Tottenham’s attacking stats this season are revealing just how impressive their offensive unit has become under Ange Postecoglou, with only two European giants topping them in non-penalty expected goals (xG).
Tottenham’s evolution under Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur came with the promise of expansive football, an exciting prospect for fans tired of the rigid and pragmatic approach from previous managers. His tactical philosophy, centred around high pressing and fluid attacking play, seemed ideal to break Spurs out of their recent struggles and usher in a new era.
Tottenham’s evolution has been quick and tangible, with statistics reflecting this change in attacking efficiency. In the Premier League, Spurs have averaged 2.3 goals per match, showcasing their capacity to regularly break down opposing defences.
Their 17.0 expected goals (xG) this season—most in the league—also highlight just how many quality opportunities Postecoglou’s side have generated.
However, despite their attacking prowess, there is a notable issue of inconsistency. Spurs have created 29 big chances, ranking third in the league, but with 20 of those missed—the most in the division—it reveals a frustrating gap between chance creation and finishing.
This issue has undoubtedly played a role in the club’s mixed results in the Premier League, with four wins, three losses, and one draw thus far.
Non-penalty xG dominance
Tottenham’s dominance in non-penalty xG across Europe is a testament to how their attacking structure has improved under Postecoglou, but the real surprise lies in just how high Spurs rank when compared to the elite clubs on the continent.
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According to fbref’s latest data, only Barcelona (24.1) and PSG (19.9) have recorded higher non-penalty xG figures than Spurs (16.7) in Europe’s top five leagues this season, putting the North London side in the company of two heavyweights who have dominated their respective leagues this season.
This shows that Postecoglou’s vision seems to be clicking into place faster than many had expected, and these numbers back it up. This is a staggering achievement for a club that has undergone a significant transition following the departure of Harry Kane, and it speaks volumes about Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy.
Can Spurs maintain this momentum?
Looking at these stats, Tottenham fans have reason for optimism, but questions still remain about whether the team can convert this attacking dominance into sustained results. While their current form shows flashes of brilliance, the inconsistency in finishing big chances remains a concern that could derail their progress if not addressed.
It’s worth noting that with 18 goals scored from an xG of 17, Tottenham are performing nearly in line with expectations, but there’s a lingering sense that the team is underperforming in key moments, especially when they miss golden opportunities to put games to bed.
If the finishing sharpens, Spurs could easily rise higher up the table, closing the gap on the top four, and potentially pushing for European places.
In terms of raw data, Spurs’ goals per match (2.3) are already ahead of most of their Premier League rivals, but with the club ranking third in big chances created and first in big chances missed, they still have room to improve.
It’s a fine line between success and frustration for Tottenham this season, yet with their tactical evolution in full swing, fans can look forward to an exciting ride ahead.