In a rather scrappy match against Wolves this afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur gave up two goals late to lose their second straight game.
Let’s examine five lessons we discovered after losing:
Lost the Spark:
Tottenham lacked any spark today, in part because of the numerous changes made to the starting lineup and in part because of a decline in quality. Throughout the entire 90 minutes, there was a lack of the swift zip that is typically associated with Tottenham’s build-up under Ange Postecoglou. Today, not only was James Maddison’s inventiveness absent, but so were Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven’s abilities to play from the back. In any case, if Spurs are to continue scoring goals consistently, others will need to step up.
Young Players on the Bench:
Today, Ange Postecoglou gave some young players the chance to step up and participate in the squad by starting Ashley Phillips, Alfie Dorrington, Alejo Veliz, and Jamie Donley on the bench. Will any of them launch a game anytime soon is the key question. Ashley Phillips is probably the most likely to succeed in that.
Choosing Giovani Lo Celso:
Considering how much Spurs’ lack of originality today, it might be worthwhile for Ange Postecoglou to consider Lo Celso as a possibility right away. In a more advanced role, Rodrigo Bentancur might also be an option. After the international break, he might be available to start a game in a few weeks. In any case, I’m concerned about a midfield that includes Sarr, Hojbjerg, and Bissouma facing a team like Man City or Aston Villa.
Brennan’s initial objective:
Brennan Johnson struck the right note today, which was a very thin consolation prize for the Spurs. It appeared for a while that it would be the game-winning goal. As the Spurs, under Postecoglou, struggled to dictate, Johnson actually came and went during the game. However, it appears that he is taking over on the left side, which has been occupied this season by Richarlison, Solomon, and Perisic on occasion.
Ban on Bissouma:
In the next game against Aston Villa, it will be one in, one out. Yves Bissouma will miss a match due to receiving his fifth yellow card of the year, but Destiny Udogie will serve his suspension again. The Mali international appeared a little careless at times and was not at his best in midfield today.
