Tottenham are playing superb soccer when in full flow and yet they let the game slip away from them against Chelsea. This is another sign that Spurs need more street-smarts to escape mid-table.
During the Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, two sloppy penalties conceded cost them three points. It was another sign of how they have all the ingredients for success apart from shrewd game management.
Spurs (252.94) have had some superb results this season. Notably, they beat defending champions Manchester City (10.89) 4-0. They raced into a 2-0 lead over Chelsea (7.45) with the same superb soccer but then lost their grip on the game as they have done so often this season. For soccer betting enthusiasts who had their money on Chelsea, it was a game which worked out for the best. For Spurs, it was an opportunity wasted.
Ange Postecoglou reportedly has the buy-in from his players to continue with his mission. In this regard, he has support which highly regarded predecessors José Mourinho and Antonio Conte struggled for at Spurs. However, he will have to use their game management tricks in order to adapt his high-intensity approach.
Defensive Discipline a Must
Tottenham’s defensive lapses have been a recurring theme this season, and Sunday’s loss highlighted their inability to maintain composure under pressure. Conceding two avoidable penalties in such a high-stakes game speaks volumes about their lack of discipline at the back. While their attacking play is among the best in the Premier League, defensive solidity often separates title challengers from mid-table mediocrity.
Postecoglou’s pressing system demands high levels of concentration and fitness, but when the intensity drops, Spurs are often exposed. The back line, despite showing promise, must learn to anticipate and neutralise threats more effectively. A leader in defence, someone to marshal the troops when the going gets tough, could be the missing piece.
Learning to Play the Clock
Managing the tempo of a match is another area where Spurs must improve. Against Chelsea, their tendency to go all-out in attack left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. When holding a lead, teams like Liverpool know how to slow the game down and frustrate their opponents. Tottenham, by contrast, often look too eager to push forward, leaving gaps at the back.
Postecoglou’s insistence on attacking soccer has thrilled fans, but there is a time and place for pragmatism. Shrewd game management does not mean abandoning principles; rather, it means understanding when to take risks and when to keep things tight.
Leaders on the Pitch
A lack of leadership has also hindered Spurs in crucial moments. While they have experienced players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison, neither has consistently shown the ability to calm the team when under pressure. The absence of a commanding presence in the mould of Harry Kane is glaring.
Tottenham needs leaders who can take charge in high-pressure situations. Someone who can rally the team, break the opposition’s momentum with a smart foul, or even just maintain possession when necessary. Without these qualities, the team will struggle to turn close games into wins.
A Balancing Act for Postecoglou
Postecoglou’s philosophy has transformed Tottenham’s style of play, and he has rightly earned praise for it. However, even the best managers must adapt. Mauricio Pochettino, who once led Spurs to a UEFA Champions League final, mastered the art of blending attractive soccer with defensive resilience. Postecoglou must find a similar balance if Spurs are to take the next step.
The Australian manager has shown he can inspire his squad, but the tactical tweaks needed to close out games will be his true test. If he can instill street-smarts into his team without compromising their attacking identity, Tottenham could yet make a push for the top four this season. However, without these changes, their exciting soccer may continue to deliver more frustration than success.
