One of the fundamental questions at the heart of this season is whether will Tottenham be able to raise the game in respect of results and manage to beat better opponents than they have done after previous coaches, who also failed in N17. This season so far, we’ve seen Spurs pick up a good many points from substandard sides. Sure, sides can only play who is on the schedule, but there has to be some critical thought employed. Can Tottenham achieve anything of note beating dross domestically and abroad, it seems a troubling mental leap to suggest that it’s likely.
As we saw in the second half against Brighton and Hove Albion this season, one mark of a great side is that ability to maintain one’s concentration, and Ange Postecoglou’s boys appeared to think the win was the bag. This naivety ended up costing the team severely, and there’s little doubt that Ange would like his men to adopt an approach more akin to good poker players. There’s a need for competitors to enjoy the outcome of winning but also retain focus.
The recent win against West Ham United gave fans a lot more encouragement, as Ange’s boys conceded the first goal, but then ploughed on like absolute troopers to win in style with a 4-1 victory.
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown has highlighted a possible area of concern, namely our £40million man, James Maddison.
“I appreciate what James Maddison can do. But it’s almost as if the game has to be run for his benefit, whereas the elite players in his position put their stamp on the game and dictate the way it’s played. If it’s a 50/50 battle of a game, he can go missing.”
The tactical subbing of former England man, James Madison, went down well with everyone bar Jimmy himself. Tony Cascarino‘s media contributions have not always been reliable over time, but this quote from his column this week also made a lot of sense:
“I liked that he was prepared to make a big call and withdraw James Maddison at half-time. It would have sent a message to every player that their place is not assured after the Brighton debacle. Maddison was a big signing last year, and I have no doubt he would have taken the timing of the substitution personally. Postecoglou can manage the situation. But Maddison may reflect on his delivery, especially from corners, and work rate. Maddison is no longer a promising young player. He turns 28 next month and needs to impose himself on matches. He finds himself out of the England squad and his starting place for Spurs is no longer guaranteed.”
Marginalising a key player is a tricky business, sometimes it can provide them with a boost, and sometimes, it signals to all that the party is over. If Tottenham were to compete on several fronts, as with this season, then James needs to find his groove!
