**Martin Ho has warned Tottenham to expect a tough afternoon without the ball against Arsenal on Saturday, as his side look to bounce back from two heavy defeats ahead of the North London Derby.**
Spurs started the league season unbeaten in their first four games, but have since conceded 12 goals across defeats to London City Lionesses and Chelsea.
Ho wants his players to “play the game rather than the occasion”, warning them against getting caught up in the atmosphere surrounding the fixture. He called for greater defensive resilience and accepts Spurs will “suffer” at times against a strong Arsenal side, provided they remain brave and continue to play their usual football in possession.
He identified the first 60 minutes at Stamford Bridge as the best he has seen his team perform against a top side, both with and without the ball. Ho felt the scoreline was harsh, arguing Chelsea scored from almost every one of their seven or eight shots on target, while his young squad’s inexperience showed at crucial moments.
However, Ho was not prepared to overlook the problems. He remains concerned by the goals Spurs are conceding, describing them as gifts after simple mistakes in possession were punished. He wants his players to show greater game intelligence and a stronger defensive edge, pointing out that resilience in those situations was one of the team’s strengths earlier last season.
Arsenal’s recent form has done little to ease his concerns. Martin Ho said he would not underestimate a side of their quality and wants his players ready to face them at their best. He sees the match as an opportunity for both teams to respond after recent setbacks, noting that Arsenal have drawn as well as lost games but continue to collect points.
Victoria Pelova could have added motivation going into the derby. Ho revealed he has already spoken to her, encouraging her to play naturally rather than put extra pressure on herself. He wants her to make her mark through her creativity and ability to carry a goal threat from midfield into the final third.
Martin Ho also hopes the home crowd can lift his players, noting their performances at the stadium have generally been good. He thanked supporters for sticking with the team through the highs and lows. On team news, Jess Naz is back in contention for the derby.