
When Jose Mourinho strutted into the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as manager, most fans thought it was the beginning of a tighter defence and more steel when it came to games against the bigger boys.
However, if anything, quite the opposite has occurred.
Whilst generally speaking results have improved, leaking two goals per game in Mourinho’s first four games in all competitions was not quite what the doctor ordered.
In fact, in Jose’s eight games in charge so far, only one clean sheet has been kept and although it may be too soon to judge with no transfer window yet and only those players left by Pochettino at his disposal, it is perhaps a little harsh to delve too deep, especially as of those eight games, five wins have followed.
The most frustrating thing for Lilywhites fans is more likely to be that in Mourinho’s first two big Premier League games so far, Spurs have been found wanting.
Admittedly, a trip to Old Trafford has never been an easy task, especially for Tottenham who have lost six of their last seven visits to the Theatre of dreams, but expectations were high against a United side who looked there for the taking.
Whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side looked up for the challenge, it possibly caught Spurs out a little as there was little to suggest United would suddenly turn on the style.
But a Marcus Rashford masterclass was enough to hand the home side a narrow 2-1 win and with it Mourinho’s first defeat.
Not too damning though as Spurs were in the game throughout however perhaps a little tougher to take was Sunday’s loss at home to Chelsea.
Unfortunately, the game will be marred by accusations of racism but once again the Lilywhites fell short to a side they will deem a rival in a bid for European honours come the end of the season.
Time is on Mourinho’s side and the January transfer window will pose an exciting opportunity for Tottenham to strengthen their squad with Mourinho at the helm.
With over half the season to go, there is plenty of time for Tottenham to still make their mark but for now, under Mourinho, the first two major league tests have been failed.