Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou faces critical questions as his team prepares to face West Ham following the international break. The Spurs threw away a two-goal lead in their last match, a disappointing result that demands a strong reaction from the squad.
Postecoglou remains confident in his ability to bring silverware to Tottenham, reminding critics of his track record of success in his second season at clubs. “I’ll correct myself – I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed,” he stated when questioned after the North London derby defeat to Arsenal earlier in the season.
The team showed resilience by winning their next five games across all competitions following the Arsenal loss. However, the recent defeat to Brighton has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their second-half performance. This setback has highlighted several areas that Postecoglou must address before the West Ham fixture.
One pressing issue is the defense. Cristian Romero, typically a reliable presence at the back, needs to rediscover his top form. Postecoglou may consider introducing Radu Dragusin to the lineup to provide competition and potentially give Romero a wake-up call. The left-back position is another area of concern, with Destiny Udogie struggling to reach his best since returning from injury. This situation could create an opportunity for Sergio Reguilón to stake a claim for a starting spot.
Set-piece defending has been a persistent problem for Tottenham this season. While Postecoglou has defended goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, insisting he’s not at fault for the goals conceded from set-pieces, it’s clear that improvement is needed in this area if Spurs are to compete at the highest level. The team’s vulnerability from dead-ball situations could prove costly in tight matches and must be addressed urgently.
In attack, Timo Werner’s lack of confidence is a growing concern. The German forward has struggled to find the net, a stark contrast to the performances of Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Postecoglou successfully revitalized Brennan Johnson’s goal-scoring form and now faces the challenge of working similar magic with Werner. Restoring the striker’s confidence and goal-scoring touch could be crucial for Tottenham’s attacking depth and overall performance.
The upcoming match against West Ham presents an opportunity for Tottenham to address these issues and get back on track. Postecoglou’s ability to motivate his team and make tactical adjustments will be put to the test. The manager has shown he can elicit a positive response from his players, as evidenced by their five-game winning streak after the Arsenal defeat. A similar reaction is now needed to maintain their promising start to the season and push on after the international break.
Postecoglou’s long-term vision for success at Tottenham is clear, but he must also focus on immediate improvements to keep the team competitive. The balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair will be crucial. Resolving the set-piece vulnerability while maintaining their offensive threat could be the key to Tottenham’s success in the coming weeks.
The manager’s track record suggests he has the capability to turn things around quickly. His emphasis on attacking football has been well-received by fans and players alike, but now he must demonstrate his ability to shore up the team’s weaknesses without compromising their offensive principles.
As Tottenham enters a crucial period of the season, the West Ham game could set the tone for the weeks ahead. A strong performance and positive result would reinforce belief in Postecoglou’s methods and provide momentum. Conversely, another disappointing outing could raise doubts and increase pressure on the team.
The coming weeks will be pivotal for Tottenham’s ambitions this season. Postecoglou’s management skills will be thoroughly tested as he seeks to address the defensive frailties, revitalize struggling players like Werner, and maintain the team’s overall positive trajectory. If he can successfully navigate these challenges, Tottenham could well find themselves in a strong position to challenge for honors, fulfilling Postecoglou’s promise of second-season success.
