Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, evoked a memorable quote from the film Gladiator, “Are you not entertained?” as he faced queries about his team’s entertaining yet erratic style after their rollercoaster 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
However, that sense of entertainment was put to the test when Spurs were overwhelmed by Liverpool, suffering a heavy 6-3 defeat at home. This result starkly highlighted the gap between Spurs and the top of the league, leaving them in 11th place, eight points adrift of the coveted fourth spot, while Liverpool maintains a commanding four-point lead over Chelsea, underscoring their dominance with a game in hand.
Spurs have shown a flair for excitement under Postecoglou’s leadership, but that thrill often comes paired with frustration, especially when pitted against teams boasting top-tier offensive capabilities, such as Liverpool. In the past five matches, Spurs have conceded a staggering 30 goals, with 10 of those coming from their last two home matches against Chelsea and Liverpool. In the latter, Liverpool’s attacking prowess shone, achieving an expected goals total of 4.6 compared to Spurs’ 1.2, further exposing the defensive frailties within Postecoglou’s strategy.
Despite these vulnerabilities, it’s important to recognize the significant absences that have impacted Spurs’ performance. Postecoglou has been without key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who are vital to executing the team’s high defensive line. Additionally, the suspension of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has also hindered Spurs’ ability to fortify their midfield.
While faced with these challenges, Spurs have continued to play with the same lineup against Liverpool as they did against Manchester United, indicating a struggle with depth in their squad. In contrast, Liverpool has thrived this season, boasting 12 wins and a solid goal difference of plus 21.
In summary, while Tottenham’s attacking style captivated fans, it has resulted in a precarious balance between entertainment and vulnerability. The resilience and adaptability of Postecoglou’s system, though currently hampered by injuries and suspensions, may still foster an optimistic turnaround as the season progresses. With time, key players returning to fitness could see Spurs reclaim their footing in the league and deliver the entertaining football fans crave, this time with improved defensive solidity.