Introduction

Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the 2024-25 Premier League season has been a rocky one, securing only four points from their first four matches. This is particularly disappointing given the team’s promising beginning to the previous season. The glaring weaknesses in Ange Postecoglou’s strategy are becoming alarmingly clear, following a demoralizing 1-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

Two significant issues have emerged: Spurs’ vulnerability due to their high defensive line and their struggles with defending set pieces. The latter was painfully highlighted in the match against Arsenal, where Cristian Romero lost track of Gabriel, allowing him to score the winning goal. However, neglecting the ramifications of the high line could prove equally detrimental as Tottenham faces the league.

High Defensive Line Issues

With a high defensive line, the team exposes itself to considerable threats; if their defenders are positioned too far up the pitch, they leave gaping spaces that opponents can exploit. This was particularly evident during their recent match against Newcastle, where the absence of holding midfielder Yves Bissouma was felt tremendously.

Covering the Spaces

Tottenham is equipped with one of the fastest defenders in the league, Micky van de Ven, who generally excels at covering the spaces left by a high-line defense. Yet, as seen against Arsenal, the real concern lies not in the space behind him, but rather the space in front of a retreating defense.

Critical Moments

A prime example unfolded just 30 seconds into the second half. As Tottenham attempted to apply pressure, right-back Pedro Porro pushed forward and left gaps for Arsenal’s swift attackers. A pass from Jurrien Timber caught Spurs off-guard, leading to a situation where Arsenal found themselves with numbers against a disorganized Tottenham. While they may have successfully avoided conceding at that moment, the staggering amount of space just outside the penalty area posed an ongoing threat.

Recurring Dynamics

This same dynamic replayed later in the match when an Arsenal counter-attack led to Kai Havertz breaking past the line, only for him to intelligently backtrack instead of challenging van de Ven. This crucial decision allowed Arsenal to reassess their options and exploit the area behind Tottenham’s defenders, showcasing the persistent issue of space management faced by Spurs.

Tactical Struggles

Despite Tottenham's attempts to regain control, it became increasingly evident that their struggles were not only physical but also tactical. Even after clearing their lines, Arsenal’s persistence led to a corner kick that ultimately resulted in the match's only goal.

Comparative Inconsistency

A similar pattern emerged in their previous match against Newcastle. A well-placed kick from the Newcastle keeper allowed Anthony Gordon to create a chance, demonstrating how Spurs’ setup permitted opponents to find freedom in their attacking third. Even with two holding midfielders in place, Spurs found themselves outmaneuvered and exposed.

Work Rate and Commitment

The inconsistency in Spurs’ work rate among attackers stands out when compared to Arsenal’s relentless Martinelli. His ability to chase back and disrupt opposition play serves as a stark reminder of what Spurs are lacking. While van de Ven is invaluable with his rapid recovery, without similar effort from forwards, Spurs remain at risk of conceding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tottenham’s solutions must extend beyond simply relying on quick defenders like van de Ven. They need a unified approach wherein every player maintains discipline and commitment while defending, to secure every possible chance of avoiding further defeats. As they seek to turn their season around, the team will need to address these pressing issues before more points slip through their fingers.