Tottenham Hotspur were involved in one of the most exciting Premier League games of the season on Monday night.
Tottenham Hotspur faced Chelsea on Monday night in one of the most exciting games we’ve seen in a long time, and journalist Dean Jones discussed the game with GIVEMESPORT, claiming that Ange Postecoglou is now facing his toughest test since joining the club following a ‘difficult moment’ against Chelsea.
Spurs‘ unbeaten streak was ended by London rivals Chelsea, who scored four goals against Postecoglou‘s nine-man squad. With Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero sent off, and James Maddison and Micky van de Ven both injured, the north London club had a difficult game. Van de Ven’s injury could be’significant,’ according to Postecoglou.
Since his arrival in the summer, Postecoglou has been fortunate with the fitness of his squad, with the majority of his key players being available for the most part. It will be interesting to see how the Spurs handle the injury and suspension issues in the coming games.
Ange Postecolgou is not going to change his ways.
Despite Mauricio Pochettino‘s side having numerous chances to score in the second half after Spurs were reduced to ten men, Postecoglou refused to change his system, which allowed the Blues to regularly get in behind the defender. After the game, the Australian manager was questioned about his reasons for sticking to his philosophy…
“It’s just who we are, mate, and who we will be for as long as I’m here.” We’ll try if we get down to five men.”
It’s an admirable philosophy from the Spurs manager, who refuses to change the way he wants his team to play football. However, he will have to make some changes in his starting lineup against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. Both Udogie and Romero will miss the game due to suspension, while Van de Ven and Maddison will have to prove their fitness after injuring themselves against Chelsea.
With Spurs unbeaten and top of the Premier League last week, there was plenty of talk in the media about Postecoglou’s side mounting a title challenge. Jones previously told GIVEMESPORT that discussing Spurs as title contenders was premature.
With three of their back four likely to be ruled out of their upcoming Premier League game, it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou handles the situation.
Dean Jones status report
From an objective standpoint, the game was one of the most entertaining we’re likely to see this season. However, Postecoglou would have been disappointed with the outcome and the sheer number of players who were unable to complete the game.
Jones has now suggested that this is the most difficult test Postecoglou has faced since joining the Premier League. The journalist adds that it felt like there was a sniper in the stands as the Spurs players were dropped one by one throughout the game. Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT…
“It’s utterly devastating.” Within the span of one football game, the squad was bombed. They start the game, they’re one nil up, and they’re back in their groove. There seemed to be a sniper in the stands, and Tottenham were gradually losing all of their soldiers. They were simply dissolving one by one and being torn apart. It felt like an extremely difficult time. “Of all the tests that Ange Postecoglou has faced in English football, there is no doubt that this is the most significant test of what he is capable of.”
What Tottenham’s defence could look like
Emerson Royal and Eric Dier came off the bench against Chelsea to replace some of the injured defensive players, but Postecoglou’s options are limited. Even the aforementioned Spurs duo are struggling for Premier League minutes this season, which could be a major issue for the north London club. Ben Davies was already out of the game on Monday due to injury.
Tottenham’s Defensive Options
Eric Dier
0 starts
57 minutes
Davinson Sanchez
0 starts
77 minutes
Ben Davies
1 starts
92 minutes
Emerson Royal
1 starts
240 minutes
All stats according to Transfermarkt
Postecoglou has spent the majority of the season with Pedro Porro, Romero, van de Ven, and Udogie, so it will be a huge test to see if he can deal with a defensive crisis.
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