Aston Villa Women travel to face second-placed Tottenham Hotspur this weekend with manager Martin Ho expressing confidence in his squad's progress. Ho highlighted the integration of new signings and increased competition for places as key factors ahead of the Women's Super League fixture on Sunday.
He said the recent arrivals have settled in well and understand the expectations at the club. This has allowed him to rotate the team more effectively, a process he is learning from after making nine changes for a recent match. "We're further than where we were previously," Ho said. "You're better than you were every year."
Several players have earned extended opportunities in the early weeks of the season. Olivia Holdt made a notable impact coming off the left side to provide more control in midfield, with Ho praising her contribution to the team's performance. Alice Sombath played a full 90 minutes for the first time, while Matilda Nilden, Selma Panengstuen and Shakira Martinez were all handed their first starts of the campaign.
Ho believes this internal competition has added an edge to the group. He is convinced the squad now possesses the quality, strength and depth to interchange players without a drop in performance.
Ho outlined a clear tactical progression from last season, describing Aston Villa as more offensive and fluid with and without the ball. He pointed to a very good defensive structure in mid-to-high phases and an ability to apply intense pressure. Despite sitting 11th in the WSL with two points from three games, Ho is adamant the team's performances have exceeded their league standing. He pointed to the team's defensive solidity, noting they have conceded only 4 goals in their opening 270 minutes of the season.
"We are definitely better than what the table shows," he stated, referencing strong displays against top sides. The team secured a point against Chelsea and followed that with a draw against Brighton and a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last time out. Their recent form reads WDLD, showing signs of consistency. Their total of two points leaves them just 4 points from the relegation zone.
Ho acknowledged Tottenham's quality, noting they have faced a difficult recent run of games themselves. He expects a tough match but approaches it with the same confidence the team had going into a midweek penalty shootout defeat. "I've said this before, when you get to a penalty shootout, you have the lottery and that little bit of luck with that," he remarked.
For Aston Villa Women, the focus remains on consolidating the work done in recruitment and building towards long-term, sustained success. The immediate task is a trip to face a Spurs side that currently occupies second place in the standings. The match kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 27 September.
First reported at tottenhamhotspur.com
