Heung-Min Son Struggles and Tottenham's Set-Piece Weaknesses Under Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur's Struggles: A Look at the Current Season

The boos inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were audible but not overpowering as fans grappled with another disappointing home defeat, this time at the hands of north London rivals Arsenal. Following a shaky start to the season, this marked Spurs' third consecutive loss at home, raising concerns among supporters about the future of the team under head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou's Confidence Under Scrutiny

In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Ange Postecoglou expressed his belief that he "always" secures success in his second seasons, emphasizing that he does not share thoughts he does not believe in. Nevertheless, the optimism among fans is being tested following a series of underwhelming performances.

Jamie Redknapp's Analysis

Jamie Redknapp highlighted the apprehension displayed by Spurs players when defending set-pieces, a recurring weak point for the team this season. The current mid-table form is a significant worry, as Postecoglou argues that their performances have deserved better outcomes.

Concerning Statistics Over the Past Year

The statistics are alarming for Spurs, as they have accumulated only 44 points from 32 Premier League matches since the start of the previous season. This places them in ninth position among Premier League clubs and has opened up a worrying gap between them and the teams competing for European spots.

Key Players Struggling to Perform

Senior players such as Heung-Min Son are underperforming, with fans questioning Postecoglou's decision to keep him on the pitch during the recent defeat to Arsenal. Son's form has dipped significantly, managing to score in only three of the last 13 Premier League games.

Defensive Concerns: Cristian Romero's Performance

Cristian Romero's inconsistency raises questions about his leadership and reliability at the back. Despite impressive defensive displays at times, lapses have cost the team crucial goals, further complicating the defensive issues facing Spurs.

Set-Pieces: An Ongoing Nightmare

Postecoglou acknowledged that Tottenham's defense against set-pieces needs improvement. Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes headed the winning goal from a corner, marking the 18th goal Spurs have conceded from set-pieces since last season. This places them among the teams with the highest goals conceded from dead-ball situations.

Coaching and Personnel Issues

While some blame lies with personnel shortcomings, such as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's inability to dominate his box, coaching strategies are also key. The success of opponents like Arsenal highlights the need for Spurs to refine their defending during set-pieces.

Summer Signings and Their Impact

This slow start to the season follows a summer of significant investment, with Spurs spending £133.5 million on four new players. Dominic Solanke, the club's top signing, has yet to find the back of the net and needs to step up if Spurs are to compete effectively.

Defensive Weaknesses and Recent Performances

Pedro Porro's performances have showcased his attacking capabilities but also highlighted his defensive vulnerabilities, especially in matches against tough opponents. Similarly, new signings like James Maddison and Brennan Johnson have displayed inconsistency, further compounding fans' frustrations.

The Shift in Playing Style

Since Postecoglou's arrival, Tottenham has shifted to a more aggressive style of play, focusing on high pressing and possession. However, the effectiveness of this approach has diminished, as teams have begun to exploit their defensive weaknesses.

Possession Without Purpose

Despite enjoying over 60% possession in several matches, Spurs have struggled to convert this dominance into goals, winning only four of their last thirteen games. Opponents have found success sitting back and capitalizing on counter-attacks, exploiting Tottenham’s frailties.

Moving Forward: The Path Ahead for Spurs

Postecoglou recognizes the need for progress and has acknowledged areas requiring greater attention. The latest defeat against Arsenal further emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to restore confidence in the squad and among the fans.

As the season unfolds, Spurs must find their footing in the Premier League and aim to improve on their inconsistencies to fulfill both individual and team potential.

Conclusion: Can Spurs Turn It Around?

With intense scrutiny of signings and performance styles, the pressure mounts for Tottenham Hotspur as they face the challenge of returning to competitive form in the league, aiming not just for mid-table survival but for a stronger push towards European competition.