Seven points from a possible nine is undoubtedly a good start to the WSL 2026/27 season for Tottenham Hotspur Women. They go into the weekend second in the table, two points behind Man City and ahead of Chelsea on goal difference.
That goal difference of +9 is largely made up of the goals scored in the 0-7 thrashing of Crystal Palace last weekend. The Eagles fell apart in the second half and Spurs capitalised. After barely featuring in the first two games, Olivia Holdt returned to the starting lineup and scored a hat-trick at Selhurst Park.
It was quite the turnaround following an abject team performance against Liverpool. It was one of the worst displays I’ve seen under Martin Ho. His team was lucky to escape Merseyside with a point.
It’s frustrating that Spurs couldn’t repeat the 3-1 beating they gave West Ham in their opening league game when the Hammers returned to Brisbane Road on Wednesday in the Players’ Cup. The visitors leave with a bonus point, having won the penalty shootout.
Mixed Performances but Points on the Board in WSL 2026/27 Season
So how have Spurs looked? The harsh reality is that it has been mixed. Against two poor sides, West Ham and Palace, they were excellent. Against a decent but beatable Liverpool team, they could barely string a pass together. (I’m discounting the League Cup game due to the number of changes made.)
These graphs, provided by EarPiece from Twelve Football, are obviously operating on a limited data set – only three games. However, the first indicates that they are using Lize Kop and her defenders to build from the back.
This was clear against West Ham, but it failed against Liverpool, who pressed pretty well. They gave away the ball on several occasions. The ball was not with Kop enough against Crystal Palace for us to have seen any pattern.
The crossing, in fact, the final ball in general, needs to be better, too.
Are New Signings Shining?
The new signings are starting to make an impact. Kirsty Hanson was very good against West Ham. I’d like her to be more involved, but the data below shows she is contributing, particularly when it comes to dribbling and finishing. (That second against the Hammers!) Victoria Pelova made her mark with a brace against Palace.
I have concerns about Shekiera Martinez, who seems like she still needs time to settle. I have absolutely no doubt about her talent. Her finishing is not yet up to the standard we saw at West Ham, though.
Overall, it has been a positive opening. When it clicks, the passing is scintillating. Most excitingly, there is the distinct hint that things could improve further.