Tottenham Hotspur surrendered another three points on the road today, losing 2-1 against Newcastle United at St James’ Park
Let’s look at the five things we learned.
Away form is a major worry.
Tottenham have won only two of their past 11 Premier League away games. That is hardly the profile of someone aiming for European football, let alone the top four, or attempting to narrow the gap on the league leaders.
To make matters worse, Spurs have played quite well in a big number of those games, which leads us to our next issue.
Chances abound.
Tottenham’s situation remains unchanged. Play really well, create a lot of chances, and absolutely dominate the game, yet fail to convert any of that pressure into goals. Postecoglou’s strategy is intended to produce an abundance of opportunities, and it is succeeding to some extent.
Unfortunately, it also leaves Spurs vulnerable at the back, and failing to capitalize on opportunities at the other end leads to defeat. The greatest clubs in the league capitalize on their opportunities while leading and then controlling the game to victory. Spurs are currently performing neither of these things.
Crosses from the wide
Postecoglou’s tactical setup relies heavily on moving the ball out wide and in behind for the two wingers to fire crosses across the face of the goal. We saw that a lot in the second half today, with Brennan Johnson having a lot of fun down the right side. But, with only a few minutes on the clock, Spurs behind 2-1, and Johnson blazing down the wing, not a single Tottenham player made a move into the box to receive what turned out to be a deadly cross.
I understand Spurs were missing a number nine today, but Son, Kulusevski, and Maddison could have made late runs, whereas the likes.
Tottenham need Solanke back.
I can’t help but think Solanke would have scored tonight if he was on the pitch. Spurs desperately needed a presence in the box to convert some of their chances. I also believe Maddison’s game will improve once he has a target to aim for in the box, allowing him to capitalize on some of his dangerous crosses. Fingers crossed that a number nine poacher is the missing piece in Tottenham’s puzzle.
The high press is electric.
Tottenham’s strong push was one small bright spot in today’s game. That could be the best I’ve seen it function, especially in the second half when Newcastle were tired. Son, Kulusevski, Maddison, Odobert, and Johnson enjoyed winning the ball back in the final third, while Pape Matar Sarr performed admirably in the first 45 minutes. All that was missing was to convert those high-press breaks into goals. Some of the decision-making in the final third today was appalling.
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