Victoria Pelova has opened up about her transfer from Arsenal to Tottenham this week. The 27-year-old Netherlands midfielder made the switch after three years with the Gunners, a period heavily impacted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in June 2024. Her move was reported by The Guardian Football.
Why did Victoria Pelova join Tottenham?
Pelova described the decision to join Spurs as an easy one. She was not worried about public reaction to crossing the north London divide. Her main concern was telling her former Arsenal teammates. "I was really scared to tell my old teammates that I was going here," Pelova said. "My close friends knew about it, obviously, but everyone responded so well. Everyone tells me that it reflects on the person I am." She has been impressed by new coach Martin Ho, stating he knows exactly where he wants her and is focused on making her better.
How is she settling at her new club?
The environment at Tottenham has offered a fresh start. Pelova feels rejuvenated because, as she put it, no one knows her there. She has been training hard and is confident the team will show progress in the coming weeks. Familiar faces have helped her settle. She has known Tottenham player Caitlin Dijkstra for eight years, having lived together in Amsterdam, and is also close friends with longtime teammate Lize Kop. This support network is crucial as she builds a new chapter in her career.
What are her targets for the season?
Pelova is eager for the competitive action to begin. "Please, stop pre-season. I just want to start," she stated. "I can’t wait to play against all the teams. I can’t wait to play against Arsenal." She is ready to play in Sunday's home game against West Ham. Beyond football, she has spoken of wanting to be happy again both on and off the pitch, a sentiment shaped by personal loss after her mother died in early June, a subject she is not yet ready to discuss in detail.
Where does Arsenal stand currently?
While Pelova begins her Spurs journey, her former club Arsenal is in strong form. They are currently 2nd in the Premier League with 6 points from two wins. The team has scored 4 goals and conceded none, giving them a +4 goal difference. Their next challenge is a significant home fixture against Chelsea, who are 4th, on September 6. Fans can track the team's progress on the standings and fixtures pages. Pelova, who was an Arsenal fan favourite despite limited minutes, now looks ahead to a new phase, embracing her underdog status at Tottenham. Her immediate focus is the match against West Ham this Sunday.
