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Are injuries to blame? Postecoglou’s Tottenham heading for worst league finish in 16 years

Submitted by daniel on Sat, 18/01/2025 - 18:02

On Sunday Tottenham make the trip to Merseyside with a desperate need for all three points. Ange Postecoglou’s team have now gone five league matches without picking up a win and that solitary victory - a 5-0 win over Southampton - happens to be their own three points won since late November. Since then, Spurs have dropped from sixth in the Premier League table to where they now sit in fourteenth position, just seven points above Sunday’s hosts that have spent much of the season fighting off the threat of relegation. In no uncertain terms, Postecoglou’s side have had a disastrous league campaign to date and will need to make some drastic changes soon.

How bad have Tottenham been this season?

While Tottenham fans will need no reminders of their horrid run of form to date, it’s worth noting just how precarious a situation the North London club are in at this moment in time. With just 24 points from 21 league games in the Premier League, Postecoglou’s side are in the midst of what will likely be the club’s worst league campaign in recent memory. As we can see in the table above, which shows where Tottenham were at this stage in the season over the course of the last 15 years, this downtick in form in the English top-flight is somewhat unprecedented. In fact, the last Tottenham manager to have picked up so few points after 21 league games was Harry Redknapp during the club’s 2008/09 campaign when his side had just 20 points to their name. However, back then Redknapp was able to somewhat turn things around ang guided the club to a somewhat respectable eighth-placed finish after losing just four of their remaining 17 league games and picking up an impressive 31 points. And if Postecoglou’s side have any hopes of getting back towards the top six, they may need to attempt a similar and somewhat miraculous end to the season.

What’s gone so wrong for Tottenham this season?

Perhaps the most obvious reason why Tottenham have simply fallen apart this season is due to the high volume of injuries that Postecoglou and his backroom staff have had to contend with. Since the start of the league campaign, no less than 14 of Tottenham’s senior players have picked up an injury and that has resulted in them missing a combined 97 league games this season. Some of these players, such as Fraser Forster or Wilson Odobert were only back-up players for the starting XI, but Spurs have also lost a number of key players too. Star forwards Richarlison and Heung-min Son have missed 15 and three league games respectively, while central defensive pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have missed a combined 21 league games through injuries this season.

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Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 15.01.2025

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 15/01/2025 - 13:34

Arsenal FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 15.01.2025

The Premier League is set to witness another thrilling North London derby as Arsenal FC host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. This highly anticipated fixture, scheduled to kick off at 21:00, marks the 21st matchday of the season. With Simon Hooper appointed as the referee, both teams will be eager to secure a victory in this crucial encounter.

Our betting prediction for Arsenal FC vs Tottenham Hotspur:

Our betting tip for this match is a home win for Arsenal FC. The Gunners have been in impressive form this season, currently sitting second in the Premier League table with 40 points. Their strong home record of 6 wins and 3 draws, coupled with Tottenham's struggles away from home, makes Arsenal the clear favorites.

Our tips

Total Goals

Under 2.5

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Arsenal FC's last 5 matches.

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Tottenham Hotspur's last 5 matches.

Double Chance

Arsenal FC have drawn or lost 3 of their last 5 matches.

Tottenham Hotspur have won or drawn 3 of their last 5 matches.

Total Goals

Under 3.5

There have been under 3.5 goals scored in 4 of Arsenal FC's last 5 matches.

There have been under 3.5 goals scored in 4 of Tottenham Hotspur's last 5 matches.

For those looking to enhance their potential returns, considering a handicap bet on Arsenal might be worthwhile, given their superior form and home advantage. Additionally, our second betting prediction is that both teams will score. With Arsenal's potent attack and Tottenham's ability to find the net despite their inconsistent form, this market offers an interesting opportunity for bettors.

Arsenal FC - Flying High

Arsenal have been in scintillating form this season, firmly establishing themselves as title contenders. The Gunners have accumulated 40 points from 20 matches, with an impressive record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and only 2 defeats. Their goal difference of +21 (39 scored, 18 conceded) underlines their potency in attack and solidity in defense.

At home, Arsenal have been particularly formidable, remaining unbeaten with 6 wins and 3 draws. This stellar home record has been a cornerstone of their success and will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into this crucial derby.

