Revitalizing Spurs: A Season of Transformation Under Martin Ho

The success of Tottenham Hotspur this season can be traced back to a pivotal 1-0 victory against West Ham at the start of the campaign. After concluding the 2024-25 season on a disheartening 10-game winless streak, with their last triumph in the Women’s Super League (WSL) dating back to January 26, new head coach Martin Ho entered the season with evident concerns about the team’s psychological state.

“When I first arrived, we needed to uplift the players,” Ho reflected prior to the winter break.

Despite these challenges, Ho recognized the innate talent within his squad. Among the players he inherited from former coach Robert Vilahamn, 13 were part of the team that reached the FA Cup final and secured a sixth-place finish in the WSL during the 2023-24 season, merely one point shy of the club’s best-ever performance in the top tier.

“There’s a wealth of talent among the staff and players here,” Ho stated. “I just needed to provide them with processes to enable performance and a framework to succeed.”

This existing talent is underscored by the fact that Spurs made only two additions during the summer transfer window. Rather than overhauling the team, Ho assessed the resources available and focused on facilitating their success.

The two summer signings have proven to be impactful. Toko Koga, a 20-year-old Japan international, has emerged as one of the top defenders in the league this season, displaying remarkable maturity for her age. Cathinka Tandberg, who joined just three days before the WSL season commenced, has already contributed four goals and two assists in her seven starting appearances.

As the winter transfer window opened, Spurs welcomed five new players, including standout recruit Signe Gaupset, a highly sought-after Norway international. The presence of Gaupset was enhanced by Ho’s previous coaching experience with her at Brann, yet her choice to join Spurs was largely influenced by the club’s impressive performance this season.

So, how has Ho revitalized this group? The transformation is largely attributed to a new playing style.

“He’s introduced a high level of intensity and a style of play that aligns well with our players. We are fitter than ever and are enjoying more freedom on the pitch,” remarked Bethany England, Spurs’ captain and star striker, in an interview shortly before the winter break.

“Previously, we felt somewhat directionless, but Martin has done a fantastic job. His assistants, Lawrence Shamieh and Adam Jeffery, are exceptional technical coaches who help the team improve daily. The players have fully embraced his vision and the style resonates with us.”

The positive impact of this new approach is evident in the statistics. Spurs have shown remarkable adaptability this season, fluidly switching between a back-three and a back-four as needed. The midfield double-pivot of Eveliina Summanen and Drew Spence has been crucial in fortifying the defense, allowing full-backs or wing-backs to engage in offensive plays.

England pointed out that this strategy suits the squad well, resulting in a significant improvement in their defensive performance. Last season, Spurs were among the teams with the most goals conceded, but this season, they have only allowed 19 goals in 14 matches, ranking sixth in terms of defensive records, and have already kept five clean sheets. Only Chelsea, boasting world-class goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, has achieved a better shutout record.

It’s worth mentioning that Ho has consistently relied on the same goalkeeper throughout the league fixtures so far. In contrast to last season, when Vilahamn rotated three different shot-stoppers, Ho has placed full trust in Lize Kop as the No.1, who has rewarded that trust with outstanding performances, resulting in the best goals against differential in the league.

Offensively, Spurs’ statistics reveal an intriguing trend: they are not necessarily taking more shots or creating more chances than the previous year; rather, they are executing with greater precision. On average, Spurs are scoring 1.35 goals per game, a significant increase from just one goal per game last season, primarily due to an attacking style that encourages players to interchange positions and capitalize on open spaces.

At the forefront of this transformation is Martin Ho, a charismatic and knowledgeable leader. His previous experience as an assistant at Manchester United and success at Brann, where he led the team to an impressive Champions League quarter-final, showcase his capability.

Ho’s charisma, respect, and ability to instill confidence have been pivotal in encouraging his players to rebound from setbacks, such as the dramatic 3-3 draw against United or the recent defeat to Liverpool. Notably, Spurs have not suffered back-to-back losses this season, reflecting the resilience and dedication of both the staff and players.

While Spurs have yet to secure a notable achievement this season, they are currently positioned sixth in the WSL, a position they held last year before a dismal decline. The players are acutely aware of the need to remain vigilant and avoid complacency.

However, this team exudes a sense of ambition. Instead of viewing this season as the pinnacle, they see it as a foundation for future success.

“We’re not even 15 percent of the way to where I want us to be,” Ho stated last month. “We’ve showcased solid performances, but we are far from complete. I am excited about our future and the club’s aspirations.”

It is not unreasonable to suggest that Tottenham could qualify for the Women’s Champions League for the first time this season. Achieving this goal will be challenging, but Ho’s squad has established a consistency that has eluded teams outside the traditional ‘big four,’ essential for vying for a top-three finish.

Securing a positive result against Chelsea on Sunday could significantly enhance their chances for European qualification. Even if they fall short against one of the top teams, the outlook for this Tottenham side remains optimistic, signaling a bright future ahead.