Tottenham Hotspur have crumbled into free-fall mode a mere few months into the new Premier League season, finding themselves well behind the top-six.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won only once in their three encounters, losing to Brighton Hove & Albion and Newcastle United in matches where they were the favourites to win with BetEasy and other bookmakers . Things look grim with senior players not looking committed enough and too many holes in their side.
Hugo Lloris’ horrific injury against Brighton only summed up their frail situation right now. They’ll be without their captain for quite a few months after Spurs revealed he won’t play any part in 2019 anymore.
After having conceded 10 goals in their last two competitive games, losing their saviour in between the posts is like adding insult to injury. Their slow-legged defence has become weary, as neither Toby Alderweireld nor Jan Vertonghen are comfortable dealing with proactive figures.
The inability to replace Kieran Trippier is showing, as Serge Aurier is too unpredictable to be trusted. Kyle Walker-Pieters is too young to be burdened with pressure, while Davinson Sanchez is no natural full-back.
In attack, Christian Eriksen’s cutting a grim figure after being denied a summer move away. Tanguy N’Dombele’s already showing his influence with his driven personality, yet even he cannot contain the problems.
Pochettino must change things up to get them flying again. After having ditched the high-pressing style for a less-exhausting one, he’s burdened his midfielders to do all the running in regaining possession.
They end up running out of steam, allowing oppositions to counter-attack with ease. The Argentine must bring back that lacking hunger in his players, allowing them to roar forward and pursue oppositions into submission.
Moreover, he must scrap the out-of-form waste in for the players who can influence results. Playing Dele Alli instead of Eriksen makes little sense, as does persisting with Aurier. Walker-Peters might be young, but he’s still strong going forward and pretty decent defensively.
Of course, Harry Kane is always there to save their blushes whenever things start heating up. The England captain now looks a more complete striker by helping create and build up chances as well as scoring them, as his strikes should see games through.
Heung Min-Son is another dynamite when he gets going, as is the underused Lucas Moura, who deserves more chances than the underwhelming Erik Lamela.
It’s time for Pochettino to go back to square one to save Spurs’ season. As his rivals get stronger, they need to show why getting to the Champions League final was no fluke.
The Argentine’s high-voltage style made Spurs a nightmare for opponents, but that fire has now worn out. Unless they are rekindled into operating as a similar well-oiled machine with a high-intensity, fast-paced attacking style, they might as well kiss a top-four spot goodbye.
However, if they do start playing like last season, Spurs should make a top-four spot thanks to the impactful personnel they possess.