Manager Mikel Arteta has instilled a winning mentality and tactical flexibility in his squad. The Spaniard's ability to adapt his team's approach based on the opposition has been crucial in Arsenal's rise to the upper echelons of the Premier League. Arteta's emphasis on possession-based football, combined with quick transitions and high pressing, has made Arsenal a force to be reckoned with.

However, Arsenal's recent form has shown some signs of vulnerability. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have managed 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Manchester United in a cup competition, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. This result may have dented their confidence, but it could also serve as motivation to bounce back strongly in the derby.

Tottenham Hotspur - Seeking Consistency

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a challenging position as they approach this crucial derby. Currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table with 24 points, Spurs have endured a rollercoaster season thus far. Their record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 10 defeats highlights their inconsistency, which has been a major concern for fans and management alike.

Away from home, Tottenham's struggles have been particularly evident. With just 3 wins, 1 draw, and 5 defeats on their travels, they face an uphill battle against an in-form Arsenal side at the Emirates. However, their goal-scoring prowess cannot be overlooked, having netted 42 times this season – more than their North London rivals.

Manager Angelos Postecoglou has been working tirelessly to implement his tactical philosophy at Tottenham. Known for his attacking brand of football, Postecoglou has shown glimpses of what Spurs can achieve under his guidance. However, defensive frailties have often undermined their offensive efforts, as evidenced by the 30 goals they have conceded this season.

Tottenham's recent form mirrors that of Arsenal, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent outing saw them secure a hard-fought 3-0 victory against Tamworth FC in a cup tie, which went to extra time after a goalless 90 minutes. This resilience could prove crucial as they prepare to face their fierce rivals.

Last Direct Encounter

The most recent meeting between these two sides saw Arsenal secure a narrow 1-0 away victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This result not only boosted Arsenal's confidence but also extended their dominance in recent head-to-head encounters.

H2H Stats

Looking at the last five meetings between Arsenal and Tottenham across all competitions, the Gunners have clearly had the upper hand. Arsenal have emerged victorious in four of these encounters, with one match ending in a draw. This impressive record against their local rivals will undoubtedly give Arsenal an psychological edge heading into this fixture.

Recent Form

Both teams have shown similar form in their last five matches across all competitions, each recording 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats. However, Arsenal's superior league position and home advantage could prove decisive in this encounter.

Transfer analysis: Arsenal vs Spurs spending records since Arteta arrived in 2019 compared

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 15/01/2025 - 12:05

This Wednesday pits a north London derby at the Emirates with the unusual factor of the Premier League fixture being a midweek clash under the lights. Both sides go into the match depleted by injuries and in questionable form. Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus joined Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri on the injury list with an ACL injury picked up in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. Tottenham remain without both first-choice centre-backs and their no.1 goalkeeper Guglielme Vicario. The Gunners have just crashed out of the FA Cup and need a miracle at St James' Park to stay in the EFL Cup after a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle. Meanwhile, Tottenham are 13th in the Premier League, 16 points behind the Gunners and needed extra-time to get past non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup.

Whichever side and manager that loses on Wednesday night at the Emirates looks sure to face serious questions. After coming so close to winning the title in each of the last two seasons, Arsenal remain trophy-less in the last four campaigns under Mikel Arteta, whilst some suspect that Spurs are beginning to go backwards under Ange Postecoglou. Often one of the sticks used to beat both teams is the money they have spent in recent seasons which has ultimately led to no silverware. So how do the North London rivals compare when we look at their transfer spends since Arteta arrived at Arsenal in December 2019? At Transfermarkt, we have crunched the numbers.

Arsenal v Tottenham transfer records compared

Given the €116.6m signing of Declan Rice and the rhetoric often floated around that Arteta has spent huge amounts of money at Arsenal, many people may be surprised that, in fact, since the Spaniard took the Arsenal job in December 2019, Arsenal's north London rivals Spurs have spent more money on transfers. In that timeframe, the Gunners have splashed out €792 million on new signings, while Tottenham have spent €858m. Those figures mean in that period Arsenal have the fifth highest spend in world football, whilst Tottenham have the fourth highest - only Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United have spent more.

