Postecoglou’s First Season at Tottenham: A Mixed Bag
In Ange Postecoglou's inaugural season at the helm, Tottenham Hotspur secured a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, a feat that offered a glimmer of hope despite underlying inconsistencies. Concluding the season with a decisive 3-0 victory at Sheffield United, the team showed glimpses of what could be achieved under the new management but fell short of breaking into the coveted Champions League positions.
Early Struggles in 2024-25
The onset of the 2024-25 season has been less than ideal for Tottenham. With only one win from the opening slate of matches, the team has struggled to find its footing. This rocky start follows a summer where Postecoglou opted for continuity, retaining a squad largely similar to the previous season. However, the recruitment strategy for young, promising talent suggests a long-term vision.
Focus on Youth
Tottenham’s summer transfer dealings were underscored by a focus on youth, with the club investing in teenagers Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray. This emphasis on young talent might pay dividends in the future but has yet to offer immediate results. Adding to Tottenham's challenges, new signing Dominic Solanke is currently sidelined with a short-term injury, limiting the team’s offensive options early in the season.
A Struggle for Consistency
Despite their league standing, Tottenham remains a force in offensive metrics. The team continues to rank within the top four in the Premier League for possession, passing, and attacking play. Dominating the ball with nearly 70% possession against Leicester City and 65% against Newcastle United, the side has shown that they can control games. Tottenham generated 1.18 expected goals against Leicester City and 1.26 against Newcastle United, yet converting these chances into victories has been an ongoing issue.
Midfield Imbalance
Part of Tottenham's inconsistency stems from midfield difficulties. The trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr has yet to find the synergy required to dominate games consistently. The midfield's performance remains a critical area to address for Postecoglou as he seeks to blend attacking flair with defensive solidity. The summer saw key players, including Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, and Bentancur, participate in international duties, which may have disrupted preseason preparations.
Last Minute Additions and Big Matches Ahead
Attempting to bolster the squad at the close of the transfer window, Tottenham added Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis. His integration into the team will be crucial as Spurs gear up for significant challenges. Last season, Tottenham's clashes with arch-rivals Arsenal ended dramatically with a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and a 3-2 defeat at home. The upcoming fixture against Arsenal will be pivotal, especially with Arsenal potentially missing key players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. These absences could offer Tottenham a slight edge in the derby.
As the new season unfolds, Postecoglou’s Tottenham seeks to balance its attacking philosophy with more robust defensive displays. The onus is on Postecoglou to address the team's inconsistency and midfield issues, ensuring that possession dominance translates into tangible results on the scoreboard.