Tottenham Hotspur Women needed a strong response after Saturday’s derby loss to Arsenal, and they delivered one at Bristol City. From the start, the Lilywhites attacked and blew the hosts away in a 6-1 Players Cup win. Speaking afterward, Martin Ho said, “From the start I thought our intensity was good; we played with real energy and enthusiasm.” As a result, an early goal let Spurs take control.

The manager loved seeing his squad players step up when given the chance to start. Ho rotated his lineup for the midweek trip, and the attack proved ruthless in front of goal. As he noted after full time, “In those moments when we got in front of goal, we were ruthless.” Signe Gaupset also scored a clever lob from distance, alongside another strike from Olivia Holdt.

Meanwhile, summer signing Shekiera Martinez stole the show by firing home a clinical hat-trick. Playing ninety minutes gave the forward a big lift as she settles into life in north London. Ho said, “I think it has been really good for her to get some goals and give her that kind of belief.” Furthermore, Matilda Nilden scored her first goal in Lilywhite after causing problems one-on-one.

Jess Naz Returns With A Smile After Eleven Months Out

While the goals flowed at one end, the biggest cheer of the night came when Jess Naz stepped back onto the pitch. Tottenham’s longest-serving player had spent eleven months out recovering from a second serious knee injury. Even so, she returned with the same pace and spirit that made her a fan favourite in N17. Because of that, her comeback lifted the whole squad.

Unsurprisingly, Ho praised the England forward after watching her play again. He said, “It is really good, not just for me but for everyone, the staff, the players, the club.” Ho added, “Now to see her back on the pitch, playing with a smile, the same energy and the same tenacity in her game, she is going to be like a new player for us.” Next, Spurs turn their focus back to league action.