By Rachel Cohen
15th August 2025
Spurs played their first pre-season friendly of 2025, against Sevilla at Estadio Jesús Navas. This is the first time the club has screened a women’s off-season game with full commentary on SpursPlay. It didn’t get off to a great start – kicking off over 20 minutes late, perhaps due to temperatures nearing forty degrees. And for the first half hour the videographer struggled to adjust the focus.
The game ended goalless. It was however, great to see the team back in action and provided the opportunity to look ahead.
It’s been a quiet transfer window so far with just one addition of 19-year-old Japanese international Tōko Koga. There’s a great piece about her by Maryam Clark if you want to read more. That meant that this game was mostly about seeing Koga, new manager, Martin Ho’s, tactical tweaks and reflecting on which of our existing players seem to fit his style and/or have re-found some of the form so many lacked last season. There are also a bunch of Academy or young players and some returning from injury who we have not seen enough of to know whether they might provide any of the missing pieces. This game did not feature many of these players, although a few were on the bench, but we got a brief look at a couple.
Set-up
Starters: Kop, Nildén, Koga, Bartrip (C), Grant, Summanen, Ahtinen, Spence, Naz, Thomas, Vinberg
Subs used: Hunt (for Bartrip), England (for Thomas), Dennis (for Grant) and Gunning-Williams (for Naz).
Subs not used: Heeps, Jackson*, Rybrink, Csiki, Pierre*, Bailey*
* Academy players.
Initially it seemed like the setup was the same as the one we’d consistently seen from previous manager, Robert Vilahamn (essentially a 4,2,3,1). It quickly became apparent, however, that although we did see a back four in defence (as shown in Image 1, in which Spurs defend a set piece in a 4, 5, 1) this was not the case in attack.
Instead, in attack it the team was most often in a back three with new signing (more on her later) Tōko Koga moving from centre-left to left back and Amanda Nildén pushing up on the left wing (circled in red on images 2 and 3). This created space for Matilda Vinberg (circled in yellow) to play more centrally, regularly winning and receiving the ball in central areas. Indeed, although she began on the left, there were times when Vinberg positioned herself on the other side, as in image 4.
On the other side of the pitch Jess Naz also was allowed to roam, but whereas Vinberg did this without the ball, we more often saw Naz cutting inside once she was on the ball. Nonetheless at times this created good cross-pitch movement. For instance, Naz passing off to an attacking player coming in from the opposite side. One consequence of this use of the two wingers was that Spurs did not try to cross the ball from wide areas.
Across the board there seemed to be a little more positional flexibility in attack. For instance, Koga several times brought the ball up the pitch and we saw Eveliina Summanen (who last season rarely moved far from the defence), received a ball from Vinberg, out by the left corner.
For all this Spurs’ attacks in the first half were relatively tame. They improved a little in the second with a few chances, most of which involved Vinberg either as shooter or provider.
It’s worth noting that there were also some new corner routines, with Vinberg or Nildén as taker sending the ball to the far corner of the box – and Summanen coming in, sometimes late. One of these produced a headed chance and another a poked pass to Martha Thomas who got a shot off. None resulted in a goal. But it was good to see that these details are being worked on.
The squad
Tōko Koga looks to be a great signing. Her ball control is evident. She is able to go past players and find space (as in images 5-7 below). And as the game went on she showed an increasing understanding with her teammates, including Kop in goal, Eveliina Summanen and Amanda Nildén going forward, and Molly Bartrip (and Clare Hunt) to her right. There were a couple of moments when she was left up-field and was unable to get back, but at least one of these might have been called as a foul on her in other circumstances.
In her new role Matilda Vinberg seemed a player reborn, after a frustrating 24-25 season. She was strong on the ball, winning challenges in defence, displaying fancy footwork in attack and consequently involved in many of Spurs’ best chances. Similarly her fellow Swede, Amanda Nildén was able to demonstrate her attacking prowess.
