Tottenham Hotspur Women have entered the 2026‑27 Women’s Super League season with a burst of attacking firepower under second‑year head coach Martin Ho. In the opening five matches the team scored 16 goals – more than double the seven they managed at the same point last season – and generated an astonishing 77 shots across just two games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Offensive numbers that stand out
According to Opta’s The Analyst report, Spurs posted 42 shots against Crystal Palace (the opposition played with ten players from the seventh minute) and followed that with 35 shots versus Aston Villa. Their average of 7.4 shots on target per match ranks second in the league, while a 14.1 expected‑goals (xG) figure and 20 big‑chance opportunities place them among the top offensive units.
Key contributors include Dutch international Victoria Pelova, who has five goals and one assist in five games, out‑performing her personal xG of 1.48. Danish international Olivia Holdt added a hat‑trick against Crystal Palace and leads the squad in shots, shots on target, touches in the box and big chances. Norwegian youngster Signe Gaupset became the youngest player in the English league to create eight open‑play chances in a single match, helping Spurs compile 29 chances overall under Ho’s system.
Defensive concerns exposed
The momentum was halted by a 2‑1 defeat to a re‑loaded London City Lionesses side. While Tottenham generated 18 shots to the Lionesses’ 21, the disparity lay in shot quality: Spurs managed only two shots on target compared with ten for their opponents, resulting in a modest 2.41 xG versus the Lionesses’ 5.99 xG.
Ho acknowledged the shortfall in a post‑match press conference, emphasizing the need for quicker decision‑making and better reactions to developing situations. He cited the opening goal by Alexia Putellas – a rebound after a saved shot – as an example of the opponent’s superior physicality and ability to capitalize on second‑ball opportunities.
Looking ahead
Despite the setback, Ho remains confident that the team can address its weaknesses. The upcoming fixtures against league powerhouses Chelsea and Arsenal will test whether Spurs can tighten their defensive shape while maintaining their high‑tempo attacking approach.
Fans and local supporters can expect a continued emphasis on purposeful progression, sustained pressure and diversified goal‑scoring sources as the season progresses. If the squad can improve its reaction time and physical resilience, the early statistical trends suggest Tottenham Hotspur Women are well‑positioned to challenge for a top‑four finish.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