When it comes to net spend (money spent on transfers - money made from selling players) the clubs are almost identical, but Spurs also come out slightly worse than the Gunners since Arteta arrived at the Emirates. Tottenham's net spend stands at -€567m, with Arsenal's at -€565m. Arsenal's record signing in that time was Rice, with Spurs' being their €64.4m acquisition of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer. In that period, Spurs have brought in 34 players on permanent deals, with Arsenal bringing 27 to the Emirates.

Arguments could be made that both sides' spends has come to no avail just yet, with the trophy cabinets bare at both clubs in the last five years, bar one FA Cup triumph for Arteta's team in 2020. However, if we look at both team's performances in the Premier League compared to the money they have spent, the Gunners come out well on top. Arsenal have taken a total of 376 points under Arteta, whilst in that same period Tottenham have taken just 316 points. When we equate in both club's spending, it means Arsenal have paid around €2.11m per Premier League point, with Spurs paying around €2.72m per point.

Above, we have equated an XI of the players that have arrived at either Arsenal or Tottenham for the highest transfer fees since January 2020. Six Arsenal players are in the line-up - David Raya (€31.9m from Brentford), Riccardo Calafiori (€45m from Bologna), Ben White (€58.5m from Brighton), Thomas Partey (€50m from Atlético Madrid), Rice (€116.6m from West Ham), and Kai Havertz (€75m from Chelsea). The five Spurs players included are Micky Van De Ven (€40m from Wolfsburg), Cristian Romero (€52m from Atalanta), Richarlison (€58m from Everton), Solanke (€64.3m from Bournemouth), and Brennan Johnson (€55m from Nottingham Forest). Interestingly, the entire front-line is made up of Tottenham players, with Arsenal currently being somewhat vilified for their lack of investment in attackers. However, they are largely expected to bring in a forward this January.

Arsenal's current squad value stands at €1.15 billion. Tottenham's just €795.8m. Despite the statistics outlined in this article highlighting that Arsenal have actually got a lot more for their money than their north London counterparts in recent seasons, one factor that should be taken into consideration is the youthfulness of Spurs' current squad. When Arteta first arrived and Arsenal were languishing in eighth in the Premier League table, the Gunners opted to bring in young stars and significantly got the squad's average age down with a long-term plan in place. It feels as though Tottenham have more recently adopted a similar model but are much earlier in the fruition of that method than Arsenal. In the last two seasons, Spurs have brought in 10 players aged 22 or younger.

Arteta has taken a lot of flack of late, and some of it deservedly due. Their style of play has been inadequate of a Premier League winning side at times, and his team have often lacked urgency or ideas. However, it should be remembered what the Spaniard inherited at Arsenal, and the numbers outlined above prove that their spending hasn't perhaps been as lavish as some people think. For Tottenham, the numbers are slightly worrying given their current league position. However, the club have been ravished by injuries of late and have a very young side that should be given time to develop. The outcome at the Emirates this Wednesday has the ability to change the narrative of both club's season in what should be a fiery north London derby under the lights.

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Discarded by PSG, wanted by Man Utd and Tottenham - how good is Randal Kolo Muani?

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 10/01/2025 - 12:41

©IMAGO

Manchester United’s rebuild under new manager Ruben Amorim seems to be gathering pace this month, with the Old Trafford club reportedly keen on adding Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani to their ranks before the end of the current transfer window. According to the Telegraph, the Premier League giants are exploring an option to loan the France international for the remainder of the season, before deciding on whether or not to sign him permanently in the summer. Reports elsewhere have linked Tottenham and Juventus with a move for the 26-year-old forward.

Rumour R. Kolo Muani Centre-Forward

Paris SG ? Tottenham Ligue 1 Premier League

Why do PSG want to sell Kolo Muani?

Kolo Muani made the move to Paris in 2023 off the back of a remarkable spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, which led to the Ligue 1 giants paying no less than €95 million for his signature. Unfortunately for the player and his club, that transfer fee wasn’t matched with equally impressive performances and to date Kolo Muani has managed to bag just 11 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances for PSG. However, the failure of such a high-profile move may not be entirely down to the player. Kolo Muani’s arrival in the French capital coincided with the club making a crucial managerial change, as Luis Enrique joined the club to replace Christophe Galtier. And seemingly overnight, Kolo Muani’s prospects of playing under a head coach that knew French football inside out were completely ruined, as Enrique came in with entirely different ideas.

