Cathinka Tandberg: The Passion Behind Spurs vs. Arsenal Rivalry
When it comes to the north London derby, no one needs to explain the stakes to Cathinka Tandberg. The Norwegian striker embodies the spirit of Tottenham Hotspur, and she knows that this clash is about more than just points on the board.
"It’s for the whole club, the entire community. It means so much more than just three points," Tandberg expresses passionately. As a lifelong Spurs supporter, she feels the rivalry with Arsenal deeply and is eagerly anticipating the showdown this Saturday.
"The atmosphere will be electric, and I can already feel the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. That’s part of the excitement," she adds with a grin.
The intensity of the rivalry isn't lost on her. "All the Spurs fans hate Arsenal, and Arsenal hate Spurs. It’s simple. You want to prove you’re the best, fight for the club, the badge, and the people who stand behind you."
It's been quite a year for the 22-year-old since her move to London in September 2025. After dazzling in the Damallsvenskan with Linköping and Hammarby, she was signed by coach Martin Ho on deadline day to enhance the team’s firepower. Tandberg made an immediate impact, netting a stunning 40-yard goal in her first start against Everton.
"I’ve adapted really well here in London," she reflects. "I’m loving the challenge and eager to push myself. The start of this season has been tough, but there are plenty of games left. I’m young and still learning, so I just need to embrace the journey ahead."
Her transition from Sweden has been significant. "Every week, I’m up against World Cup players, which raises the bar. I’ve noticed a big change in my physicality; I’m stronger and fitter now. Playing under Martin has shifted my focus beyond just scoring. I’m learning to think about my overall game, how I contribute off the ball, and that’s crucial for my development. It’s a bit like Harry Kane; he’s evolved his game to fit the team's needs, and I need to do the same."
Under Ho’s guidance, Spurs have undergone a transformation, finishing fifth last season. Tandberg shares the ambition to reach new heights, but she remains grounded.
"To me, Tottenham has always been a Champions League club. When I joined, I aimed for a top-three finish, but I also recognize the reality of where we’ve come from. Martin’s impact in just one season has been incredible—no one else could have done that. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked with, and his reputation draws players here. We all believe in him and the vision he has for us."
But the team is currently facing a challenge. After a promising start, Tottenham has suffered consecutive defeats, conceding six goals to both London City Lionesses and Chelsea.
"You can call it a dip, but we’ve also shown glimpses of our quality in those matches," Tandberg observes. "It’s about adjusting our mentality, finding that fire, and digging deeper against the top teams. Maybe this was a wake-up call we needed. How we respond is key."
Tandberg reminds herself of how far the club has come. "Just two years ago, we were fighting relegation. It’s essential to acknowledge how quickly things have changed. We have expectations, and we know we’re capable of meeting them. Our teamwork is strong; we just need to trust each other."
For Tandberg, there’s no better way to bounce back than by facing a struggling Arsenal in front of a home crowd. "I play for the fans because I understand their passion. That connection is vital. We owe it to them to show our appreciation and to let them know we hear them every match."
With the derby on the horizon, Tandberg is ready to channel all that passion into a performance that fans will remember.
