Spurs determined to respond ahead of West Ham Derby

Tottenham Hotspur Women will look to respond positively this weekend as they travel to face West Ham United in a fixture that carries added edge and importance.

Following a disappointing result in their previous outing, Spurs head coach Martin Ho has been clear in his assessment: While there were encouraging spells, particularly in possession and player intent, the team fell short of their own standards in decisive moments:

“We showed positives in our behaviours and attitudes with the ball. But in the final third, our last actions, movements behind the line, and taking big chances weren’t where they needed to be. Defensively, we were also a few yards off at key moments, and that’s something we’ve addressed this week.”

Despite the setback, Spurs remain firmly in the top half of the Barclays Women’s Super League, sitting fifth and within touching distance of the league’s leading pack. It is a position the club would have gladly accepted earlier in the season, and one that reflects the progress made over recent months:

“There are no easy games in this league. Every match is competitive, and results across the league have shown that. We’re in a good place, we’ve got nine games left, and there’s still a lot to grow and build on.”

Derby Edge and Defensive Demands

Sunday’s meeting with West Ham promises to be a stern test. The Hammers come into the game off the back of improved form and are showing greater organisation and resilience under their new management:

“It’s got the derby feel. Both teams want to be front-footed, both want the ball, and both want to be direct. West Ham are well drilled and very organised, so we’ll need to find solutions to break them down. Physically and defensively, we know we must raise our levels.”

Spurs have used the week to quickly reflect on last weekend’s performance before shifting their focus firmly onto the challenge ahead. Training intensity and energy, according to the head coach, have been strong:

“We reflected honestly, parked the game, and moved on. The buzz around the group has been good, and now it’s about refining the details.”

Squad News and Leadership  

On the injury front, Spurs are in a relatively healthy position. Charli Grant has returned to running, Ella Morris is close to full team training, and both Jessica Naz and Luana Bühler continue to make positive progress in their rehabilitation. Most of the squad is available and in contention for selection.

Leadership within the group remain a key pillar, with Bethany England playing an influential role both on and off the pitch:

“Beth has been remarkable. She brings people together, challenges the group when needed, and supports them at the right moments. But we want leadership to come from across the squad, not just one player. That collective responsibility is vital for where we want to go.”

Building for the Long Term

While Spurs’ current league position has naturally raised expectations, the club remains committed to a long-term vision:

“We’re not a Champions League team yet. That takes consistency, strong foundations, experience, and time. We’re building something here, changing our identity, and taking the right steps on and off the pitch. The aim is to be competitive year after year, not just for one season.”

With a derby day test on the horizon, Spurs now can put lessons into action and reinforce their upward trajectory-starting in East London this weekend.