“Kolo Muani does not fit the Enrique's style of play,” said Joachim Durand, Transfermarkt’s Ligue 1 expert, when asked about the forward’s struggles in Paris over the course of the last 18 months. Who then went on to explain why the forward has played so little football since making the move to PSG. “Enrique has a very precise idea of the profile he wants in a No.9: he must be comfortable technically and good with his back to goal, moving between the lines and combining in tight spaces,” added Durand. “In short, a sort of target man. However, Kolo Muani is a striker who is more at ease in transitions, on the counter-attack, when he has space in front of him. Obviously, the arrangement does not work.”

Indeed, so far this season Kolo Muani has made just two starts for Enrique’s team in all competitions and racked up just 453 minutes of football as a result. And when we compare him to the club’s other forward players in the table above, we can see just little time the Spanish manager seems to have for the French player. PSG clearly prefer to play with a front three of Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé on either wing, with Kang-In Lee or Marco Asensio through the middle. And, most notably, Kolo Muani has fallen behind new signing Désiré Doué in the pecking order. Which explains why the club would be more than happy to move the forward on this month, to allow him to pick up game time and a possible big move.

How good is Kolo Muani?

Considering Enrique and PSG’s stance on Kolo Muani, it would then be easy to assume that the French player simply isn’t good enough for the Ligue 1 giants and would therefore be a risky move for club’s of equal stature, such as Man Utd or Tottenham. But in this case, it may be worth considering whether the 26-year-old talent has simply become the victim of circumstance at the French club. “Even though Kolo Muani has sometimes put in catastrophic performances, it seems that the Spanish coach is hard to please,” notes Durand when asked about the player’s ability and form in Ligue 1. “In fact, he is always on the lookout for a player capable of fulfilling that role (of targetman) in his squad. He has tested a number of players in this position (Asensio, Lee, Dembélé, Doué) but none of them seems to have really convinced him.”

Indeed, the key question shouldn’t be whether Kolo Muani is good enough for a club like Man Utd or Tottenham, but whether he’s the right kind of player for their system and tactics. As Durand noted, the forward hasn’t worked out at PSG because he can’t play as a classic No.9 for Enrique’s side, which makes perfect sense since he was often deployed as an inside forward that drifted out to the left wing for Frankfurt during his time in the Bundesliga. And, as we can see in the graph above, that led to the player bagging a remarkable number of goals and assists for the German side.

Over the course of his single full season at the club, Kolo Muani bagged a remarkable 40 goals and assists in all competitions and averaged no less than 0.99 goal contributions per 90 minutes. That, to no great surprise, has fallen during his time at PSG, but not by as much as some would expect. Despite being used largely as a substitute, Kolo Muani has still averaged around 0.67 goals and assists per 90 minutes, which isn’t bad at all when we consider that he’s often been tasked with coming off the bench to play in a position that isn’t suited to him.

Should the likes of Man Utd or Tottenham get serious about signing Kolo Muani this month, they’d do well to bear in mind what made him such a success at Frankfurt in the first place. Rather than step in as a replacement to the penalty-box strikers in their squads, the French talent would likely need to be played off the left wing if they hope to get the best out of him. Only there will he find the space to run by defenders and exploit gaps behind defensive lines. Whether that is the profile of players that either English club is looking for remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that if they were to sign Kolo Muani as a back-up No.9, they may find themselves suffering the same frustrations that have dogged Enrique for the past two seasons.

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Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 12.01.2025

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 05/01/2025 - 09:33

Tamworth FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 12.01.2025

Tamworth FC will host Tottenham Hotspur in a highly anticipated FA Cup clash on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 13:30. This encounter promises to be an intriguing matchup between a non-league side and one of the Premier League's most storied clubs. With both teams having had mixed results in their recent fixtures, the stage is set for an exciting cup tie.

Our match prediction for this encounter leans heavily toward an away victory for Tottenham Hotspur. The odds reflect this sentiment, with Tip 2 (Tottenham to win) available at 1.13 on Paripesa, indicating the visitors are clear favorites. For those looking to explore alternative betting markets, a wager on both teams not to score (Tip NO) at 1.78 with Melbet may provide additional value, especially considering the attacking prowess of Tottenham and the struggles faced by Tamworth in recent outings.