It was interesting to see young player Araya Dennis being brought on to replace Charli Grant. Dennis has been played as a right-back but for Spurs has to-date primarily been used in a more attacking role on the wing. If Ho sees her as a viable option at right-back that may reduce the urgency for cover in that area. Dennis did a good job in limited minutes, displaying the physicality and ball skills that have impressed in the cup games in which she featured last season. However, by the time she came on Sevilla had rotated and Spurs were in the ascendency so her defensive duties were minimal. That means that the jury is still out, but if Neville’s injury is anything more than a knock or if there are doubts about Dennis taking a bigger role this season (and unlike Gunning-Williams she is yet to be given a revised shirt number) fullback remains a position in which we might need to strengthen.
Notably Ho gave 90 minutes to the midfield trio that former manager, Vilahamn, relied on in his first season: Summanen, Spence and Olga Ahtinen. It is not clear whether this was forced choice – with Olivia Holdt and Maite Oroz seemingly unable to play. But it nonetheless seemed to suggest a way back for Ahtinen (out of favour last year). And as the game went on the understanding between the three showed.
While some players had solid games (Summanen, back after an impressive set of Euros performances provided a sense of calm; Lize Kop in goal made a couple of good saves in the first half) and others started slowly but warmed up (Spence most obviously), there were a number of players who were clearly a little rusty (slow into battles) or reprised problems we saw last year (Naz turning away from goal rather than towards it). There are also players who did not have any/many minutes on the pitch either through injury (the aforementioned Neville, Oroz and Holdt, but also Kit Graham who is just returning from her ACL, and Bethany England who came on in the 65th minute) or because they were unused subs. That means this is only a very approximate version of where the team is. However, on the basis of this game, Spurs still sorely need more ruthlessness in attack – chance creation and conversion. In defence, the team kept their shape well but were occasionally exposed in transition, something that could be exploited by a team more dangerous than Sevilla (who having finished 9th in La Liga last year are not going to be the toughest opposition we face).
That said, there were enough positives to come away from this game with hope. It is less clear, however that Ho will be able to take the next step before the start of the season with the existing players – even if some of those missing tonight return to fitness. And given the relegation-adjacent finish last season and the growing competitiveness of the WSL it would be surprising if Koga was the only signing. That said, the rumour mill is currently very quiet.
Catch Martin Ho’s post-match analysis: https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/video/844109
Spurs Women Blog 
Great report as always but tbh with all the training from Ho’s playing style and new management set up I really expected more or that they could not cope with it and fail miserably. Then when the lineup came up I thought what/why? No Holdt who was supposed to be the next best player since Clinton (who is now rumoured to being sold to Arsenal of all teams) and also Beth on the bench. The first half I have to applaud the back 4 who were steadfast as were they in the 2nd. As for the 6 players in front I once again wonder why are they are even still at Spurs. All should have been sold or moved on for better weeks ago. Yes we managed some attacks as per Martin’s after game speech but come on ! yet again not one of the 3 forwards found the net even though Seville were there for the taking. Yes I know it was hot and humid and he has a script to follow on behalf of the club. As for where we go from here I really do not know as I have little confidence these players can do any better than what we saw last season especially as all the teams above us have signed much better players already and we only 1. Luckily she was a bright light and for me was joint POTM along with Nilden. Back to where do we go from here – my guess is a fight for bottom place based on this performance. Sorry but we need many many more better players in with multi player contracts severed to make room. Will it happen – Nah as I just do not believe Levy will support Ho no matter what he said at his interview and we have never severed a contract in 6 seasons.
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The manure spreaders win 8-0 in Spain on their Spanish holiday trip – thats what investment in a team does to a club. Clearly we dont bother at ours.
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United have already had friendlies and beat a Real Betis side that is now in 2nd division in Spain.
It was explained that a number of players had knocks/illness, which meant the starting lineup was a little odd.
Still not a fan of Bartrip – it was her that allowed the Seville player to run unchallenged through on goal in first half – she is a ball watcher and fails to deal with danger well enough. So many goals last year were down to her not defending properly.
