“Ready for a derby that feels like a battle for the whole city? The passion radiates from Cathinka Tandberg whenever she steps onto Tottenham’s turf. A lifelong Spurs supporter, the forward knows the rivalry with Arsenal burns hotter than most, and she can’t wait for Saturday’s showdown.
“It’s going to be an amazing rush,” she says to Moving the Goalposts. “You’ll get a few nerves you don’t get in a regular match, and that’s a plus.”
“Every Spurs fan despises Arsenal, and vice‑versa—that’s the reality. You aim to prove you’re the top side, plain and simple. It’s all about battling for the club, the badge, and the supporters.”
The past 13 months have been pivotal for the 22‑year‑old, who moved to London in September 2025. After shining as a scorer in the Damallsvenskan with Linköping and Hammarby, the Norwegian was snapped up by Martin Ho on deadline day to boost the attack. She announced herself on her first start, netting a stunning 40‑yard strike at Everton.
She says she settled quickly and is now thriving. Though the season’s start was tough and expectations unmet, she remains optimistic with many games left. At 22 she’s still learning, trusting the process and the people around her.
She notes a huge shift from Sweden. Week after week she meets World Cup players, so constant performance is mandatory. Her physicality has improved; she feels stronger and fitter. Under Martin she now thinks beyond scoring—ball retention, pressing, movement. She compares it to Harry Kane’s evolution, needing to drop deeper and be comfortable everywhere, not just the box.
Ho’s overhaul lifted Spurs to a fifth‑place finish last term. Success brings pressure, and Tandberg shares those ambitions while keeping a grounded view.
For her, Tottenham has always felt like a Champions League side. As a fan she can’t speak for teammates, but she arrived aiming for a top‑three finish. Realism matters; the club’s recent transformation is astonishing. In her view, Martin Ho ranks among the best coaches she’s ever worked with, and his reputation draws new talent.
That confidence now faces a trial. After an unbeaten opening, Spurs have dropped consecutive games, conceding six goals each to London City Lionesses and Chelsea.
She admits you could label it a slump, yet she still sees quality in those performances. The squad must tweak its mindset, ignite its fire and dig deeper against elite opponents. Perhaps the setback was inevitable—it forces a response.
The team must remember its recent climb from a relegation battle two years ago. Expectations are high, but she believes they can meet them by trusting each other.
Facing a struggling Arsenal at home would be the ideal remedy, she says. Passion drives her both as a player and lifelong supporter. She plays for the fans because she knows the stand’s roar, and giving back matters—showing the crowd they’re heard.
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This excerpt comes from our free women’s football newsletter, Moving the Goalposts. To read the full edition, visit the page and follow the steps. The newsletter lands in your inbox each Tuesday and Thursday. Will the next issue capture the season’s turning point?