Tamworth FC: A Struggling Side

Tamworth FC's recent form has not been encouraging, with the team managing just one victory in their last five matches, coupled with two draws and two defeats. In their most recent outing, Tamworth suffered a disappointing 0-2 loss away to Solihull Moors, a result that reflects their ongoing struggles in securing consistent performances. Throughout their last five fixtures, Tamworth has scored a mere three goals while conceding six, highlighting their difficulties in both attack and defense.

Currently positioned in the lower tiers of the National League North, Tamworth's aspirations for cup success will heavily rely on their ability to pull off an upset against a Premier League opponent. Managed by Andrew Peaks, the team has demonstrated a solid tactical approach, albeit with limited resources compared to their counterparts. Peaks has instilled a workmanlike ethic in the squad, but the lack of firepower has been evident in their inability to convert chances into goals.

As they prepare to face Tottenham, Tamworth will be looking to galvanize their squad and draw on the home advantage to create a memorable cup run. The team will need to tighten their defense and find a way to breach the experienced Spurs backline to have any chance of causing an upset.

Tottenham Hotspur: Aiming for Glory

Tottenham Hotspur enters this FA Cup tie with the weight of expectations resting on their shoulders. The team has had a mixed bag of results in recent weeks, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last outing ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, a result that displayed both their attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. Over these five matches, Spurs have scored ten goals but conceded eight, illustrating a tendency to engage in high-scoring encounters.

Positioned within the top half of the Premier League, Tottenham's ambitions for silverware this season are significant, as they aim to add another FA Cup trophy to their illustrious history. Under the stewardship of Angelos Postecoglou, the team has adopted an attacking style of play, prioritizing possession and pressing opponents high up the pitch. This approach has yielded results in the league, and Postecoglou will undoubtedly seek to transfer that momentum into the FA Cup.

Tottenham's squad is filled with talent, featuring players who can change the course of a match with moments of brilliance. The likes of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane possess the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, making them a constant threat in the attacking third. The Spurs will be eager to assert their dominance early in the match against Tamworth and avoid any potential embarrassment.

Last Direct Encounters

There is no available data regarding prior meetings between Tamworth FC and Tottenham Hotspur, which adds an element of unpredictability to the upcoming fixture. Given that this is the first encounter, both teams will be keen to set a precedent, with Tottenham looking to establish themselves as clear favorites.

Recent Form Overview

In their last five matches, Tamworth FC has recorded one win, two draws, and two defeats. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur's form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses. These contrasting runs of form suggest that Tottenham will enter the match with greater confidence, while Tamworth will need to dig deep to compete.

Best Odds and Betting Tips

The best odds available for this match indicate a strong likelihood of a Tottenham victory. Tip 2 (Tottenham to win) is listed at 1.13 on Paripesa, while the odds for both teams not to score (Tip NO) stand at 1.78 with Melbet. As many bookmakers now offer attractive signup bonuses, including free bet credits on first deposits, this can enhance the overall betting experience.

In conclusion, with Tottenham Hotspur's superior quality and recent form coupled with Tamworth FC's struggles, our match prediction favors an away win for the Premier League side. The combination of a formidable attacking lineup and a solid tactical framework under Postecoglou makes Spurs the team to back in this FA Cup fixture. As the match approaches, fans and bettors alike will be keen to see if Tamworth can defy the odds and create a memorable upset.

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Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 26.12.2024

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 27/12/2024 - 03:17

Nottingham Forest FC - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 26.12.2024

On Thursday, December 26, 2024, Nottingham Forest will host Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground for their Premier League matchday 18 encounter. The match is set to kick off at 16:00 local time, promising an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes this season.

Our betting prediction for this fixture leans towards a home win for Nottingham Forest. The odds for this outcome are quite attractive, with 1Win offering 2.42 for a Forest victory. For those looking to enhance potential returns, considering a handicap bet on Nottingham Forest could be a prudent option, given their superior form and league position. Our second betting tip suggests that both teams will score, with Paripesa offering odds of 1.45 for this outcome.

Nottingham Forest - Flying High in the Premier League

Nottingham Forest have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League this season, currently sitting in an impressive fourth place with 31 points from 17 matches. Their record of nine wins, four draws, and four defeats speaks volumes about their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.

The Tricky Trees have been particularly formidable at the City Ground, boasting a home record of four wins, two draws, and two defeats. This strong home form has been a cornerstone of their success and will undoubtedly give them confidence heading into this fixture against Tottenham.

