The hosts dive into Tottenham's underwhelming defeat against Chelsea, dissecting player performances and team dynamics. They ponder the contentious moments involving VAR and its contentious place in football. Attention turns to the growing tension between manager Postecoglou and fans, highlighted by a controversial substitution. Looking ahead, they discuss the pressure to perform against lower-ranked teams, while reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that has defined the season so far.
Tottenham's historical struggles in London derbies have contributed to their current poor performance, marking one of their worst seasons since 1934-35.
A concerning lack of belief and energy among the players has emerged, indicated by their dismal showing against Chelsea and subsequent frustrations.
Tensions between manager Ange Postecoglou and fans are escalating, raising concerns about team cohesion and potential leadership gaps within the squad.
Deep dives
Tottenham's Disappointing Derby Performances
Tottenham's struggles in London derbies are highlighted, as they have the least points among local rivals in the Premier League. This underachievement is tied to a historical context, suggesting they are on track for one of the worst seasons in terms of defeat percentage since the 1934-35 season. The team's inability to perform in key matches has created a narrative of predictability in their losses, exemplified by a recent defeat to Chelsea that many considered inevitable. This pattern of failure raises questions about the team's resilience and consistency, prompting a reassessment of their capabilities on the pitch.
Mismanagement and Lack of Energy
A concerning lack of energy and belief among Tottenham players has been identified, particularly after a dismal performance against Chelsea. Players and fans alike expressed frustration during and after the match, with post-match interviews revealing a palpable disconnect within the team. The goalkeeper's admission of missing energy further underscores the idea that essential qualities such as belief and commitment have become scarce. These insights point to broader issues regarding the team's morale and motivation in the face of adversity.
Post-match Controversies and Managerial Tensions
Tensions between manager Ange Postacoglu and Spurs fans escalated following contentious substitutions during a recent match. The manager's gestures towards the away supporters were interpreted by some as dismissive, leading to his defensive stance in a post-match interview. Despite attempts to clarify his actions as simply engaging with fans, the fallout suggests a growing rift between Postacoglu and the supporter base, alongside undercurrents of dissatisfaction among players. This disconnect raises concerns about team cohesion and the overall direction of the club under his leadership.
Deteriorating Team Dynamics and Leadership
The leadership dynamics within Tottenham's squad have come into question, particularly regarding the presence and effectiveness of senior players. While players like Madison and Vicario have stepped up to address the media in tough situations, there remains a notable absence of vocal leadership from key figures like Son and Romero. Recent performances have illustrated that the team may lack crucial motivation and direction, impacting their overall effectiveness on the pitch. This highlights a broader issue of accountability and collective responsibility within the squad during challenging times.
Looking Ahead: Hope Amid Struggles
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope as Tottenham prepares for upcoming matches, particularly against lower-ranked opponents. The potential for a turnaround lies in the desire to build confidence ahead of significant fixtures, such as the Europa League clash. The need for improved performances is urgent, as the pressure mounts on both players and management to restore faith among fans. However, the path to recovery requires a cohesive effort to address foundational issues, regain form, and ultimately redefine the season's narrative.
Host Danny Kelly is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Jack Pitt-Brooke to dissect Thursday's defeat at Chelsea and what did Ange Postecoglou actually mean when he cupped his hand to his ear?
We also look ahead to Southampton on Sunday, managing minutes and avoiding an embarrassing record against the bottom three.