Olga Ahtinen excited for north London derby: “It’s always a special occasion”
Mon 11 November 2024, 14:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Olga Ahtinen is excited to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend ahead of our first north London derby of the campaign.
Saturday’s clash with Arsenal will see us back in N17 for the first time this season – with matches against Manchester United and Chelsea also scheduled to take place there – and supporters can still buy tickets for what will be another fantastic spectacle.
Last season’s north London derby was certainly one to remember as a second-half strike from Martha Thomas secured our first-ever win over the Gunners in the Barclays Women’s Super League, in front of nearly 20,000 supporters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December, 2023.
Although Olga was unable to experience that historic victory over the Gunners, having missed the game due to an injury, she played twice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, including the win over Leicester City in the Women’s FA Cup and the season finale against West Ham United.
The midfielder, who joined us from Swedish side Linkoping FC last summer, took a trip to the world-class stadium last week and spoke to us to reflect on her previous experiences of playing there and the impact of an electric atmosphere from our Lilywhite fanbase.
“I’m looking forward so much to being back here,” said Olga. “It’s always nice to play at this incredible stadium, in front of our supporters, and of course it being a derby gives it that little extra edge.
“It’s an amazing stadium and it’s always a special occasion when we get the opportunity to play here, especially when it’s the north London derby, so it’s going to be exciting at the weekend.
“I like the whole day when we’re building towards the game and then during the match as well. I hope there’s going to be a lot of people in the stands and we can create a good day together.”
Looking back on last season’s derby, she added: “It was so cool to experience the north London derby here last season, even though I wasn’t on the pitch, but to still be part of it. I hope I can be on the grass to experience it this time.”
