In what marked a respectable conclusion to Ange Postecoglou's inaugural season at Tottenham Hotspur, the club managed to secure a fifth-place finish in the Premier League. The final match saw Spurs comfortably seeing off Sheffield United with a 3-0 victory.
However, the season was not without its challenges. Consistency proved elusive for Tottenham, leaving them merely on the fringes of the coveted Champions League spots. As the new 2024-25 campaign kicked off, Tottenham struggled to find their footing, securing only one win in their initial matches. Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou opted to largely stick with the squad from the previous season, a decision that reflects both confidence in his players and perhaps a belief in continuity over drastic changes.
Summer Transfer Strategy
This summer, Tottenham's transfer approach was clear: invest in youth. The club focused on capturing young talents with significant potential, adding players like Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray to its ranks. Dominic Solanke's acquisition also seemed promising, though his impact has been delayed by a short-term injury.
Dominance in Possession
Despite their inconsistent form, Tottenham has shown prowess in several key areas. The team ranks within the top four in the Premier League for possession, passing, and attacking metrics. Their statistical dominance was evident in matches such as the 70% possession against Leicester City and 65% against Newcastle United. These games saw Tottenham generating 1.18 and 1.26 expected goals, respectively, reflecting their offensive intent even if not always clinical execution.
Midfield Matters
Yet, within these bright spots lies an area of concern: the midfield. The trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr has yet to fully gel and inspire confidence among supporters and analysts alike. This underperformance places additional pressure on the defense and front line to compensate, affecting the team’s overall balance on the pitch.
International Commitments
The summer period also saw key Tottenham players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, and Rodrigo Bentancur participate in international competitions. These commitments can often mean lagging readiness and form issues as they switch back to club duties. Nonetheless, the club managed to secure a crucial deadline-day signing in Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, adding depth to their squad.
Looking Ahead to Arsenal
Tottenham's previous encounters with Arsenal last season ended in mixed emotions—a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and a narrow 3-2 loss at their home ground. This historical backdrop adds an edge to their impending fixture against their North London rivals. Notably, Arsenal may be without key figures Declan Rice and potentially Martin Odegaard, an absence that could tilt the balance in Spurs' favor.
Postecoglou's vision for the club remains a mix of defensive stability and attacking flair. The challenge ahead lies in achieving this balance consistently to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League and, ultimately, secure a spot in the Champions League for the following season.
As Tottenham prepares to face Arsenal, the focus will be on turning potential and possession into points and victories. The coming games will be crucial for Postecoglou and his men as they aim to solidify their standing and prove their mettle against formidable opponents.