Could north London derby be Ho's breakthrough moment with Spurs?

Arsenal test offers evolving side the chance to back up big ambition with statement result

Martin Ho has made a big impression at Spurs. Credit: Getty Images

One look around Tottenham Hotspur’s training base in Enfield and you see a club with money and ambition.

Every inch of the site is manicured with precision. The bushes and paths receive as much care and attention as the performance and training facilities.

In the far corner of the huge complex is the base for Tottenham’s women’s team. A much smaller operation compared to the men’s first team, but one that has temporarily housed the women’s first team and girls’ academy while a new 11-pitch development is built.

There are clues to the vision for Spurs’ future everywhere you look: the expansive site continues to grow as the backroom staff grows with it.

Martin Ho’s appointment in the summer was a clear example of that ambition, as the club fought to bring in a highly-coveted coach who had spent time in the Women’s Super League with Manchester United but was most known for taking Norwegian side Brann to the Champions League for the first time.

Ho was later joined by former United analyst Lawrence Shamieh, added as an assistant coach much to the further frustration of United fans, who had visions of a return for Ho at some point in the future.

Eight games into the WSL season and Ho has Spurs fifth in the table and looking energised after their best start to a league campaign since they were promoted in 2019.

Ho’s side have already matched their total number of wins from last season and claimed 75% of their points total. Despite a disappointing 4-2 defeat to London City Lionesses last Sunday, the outlook is positive. It’s the first time since Spurs reached the 2024 FA Cup final that the club are looking up rather than down the WSL table.

Now, Ho’s side face an opportunity to legitimise their re-emergence as challengers to the WSL’s established ‘big four’ with a home north London derby on Sunday.

Arsenal have dominated the fixture, with Tottenham’s only win coming in December 2023. However, a pre-season friendly win for Spurs served as a warning of what Ho’s side could do against their local rivals this weekend.