Tromsø IL continued their dominant run in the Eliteserien with a 4-0 victory over Fredrikstad FK on Sunday. According to NRK Sport, the win was powered by a hat trick from Jens Hjertø-Dahl, while Heine Åsen Larsen opened the scoring after just four minutes. According to multiple reports, Tromsø now tops the table with 16 points from 18 possible, having won five of their first six matches and boasting a goal difference of 11-1.
Tromsø's defensive strength has been a key factor in their success. According to major media reports, goalkeeper Jakob Rønning-Haugaard has conceded only one goal so far this season. Fredrikstad's struggles at Romssa Arena continued, as they have not won there in 17 years, with their last victory dating back to 2008. Tromsø head coach Jørgen Vik, who started his debut season in 2024 with five straight losses, has transformed the team's fortunes.
It means everything. I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else than here at home. To be able to show love to the fans and the club, it's fantastic.
After the match, Hjertø-Dahl expressed his delight. According to NRK Sport, he described scoring a hat trick at home as meaning everything and said he wouldn't want to do it anywhere else. He also admitted surprise at his hat trick, noting that he hasn't been good with his head but received good crosses to guide in. Fredrikstad coach Andreas Hagen, according to NRK Sport, described the loss as heavy and disappointing. Hjertø-Dahl added that it was an indescribable way to start the season, especially after transfer speculation and his decision to stay. Ahead of the match, Vik had described it as a tight and tough game, noting that Fredrikstad had no losses in the winter and got a boost from beating Sarpsborg in the cup. He also praised Heine Åsen Larsen as a versatile player who played a lot as a striker for Bryne on loan last year.
Expert analysis has praised Tromsø as title contenders. According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, sport director Lars Petter Kræmer-Andressen described Jørgen Vik as one of Norway's best defensive coaches, possibly the best. NRK football expert Kristoffer Løkberg, according to the same source, considers Tromsø a clear gold candidate. Another NRK expert, Carl-Erik Torp, said three clubs stand out: Viking, Glimt, and TIL, and that TIL reminds him of where Glimt was at the start of their golden era.
I am quite surprised. I haven't been that good with my head, actually, but I get quite good crosses that I can just guide in.
The team's success is attributed to continuity and cohesion. According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, Vik credited continuity in the coaching staff and players who have been at the club for a long time. Goalkeeper Rønning-Haugaard said the team is a group that has been together for a long period, focusing on what they can control. Defender Tobias Guddal described the team as a collective that works hard for each other.
Hjertø-Dahl turned down a transfer to Turkish club Beşiktaş in the winter, according to major media reports. Tromsø's next two home matches are against Sandefjord and Brann. Unknowns remain about the team's future, including whether they can maintain their form throughout the season.
It is of course heavy for us. It was not what we hoped for. It is very disappointing.
In other football news, Leo Skiri Østigård scored a goal for Genoa in their 2-0 win over Hellas Verona in Serie A. According to NRK Sport, Genoa has won three of their last four Serie A matches and sits in 13th place.
Completely indescribable way to start the season. Especially after all the fuss with transfer stuff and that I chose to stay here. It means a lot that this came just this time.
It will definitely be a tight and tough match.
They have no losses in the winter, and probably got a bit of a boost from beating Sarpsborg in the cup last weekend. We know we are meeting a Fredrikstad team that has become more and more playing in the last year. At the same time, they have the dimension with space behind, duels, second balls and set pieces, which we must be ready for.
Heine is a versatile player, who played a lot as a striker for Bryne on loan last year. He has some skills that are important in the striker role, and how we want the striker role to be.
Jørgen (Vik) is actually one of Norway's best defensive coaches. Maybe the best.
Continuity in the coaching staff. And players who have been here over time.
The answer to why we are performing well these days is the continuity in the squad and in the coaching team.
We have built layer upon layer in relation to experiences we have gained, and which have made us stronger along the way. It's about that.
It is quite likely that he will soon be offered a new contract.
We want to show ourselves from a very offensive and positive side at home.