The hosts dive into their predictions for Tottenham Hotspur in 2025, blending excitement and heartfelt nostalgia. They celebrate memorable moments from 2024, including stellar performances by Son and emerging stars like Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke. The discussion turns to the team's uncertain managerial future and the tactical shifts needed for success. Anticipation builds as they evaluate the upcoming clash against Newcastle, pondering what victory—or defeat—could mean for the club's trajectory.
Tottenham Hotspur's 2024 season highlighted both thrilling victories, including a notable win over Manchester City, and significant inconsistency reflected in a disappointing loss to Brighton.
The discussion about Spurs' future in 2025 raised concerns regarding manager Ange Postecoglou's potential sacking and the search for an adaptable replacement with Premier League experience.
Deep dives
Highlight Moments of 2024
Significant highlights for Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 included memorable performances that resonated with fans. A standout moment was Heung-min Son's remarkable olympico goal against Manchester United, showcasing both skill and timing during a critical match. Another noteworthy event was the dominating 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, which instilled a sense of optimism regarding Spurs' potential to maintain a strong position in the league. Moreover, the thrilling 4-0 win against Manchester City added to the excitement, serving as a testament to the team's capability in moments of high pressure.
Most Improved Player
Brennan Johnson was highlighted as the most improved player for Spurs this season, transitioning from a challenging start to becoming a consistent performer in the final third. Having stepped up due to injuries within the squad, he contributed 15 goals over the calendar year, demonstrating growth in his abilities. While he still has areas for improvement, particularly in one-on-one situations, his increased output has significantly bolstered the team's attacking dynamics. Other mentions for improvement included Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, with varying degrees of performance enhancement relative to their past seasons.
Best and Worst Performances
The discussion included contrasting performances, with the 4-0 win over Manchester City recognized as the best display of the year. The victory highlighted the team's attacking prowess and marked an emotional high, as Spurs defeated one of the premier teams in England. In stark contrast, the second-half collapse against Brighton, where Spurs, leading 2-0 at halftime, succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, was labeled the worst performance of the season. This match exemplified the team's inconsistency, raising questions about their resilience under pressure.
Future Management Considerations
Looking ahead to 2025, speculation about the future of manager Ange Postecoglou arose, with concerns regarding Spurs' current league performance and potential sacking. The team sits 11th in the Premier League, with a worrying trajectory suggesting it could lead to their worst season in over two decades. The discussion revolved around identifying potential replacements, focusing on candidates with Premier League experience who could bring a more pragmatic approach to management. Names such as Marco Silva and Thomas Frank emerged, emphasizing the need for a manager adaptable to the current circumstances while aiming for consistent results.
Host Danny Kelly is joined by The Athletic's James Maw and Jack Pitt-Brooke to look ahead to 2025 by dusting off the crystal ball and predict Spurs' future over the next 12 months.
They also roll out the red carpet for the official VFTL 2024 awards, giving out coveted gongs for 'Best Goal', 'Most Improved Player' and 'Moment Of The Season'.