From the success, Tottenham had to win against Liverpool (2-1), reduced to 9 Saturday in north London. If certain refereeing decisions seem to have favored the Spurs (goal unfairly refused to Luis Diaz), the latter were quick to take the 3 points, as well as 2nd place in the championship. With 17 points on the clock and still no setbacks in the Premier League, the London club has had a grandiose start to the season which has amazed England. Historically often criticized for their boring and very unsexy play, unlike their rival Arsenal, Tottenham is in the process of turning things around.
Already on August 19, Heung-min Son’s teammates gave a lesson to Erik ten Hag’s men, beaten 2-0. But this meeting was only the beginnings of a promising start to the 2023-2024 campaign. The Spurs continued. Heavy victory against Burnley at Turf Moor (2-5), before surprising Sheffield at Bramall Lane in the final moments of the match (1-2, Richarlison 90+8th and Kulusevski 90+10th). In the process, the Londoners snatched the point against the Gunners at the Emirates (2-2) before bringing down Liverpool recently (2-1). Different scenarios throughout the weekends which prove the impressive strength of character which reigns within the Ange Postecoglou squad.
A little bling-bling transfer window that is bearing fruit
In the shadow of an extremely aggressive Chelsea on the transfer market and the Harry Kane saga, Tottenham still took out the checkbook this summer. With 248.60 million euros spent, Spurs have heated up the credit card, without bringing back real stars to the group. In goals, Guglielmo Vicario (€20 million) holds his place and has already made Hugo Lloris forget. In front of him, Micky van de Ven (€40 million) looks like Jan Vertonghen and forms a solid hinge with Romero, the Argentinian mocked by Mac Allister this week. If Brennan Johnson (€55 million) has not really shown himself yet, he remains an interesting option to develop. On the left, the return of Destiny Udogie from loan is good and completes the right flank, led by Pedro Porro, whose transfer became permanent this summer (€40 million).
But in the midst of it all, one man stands out and makes others better: James Maddison. Named Player of the Month in August, the Englishman is in charge of every action caused by Spurs. He wins, makes his team’s game more fluid and gives caviar to his partners (2 goals and 4 assists in 7 Premier League days). If the talent of the Tottenham playing master had already been seen at Norwich, then at Leicester, the Foxes’ terrible last season had undoubtedly tarnished Maddison’s real level. Ange Postecoglou gives him carte blanche, and it works. Enough to catch the eye, finally, of Gareth Southgate during the last gathering before, why not, finding a place within the Three Lions during the next Euro in Germany.
In addition to their playmaker, Tottenham can especially count on players with confidence. The latter are entitled to a second chance thanks to Ange Postecoglou, who is unanimously acclaimed in north London. The Greek is passing off certain flops from past seasons (Bissouma, Richarlison, Pape Matar Sarr, etc.) as determining elements of the club’s success. The double-pivot between the former Brighton player and the former FC Metz player works wonderfully. Sarr’s long compasses allow him to multiply the runs by even projecting himself to the opposing surface, like his goal against Manchester United, his first at Tottenham, where Yves Bissouma provides his rear, he who is one of the players who has recovered the most balls since the start of the season. A 100% Ligue 1 duo that works in the Premier League, no offense to Antonio Conte.
The number 1 outsider in England?
What if Postecoglou’s Spurs came to play spoilsport throughout the Premier League season? Nothing says that the good period for Londoners will continue in the long term, but all the signals are in the greens. Better, or worse according to some, Tottenham does not play European matches and therefore only has one meeting to prepare for each week. Especially after the elimination at the TAB against Fulham, in the Carabao Cup. So, in England, the Spurs record worries the competition. “Tottenham are not in Europe, Chelsea are not in European football. Two heavyweights having the whole week to train, without the travel and that sort of thing, it’s a huge advantage.”Jürgen Klopp told a press conference recently, even if the Blues already seem out of reach.
No Europe, no Harry Kane and therefore little pressure for a club whose last trophy dates back to 2008 (League Cup). Ange Postecoglou is in optimal conditions to work, where Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino have inherited almost poisoned gifts. And precisely, Manchester United and Chelsea – respectively 10th and PROVISIONALLY 15th (TO BE MODIFIED FROM TUESDAY) – have a squad decimated by injuries, losing points which will prove valuable over time. Enough to benefit Spurs who have plenty to do over the coming weeks. The menu is more than affordable: Luton (7/10), Fulham (23/10), Crystal Palace (27/10) then Chelsea (6/11) and Wolves (11/11). Five open matches which should turn to Tottenham’s advantage before a decisive month of December (Manchester City, West Ham, Newcastle, Brighton). Londoners must keep their feet on the ground and maintain their excellent momentum. If they do, until 2024 at least, the second half of the Premier League season could be spicier than ever in England.
