Introduction
Tottenham Hotspur’s opening game of the Premier League season against Leicester City left fans and players frustrated as familiar flaws resurfaced. Ange Postecoglou, the manager, expressed disappointment in his team’s lack of efficiency in the penalty area and their inability to convert chances into goals. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities were also exposed as they conceded an avoidable goal, highlighting the need for improvement in both attacking and defensive aspects of their game.
The Struggle in the Final Third
Postecoglou’s frustration with Tottenham’s wastefulness in the final third was evident after the match against Leicester. Despite having 12 shots in the box and hitting the target seven times, Spurs only managed to score once. This lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring issue for the team, as they finished sixth in the Premier League’s big chances missed table last season.
“We have to be stronger in our mindset in the front third,” Postecoglou emphasized. “To be that wasteful is disappointing. We just weren’t clinical. To get results, you need to be a lot more ruthless in the final third. If we don’t, we won’t get the rewards our football should get.”
The arrival of Dominic Solanke, who scored 19 goals for Bournemouth last season, provides hope for Tottenham to improve their attacking output. Solanke made a promising debut for the team, although he missed a couple of significant chances. His goal-scoring ability could be the key to turning things around for Tottenham in the final third.
The Defensive Fragility
In addition to their attacking struggles, Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a cause for concern. The team has struggled to keep clean sheets, having only managed two in their last 22 league matches. This defensive frailty was evident in the game against Leicester, as Cristian Romero’s lapse in concentration allowed Jamie Vardy to score the equalizer.
Despite having a talented backline, including the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Dragusin, Spurs have struggled to prevent goals. The high defensive line implemented by Postecoglou has left the team exposed to counter-attacks, with opponents finding it easy to bypass the midfield and advance on the defense.
The lack of defensive solidity has put pressure on the back five, forcing them to work harder to protect the goal. Poor decision-making in defense, such as Romero’s mistake against Leicester, has cost Tottenham dearly. The team’s struggles in defensive transitions have been a major concern, highlighting the need for improvement in the defensive phase of their game.
The Need for a Defensive Midfielder
While the defensive issues are multifaceted, the lack of a reliable defensive midfielder has been a key problem for Tottenham. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, who have been deployed in the defensive midfield position, have shown inconsistencies in their performances. Both players have struggled to provide the necessary protection to the backline, leaving gaps for opponents to exploit.
The departures of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have left a void in Tottenham’s midfield, which has yet to be adequately filled. The additions of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, although promising young talents, lack the experience and maturity needed to anchor the midfield effectively.
To address this issue, Tottenham has been linked with a move for Wolves’ Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes. Gomes, at 23 years old, offers a blend of youth and experience, having played in the Premier League for a season and a half. His tenacity and defensive qualities make him an ideal candidate to bolster Tottenham’s midfield and provide the necessary protection to the backline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur’s early-season struggles highlight the need for improvement in both the attacking and defensive aspects of their game. The team’s wastefulness in front of goal and defensive vulnerabilities have been major factors in their inability to secure positive results. The addition of players like Dominic Solanke and Joao Gomes could provide the necessary boost to turn things around for Tottenham and propel them to success in the Premier League. Postecoglou’s tactical approach and the team’s collective effort will be crucial in addressing their shortcomings and achieving their goals for the season.