Tottenham Hotspur forward Cathinka Tandberg has spoken of the unique intensity surrounding the north London derby ahead of the club's next clash with Arsenal. The 22-year-old Norwegian, a lifelong Spurs fan, says the fixture carries a weight that extends far beyond the league table.
"It means more than just three points," Tandberg said. "It’s for the whole club. It’s for the whole place. It’s for the whole of Tottenham."
Her comments come as the team seeks to regain momentum following a challenging start to the campaign. Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League, having taken six points from their opening seven matches. Their next test is a tough trip to face Chelsea, who are fourth, on Saturday.
Finding fire for the big games
Tandberg, who joined Spurs on deadline day in September 2025 from Swedish side Hammarby, believes the squad must find a different gear when facing top opposition. She pointed to the need for a mental shift after recent heavy losses, including a 6-2 defeat to Chelsea last month.
"It will just be an incredible feeling," she said of the derby atmosphere. "I think you will feel a few nerves that you maybe don’t feel in a normal game but that’s good."
The forward, who announced herself with a spectacular 40-yard strike on her first start at Everton, sees parallels between her own development and that of club legend Harry Kane. She has focused on improving her physicality and versatility, aiming to contribute in multiple attacking roles.
Building from a solid base
Despite the current league position, there is belief within the camp about the project under manager Martin Ho. Tandberg highlighted the rapid transformation of the women's team, which has gone from relegation candidates to Champions League contenders in two years. That progress provides a foundation for the current first-team squad to build upon.
The team's most recent result was a 3-1 home victory over Coventry City, with goals from James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies. That win halted a run of four league games without a victory, a sequence that included draws with Manchester United and Everton and losses to Aston Villa and Liverpool.
With 15 points separating them from leaders Manchester City, the immediate focus is on climbing the standings through consistent performances. Tandberg's personal drive mirrors that collective ambition. She is determined to repay the faith of the supporters she feels a strong connection with, starting by showing the required fight in every fixture.
The schedule does not let up after the Chelsea game, with the north London derby looming as the next major highlight on the calendar. For Tandberg and her teammates, that match represents the ultimate opportunity to demonstrate the progress she believes is being made.
Read the full report at The Guardian Football
