Tottenham Hotspur wrapped up Ange Postecoglou's inaugural season at the helm with a promising fifth-place finish, a position that sees them narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. The campaign concluded on a high note with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, giving the fans a glimpse of the potential Postecoglou's side holds.
The season was marked by a roller-coaster of inconsistency. Despite displaying flashes of brilliance, Tottenham's inability to secure crucial points regularly saw them just outside the top four. This was the side's Achilles' heel as they started the 2024-25 campaign with a solitary win from the initial matches, raising questions among supporters and pundits alike.
Postecoglou opted to retain the majority of his squad from the previous season, focusing on stability while strategically investing in young talent. This summer, Tottenham's transfer strategy spotlighted the acquisition of promising teenagers such as Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray—investments aimed at securing the club's future. However, the addition of Dominic Solanke to bolster the frontline has hit a stumbling block, with the new signing sidelined by a short-term injury.
Possession and Passing Prowess
One standout aspect of Tottenham’s play under Postecoglou has been their dominance in possession and passing. The team continues to rank within the top four in the Premier League across these metrics. Matches against Leicester City and Newcastle United saw Tottenham holding nearly 70% and 65% possession, respectively, underscoring their ability to control the tempo and dictate play.
However, dominance in possession hasn't always translated into goals. Against Leicester City, Tottenham produced 1.18 expected goals, while the encounter with Newcastle United resulted in 1.26 expected goals. These figures suggest that while Tottenham can create scoring opportunities, the finishing touch has often been lacking.
Midfield Conundrum
The midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr has yet to find their rhythm. Their performances have been underwhelming, and fans are yearning for a midfield that can seamlessly link the defensive and attacking plays.
Postecoglou's approach focuses on an attacking philosophy balanced with defensive solidity. This fine balance is crucial as the team looks to convert possession into concrete results. To address some of the midfield woes, Tottenham made a late move in the transfer market, adding Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis on transfer deadline day—a decision that could pay dividends if the player adapts swiftly to the Premier League's rigours.
International Commitments and Challenges
The summer period saw key players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, and Rodrigo Bentancur involved in international competitions. The lack of rest and preparation time might have affected their early-season form, contributing to Tottenham's initial struggles.
The North London Derby Awaits
The upcoming fixture against Arsenal is set to be a stern test for Postecoglou and his charges. Last season's encounters with their arch-rivals ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and a 3-2 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This time around, Postecoglou will aim to tip the scales in Tottenham's favour.
However, Tottenham might have an edge as Arsenal’s key figures, Declan Rice and potentially Martin Odegaard, are expected to miss the clash due to injuries. This presents a golden opportunity for Tottenham to assert their dominance and potentially climb up the table.
The focus for Tottenham remains clear—continue to build on the attacking philosophy while ensuring their defensive unit stands firm. If Postecoglou can instill this balance, Tottenham could not only secure European football but also challenge the top-flight consistently.