Bold Start with Promise
Tottenham Hotspur’s journey under Ange Postecoglou began on a high note, capturing the hearts of fans with a swashbuckling style of play that epitomized their ‘To Dare is to Do’ mantra. In the first 10 matches of the 2023/24 season, Spurs were on fire, sitting atop the Premier League table with impressive wins over Manchester United and Liverpool. Their attacking prowess was evident, with 22 goals scored from an xG of 17.8, 28 big chances created, and 62 shots on target. The team’s aggressive approach, characterized by 62.23% possession and relentless pressure in the final third, promised a thrilling and potentially historic campaign. A 2-1 victory away at Crystal Palace on October 27, 2023, even put them temporarily five points clear at the top, fueling genuine speculation about a first league title since 1961.
The Chelsea Debacle: A turning point
However, the honeymoon period came to an abrupt end with a shocking 4-1 defeat to Chelsea. The match was marred by two early red cards, leaving Spurs down to nine men. Postecoglou’s decision to maintain a high defensive line and continue attacking despite the numerical disadvantage was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a bold and adventurous move, while others were puzzled and concerned. Postecoglou’s defiant stance—declaring, "If we go down to five men we will have a go"—highlighted his unwavering commitment to his principles. The fallout from this match was significant, though. Spurs suffered three more defeats in their next four games, and the narrative quickly shifted from title contenders to a team fighting for a top-four finish. By the end of the season, they had 12 league losses and conceded 61 goals, a stark contrast to their early form.
New Season, Familiar Struggles
The 2024/25 season brought a fresh wave of optimism, but it was short-lived. A 4-0 win over Everton in the second game reignited hopes, but defeats to Newcastle and Arsenal promptly grounded the team. Postecoglou’s attacking tactics continued to yield results, with Spurs scoring four or more goals in wins against West Ham, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Southampton. However, the gung-ho approach also had its drawbacks. Shocking 3-2 and 4-3 losses to Brighton and Chelsea, respectively, came after Spurs had taken commanding 2-0 leads. The injury crisis, which sidelined key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, undoubtedly exacerbated their defensive issues. Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou remained committed to his philosophy, leading to a 6-3 thrashing by Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Christmas.
The Defensive Dilemma
Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a consistent theme throughout Postecoglou’s tenure. The club has faced an average of 12.8 shots and 4.4 shots on target per match, with opposition players having 27.1 touches in the box. These numbers are nearly identical to the 2023/24 season, indicating that the tactical approach has not evolved to address defensive weaknesses. The team’s tackling, interception, and possession won metrics have also declined, suggesting a systemic issue rather than just personnel problems. The Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool, with a 4-0 scoreline at Anfield, further highlighted the fragility of Spurs’ back line. Even with the tie seemingly secured in the first leg, Liverpool’s ease in scoring in the second half was disconcerting. The final score was more than fair, and it underscored the need for a more balanced approach.
Preparing for a Tough Run
With a significant portion of the season still ahead, Tottenham faces a critical match against Manchester United on February 16, a team also struggling in the league. The return of injured players offers a glimmer of hope for Spurs, but the underlying defensive metrics remain a cause for concern. The club is still in the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup, but their league position at 14th place is a stark reality that cannot be ignored. Comparing the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, it is clear that Spurs’ defensive approach has not improved. They face the same number of shots and only 0.2 fewer shots on target per match. Their xG against has only marginally improved, and their defensive actions are down across the board. This suggests that while the injury crisis has played a role, the tactical setup is fundamentally flawed.
The Need for Compromise
To truly climb the table and compete at a higher level, Postecoglou may need to reassess his defensive strategy. His approach has made Spurs an entertaining team, but it has also left them vulnerable to counter-attacks and conceding goals. The current system, which invites pressure and allows opposition players too many touches in the box, is unsustainable over the long term. Balancing the attack and defense is crucial, especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League. While Postecoglou’s principles are admirable, the harsh reality of football demands adaptability and pragmatism. If Tottenham is to achieve more than just being exciting entertainers, the manager might need to make some tactical compromises. The challenge now is to find a way to maintain the attacking flair while shoring up the defensive deficiencies.
