Tottenham Hotspur are looking to get their form back on track as they take on West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend.
Date: 19/10/2024
Kick-off time: 12:30
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, North London
Tottenham’s performances so far this season have encapsulated both the potential and the pitfalls of the team. Known for his high-energy, attacking philosophy, Postecoglou's arrival was initially greeted with optimism. However, the team’s results have been a mixed bag, with a lack of consistency in performances holding Spurs back from making a more significant impact in the league.
After a difficult start, there were signs that Postecoglou’s methods were beginning to take hold, with Spurs delivering some improved performances that suggested they had turned a corner. Yet, that optimism was severely dented last weekend when Tottenham blew a 2-0 lead against Brighton & Hove Albion, eventually losing 3-2 in what could prove to be a damaging defeat. It was a result that reignited doubts about the team’s ability to see out matches and manage defensive lapses.
The defeat at Brighton marked a pivotal moment in Tottenham's campaign. Despite racing to a two-goal lead and seemingly being in control, they succumbed to pressure in the second half, allowing Brighton to not only pull level but take all three points. Such collapses have raised questions over the team’s mental toughness and their ability to execute Postecoglou’s ambitious tactical approach over the course of 90 minutes.
As a result, Saturday’s match against West Ham represents a critical opportunity for Spurs to steady the ship. A victory would provide a much-needed boost and relieve some of the pressure that had started to mount on Postecoglou earlier in the season. Yet, another defeat could stoke further uncertainty around his reign and the club’s direction under his leadership.
One positive for Tottenham has been the resurgence of Brennan Johnson, who is starting to rediscover his best form after a difficult spell. The Welsh forward has now scored in six consecutive matches, and his renewed confidence in front of goal could be crucial as Spurs look to get back to winning ways. Johnson’s ability to exploit space and create chances from wide positions makes him a vital part of Postecoglou’s attack. His return to form comes at a crucial time for the club, who have been overly reliant on Harry Kane for goals in recent seasons, and his contributions will be key in unlocking a West Ham defence that has shown vulnerability this season.
With Johnson in form and leading the line alongside Son Heung-min, Spurs have the attacking firepower to trouble West Ham, but it will require a disciplined and focused defensive performance to ensure they don’t repeat the mistakes of last weekend.
West Ham United, like Spurs, are another club in transition this season. With Julen Lopetegui taking charge in the summer, there were high expectations for the Hammers to push on after significant investment in their squad during the transfer window. However, the early signs have been underwhelming, with West Ham managing just two wins in their opening seven matches.
Currently sitting in 12th place with eight points, West Ham's slow start has led to growing pressure on Lopetegui to deliver results. The Spaniard arrived with a strong reputation after successful stints at Sevilla and the Spanish national team, but his tenure at West Ham has not yet ignited in the way many had hoped. Nevertheless, the Hammers’ most recent outing provided some cause for optimism, as they secured their best result of the season in a hard-fought win over Aston Villa. That victory was seen as a step in the right direction, and Lopetegui will be keen to build on that momentum going into this clash against Spurs.
Despite their slow start, West Ham can take encouragement from the individual performances of Jarrad Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, both of whom have been standout players for the Hammers in recent weeks. Bowen, in particular, has been a consistent threat in attack, contributing two goals and two assists thus far. His ability to make intelligent runs and find space behind defences has been a crucial outlet for West Ham, especially in games where they have struggled to dominate possession.
Mohammed Kudus, another summer signing, has also shown glimpses of his potential, and his versatility in attacking midfield has provided Lopetegui with more options going forward. If West Ham are to take anything from Saturday’s match, they will need these two players to be at their best. Bowen’s clinical finishing and Kudus’ creative spark could prove the difference in a game that is likely to be closely contested.