Despite signing a few players for big money in the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have not made big strides so far this season.
The North London side have won one game, lost one, and drawn two games against top 6 rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City.
On paper, they seem like good results, but their performances haven’t inspired confidence. Spurs need to sort out their issues soon to secure a top 4 position in the league, which has to be the priority for them.
Let’s take a look at 3 things Mauricio Pochettino needs to sort for Tottenham to win consistently, when club football resumes after the international break:
Stronger while defending, and on the transition
Spurs have been very poor in defence this season, which was evident in the second half of the game against Arsenal as they gave away a two-goal lead in the second half of the game.
Their attack is strong, but their defence has not been solid, perhaps because of the uncertainty of the futures of Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld, who are both for sale.
Experienced centre-back Jan Vertonghen’s performances have dipped lately, while Spurs also do not have a quality right-back following the sale of Kieran Trippier, and Serge Aurier’s poor form hasn’t helped either.
Spurs’ midfield and defence have to do better in the games to come otherwise they will be easily picked off by several teams in the league. Their shape in the transitions from attack to defence can be better, and that’s something Pochettino needs to focus on.
More creativity in midfield
Christian Eriksen seems to be the only midfielder who looks capable of creating chances for the forwards, while Tanguy Ndombele has had a decent start to his Spurs career, only to be halted by injury.
Pochettino needs to add Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli to the starting XI, and try to figure out a midfield balance to include Lo Celso, Alli, Ndombele and Eriksen, who could add a lot of creativity and provide more service to their forwards.
Play the ball in behind the defence
One thing that Spurs have not done much of is cross and pass behind the defence. The return of Son Heung-min gives the side the opportunity to use the South Korean’s pace to get in behind the defence, while the likes of Lo Celso and Alli can also make late runs into box.
In the last game against Arsenal, Spurs made just 99 passes in the final third, compared to 217 by Arsenal.
Spurs have also utilised the left side more than the right to put in crosses and passes, which should be something they must rectify.