For me, we need another centre half, another quality wide player and an electric-quick centre forward.
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Good points Xander but I still say the same – we have stalemated with our squad. In the last report I did say that I did not agree with the recent 2025 player extns and esp the 2 extended contracts for Bartrip and Thomas and i still stick with that. Infact all the following should have been released for better by now – Bartrip Buhler AJT Summanen Neville Ahtinen Vinberg Graham and esp Naz (whilst she still have some value) and we try build again with the rest for another season BUT WITH BETTER PLAYERS. I also question the level of Spence and England now (what do they really bring anymore?) – as I say our squad has stalemated big time and I really do not see it getting any better anytime soon. Then the Raso situation – what is going on there? She hasnt been seen for weeks. Is she going to Benfica or not?
Trouble is all the half decent players have already moved on to other teams so not many left and what is ironic is that Clinton, who we made a better player and into a Lioness, now looks like she will be signed by the other Red team – so she clearly was for sale at some stage yet we sit back and do nothing. This season will be our downfall and probably our last in the WSL at this rate – this team just aint good enough although at least their fitness will be better. I feel sorry for Martin Ho, I really do as he seems to be trying so hard.
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Sorry I should have included Thomas in the list as well
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Well Xander I just dont get it! – we now agree to play a pre season “by how many” game against our Red foes this Saturday to see where we r in the new development! – cant say that is a smart move at all. Bet they invited us for target practice rather than the other way round. They spend over a million on new players and we a few yen from clearing out somebody’s curreny wallet after a holiday. Then he will take them to Soton to try raise their spirits after the thrash – great.
Cant wait but we wont see neither will we on SPlay. Nah
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seems one thing is clear. Whilst Robert talked about a high press, he never really followed through in the biggest games.
Martin appears to disregard opposition and demand the highest press regardless.
Today showed we can compete. Disregard respect for opponent and go toe to toe with them.
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More so in the 2nd than the 1st but agree Xander .. but that kamikaze pftb is back again which we r not good at and we walk a very thin line with that. The first 2 goals were preventable and Kop should have had both covered had she had all options covered. Think it is time to move Naz on as she brings very little to the team like last season – over-rated in my book. Sorry to say but I think we should also loan Graham out now she is fit with an option to buy as we cannot afford her to get another injury and reduce the squad depth for another long term. We need better in now b4 it’s too late. Maybe the same with AJT. Still no news on Raso. Maybe we should throw a lifeline to the young lass at Marseille who is refusing to play.
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11 days to go in the window and it looks like Levy is not supporting Ho with any new players otherwise they would be in by now with one test game to go. This means we will have basically the same squad as last season with Dennis replacing Ayanne. 2 on long term illness and 1 awol. This means all our hopes are on possible player ressurection based on the new training regime. Will we survice remains to be seen? – but I am not convined even with the win yesterday. Sorry
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I’d hope we will have made enquiries with Brann for Gaupset. It will take a substantial fee, but given she has worked with Ho previously, that surely is an advantage?
Would like to think there will be a couple of additions to the squad before window closes.
My fear is that as there isn’t automatic relegation this season, but a playoff against the team finishing 3rd in WSL2 – that we gamble on going with current squad and delay spending money for 12 months
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Totally agree with what u say here Xander – that would be a typical Levy move esp with so many now on contract end to 2026 season end .. Ho got a budget of around 10Mill which incls his staff and overheads etc so not sure how much of that is left for players now and in January. Personally it is a minimal risk that a 12th placed Spurs could beat a 3rd place WSL2 side who r rock bottom by then and with contract cancellations looming and agents looking for new jobs over their heads.
Im not happy the way this club and team has been run since joining the WSL – how really can any real fan pay and get behind them when clearly Levy doesnt care diddly squat about them – its is just a survival ploy until it fails. The team will have to work on stamina hope and luck and we fans carry on supporting as best we can & complaining that not enough is done to help them. Nothing has changed at all bar a new manager who has a mountain to climb with no professional equipment to hand. Feel sorry for him ibh.
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