Martin Ho previews final Brisbane Road outing of 2025 with huge ambition

Tottenham Hotspur Women host Aston Villa Women in their final home match of the year this weekend, where the Lilywhites will be looking to take all three points.

Martin Ho provided a detailed update ahead of this Barclays Women’s Super League clash, previewing the opposition, Spurs’ identity and the future of the club.

Team News

Regarding team news, Ho confirmed several injury setbacks, with many sustained during the recent international break. 

Australian defender, Charlotte Grant is sidelined until after Christmas following the knee injury she suffered in October. Duo Olga Ahtinen and Cathinka Tandberg also picked up minor injuries with their national teams and are unlikely to return until after the festive period.

Goalkeeper, Lize Kop is available for selection and is training with the team after suffering a facial injury in November:

“We will assess it as we go. Lize has to feel comfortable going into games, and the medical team will decide when it’s right for her to continue her recovery.”

On Aston Villa

Ho praised Villa’s form under manager, Natalia Arroyo and said Spurs must match their intensity:

“We’re in a good position, and they’re in a good run of form. They’ve got a good side, a good manager, and their results reflect that. We know we have to be at our best in every game now.”

When asked about what he expects from Aston Villa, he praised their intensity and attacking style of play:

“Arroyo’s teams are aggressive, front-footed, very resilient and defend really well in their own half. 

They’re dynamic going forward, very good on the ball with great movement in the middle and attacking thirds. They build calmly from the back, so we have to defend with the same consistency.”

He added that Spurs want to turn good defensive performances into more attacking output:

“We go into the game with a lot of confidence defensively, but we need to add more in the attacking third; more conversion in transition, more goals.”

Ho warned of the threat posed by Villa’s front line:

“Against Arsenal and Manchester United, they’ve had big results. Their attacking players are very dynamic, very quick, very strong in one-v-ones. Their midfield is combative, and the back line is robust. We have to be patient and work hard with the ball.

You don’t get many chances against them. We need to be ruthless, aware of their speed, and protect our box properly.”

On Spurs’ Defensive Structure

Ho emphasised the value of defensive discipline:

“People mostly focus on possession and being fluid, but I pride myself on the art of defending. It gets lost sometimes in the fancy side of football. Being organised, hard to break down, hard to beat; that passion and desire to defend is crucial.”

The head coach highlighted extensive one-on-one and box-defending work in training and praised centre-back, Clare Hunt after an impressive start to the season. The Australian defender has stepped up for both club and country this season, which is credit to her work ethic:

“Her work ethic is second to none. She’s taken everything on board, and she’s getting recognition domestically and internationally. 

Her growth has been brilliant, and I can’t ask for more.”

New signing: Signe Gaupset

The manager spoke highly of the new arrival, Signe Gaupset, whom he previously coached at SK Brann:

“Signe is a wonderful talent and a great addition. She gives us a profile we don’t have and adds depth and excitement. She’s one of the most exciting young players in Europe.”

On choosing Tottenham Hotspur, Ho expressed it is the right time to progress her career in the competitive environment of the WSL:

“She made the decision for her career, not because of me. She’d spent five years in Norway, outgrew the league, and her Champions League experience shows that. It feels like the right step for her.”

Ho believes her signing reflects Spurs’ ambition:

“It shows we can compete for these players. I’m thankful to the club for supporting the vision for this team.”

On Eveliina Summanen

Ho praised the Finnish midfielder’s leadership and professionalism, with experience both on the national and international stage:

“She sometimes flies under the radar, but she works with real quality and class. Leadership comes in different ways; for her, it’s about how she conducts herself.”

Her influence on the team must not be underestimated, as she constantly strives to inspire and lead those around her:

“She’s a role model for the younger players, and I’m excited about what she brings moving forward.”

What’s next for Spurs

Following this weekend’s WSL clash against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur will see out the year with back-to-back weekend trips to Leigh Sports Village. First, in the WSL and then in the Subway Women’s League Cup, Ho’s side will challenge Manchester United.

Looking ahead to the League Cup tie, their final fixture of 2025, Ho spoke about his anticipation that it will prove a tough test:

“It’s going to be a tough game, but these are the games we want. If you want to win the competition, you have to play and beat the best. Win or lose, we know it will be a challenge, but we have a lot of confidence in the group.”