, sitting second in shots on target per match with 7.4.
The Players Behind the Attack
Dutch international Victoria Pelova has been a remarkable asset for Spurs, notching five goals and one assist so far, tying her as the top scorer following the loss against London City. Beyond her goal contributions, she has made 24 touches within the opposition’s penalty area, showcasing her exceptional finishing ability, significantly exceeding her personal xG of 1.48.
Another key player is Danish international Olivia Holdt, who delivered a hat-trick against Crystal Palace and leads the team in numerous offensive categories since Ho stepped in.
And let’s not forget Signe Gaupset. The young Norwegian made headlines by becoming the youngest player in the English league to create eight chances from open play in a single game. She has been vital in generating 29 chances since Ho’s appointment.
While Spurs dazzled in their initial four games, their clash with the Lionesses told a different story altogether.
London City generated an impressive 5.99 xG, yet Tottenham still found opportunities to attack. In fact, their shot count wasn’t hugely different, with Spurs taking 18 shots compared to London City’s 21. However, the disparity in shots on target was telling—just two for Spurs against London’s ten, which contributed to a xG of 2.41.
In the post-match press conference, Ho emphasized the significance of winning the first and second balls, expressing concerns about the team’s decision-making and its ability to respond to on-field developments. He pointed to the initial goal from Alexia Putellas as a case in point, where London City capitalized on a rebound after an initial save.
“Against those types of players, if you don’t respond quickly enough in those positions, she scores often,” Ho mentioned.
The coach also highlighted the physical aspect of the game, admitting that the opposing team proved stronger in individual duels.
Tottenham’s offensive prowess reflects Ho’s tactical approach—delivering more purposeful ball advancement, sustained pressure, and varied contributions in creating scoring chances. Yet, the defeat against the Lionesses illuminated areas requiring improvement and the gap between them and the league’s top four.
With challenging matches ahead against London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, there’s hope they’ve addressed some of their concerns during the international break. It’ll be interesting to see if they can apply lessons learned from the loss to London City in their upcoming encounter next Sunday.