In their most recent outing, Forest secured a convincing 2-0 away victory against Brentford FC, further solidifying their credentials as genuine contenders for European qualification. This result was a testament to the tactical acumen of manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who has transformed the team since taking charge.

Nuno's pragmatic approach, coupled with his ability to get the best out of his players, has been instrumental in Forest's rise up the table. His tactical flexibility and emphasis on defensive solidity, while still maintaining an attacking threat, have made Forest a formidable opponent for any team in the league.

Spurs Struggling to Find Consistency

Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position, currently occupying 11th place in the Premier League table with 23 points. Their record of seven wins, two draws, and eight defeats highlights their inconsistent form throughout the season.

The Lilywhites' away record has been particularly concerning, with just three wins, one draw, and four defeats on their travels. This vulnerability on the road could prove to be a significant factor in their upcoming clash at the City Ground.

Spurs' most recent result was a devastating 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool FC, a scoreline that underscores the defensive frailties that have plagued the team this season. This heavy loss will undoubtedly have affected team morale and confidence heading into the Forest fixture.

Manager Angelos Postecoglou has faced significant challenges in his debut season at Tottenham. While his attacking philosophy has led to Spurs scoring an impressive 39 goals, their defensive record of conceding 25 goals is a cause for concern. Postecoglou's commitment to an expansive, attacking style of play has often left the team exposed at the back, a weakness that Forest will be keen to exploit.

Last Direct Encounter

The most recent meeting between these two sides resulted in a 3-1 home victory for Tottenham Hotspur. However, given the current form and league positions of both teams, this historical result may not be indicative of what to expect in the upcoming fixture.

H2H Stats

Looking at the head-to-head record for the last five encounters across all competitions, Tottenham have had the upper hand with four wins compared to Nottingham Forest's single victory. However, it's worth noting that Forest's recent form suggests they are more than capable of bucking this trend.

Recent Form

Examining the last five matches for both teams across all competitions, Nottingham Forest have been in excellent form with four wins and just one defeat. In contrast, Tottenham have struggled for consistency, managing two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five outings.

Three defeats in 11 games - Postecoglou's record vs Rangers assessed ahead of Europa League tie

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 09:48

After Tottenham's latest capitulation against Chelsea on Sunday, there wasn't even enough fans left in the stadium to hear audible widespread booing as the full-time whistle sounded. But there is becoming a clear feeling of frustration around the naivety of Ange Postecoglou's Spurs team. Across 2024, only Wolves (20), West Ham (15) and Brentford (15) have lost more games than Tottenham in the Premier League. Considering the ambitions and expectations at Spurs, that is a damning statistic.

There have without doubt been some great times under Postecoglou, such as the recent 4-0 victory at the Etihad, and the Australian's team usually play very front-foot attacking football, but in their current state of football, leaking in naivety, lack of pragmatism, and basic errors, this Tottenham team won't win anything. This Thursday Spurs have a huge Europa League game against Rangers. Ibrox has been a fairly happy hunting ground for Postecoglou from his time at their rivals Celtic, and the Aussie needs a result there this Thursday to start turning the tide.

Postecoglou's record against Rangers assessed

Whilst Tottenham have done okay in this season's Europa League to date, the same issues around consistency have cropped up. They managed to beat Qarabag, Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar, but lost 3-2 at Galatasaray, and twice surrendered the lead at home to Roma in a 2-2 draw. Spurs are currently in ninth position in the Europa League table, just missing out on the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16 that come with the top eight places. One place above them, clinging on to eighth spot is Rangers, whose goal difference betters Tottenham's.

If Tottenham can get all three points at Rangers, it would put them in a position where they will be very likely to finish in the top eight. Lose and things could get tricky. Based on domestic form Spurs should wipe the floor with the Glaswegian club; Rangers are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, 11 points behind league leaders Celtic. But the Gers have saved their best form for Europe so far this season. One thing Postecoglou may be able to take some confidence from is his more than adequate record against Rangers from his time in Scotland.

As illustrated in the graphic above, in 11 games against Rangers in all competitions, Postecoglou has won six, drawn two and lost just three. Two of those defeats came in the Aussie's first and last Old Firm derby, with the other defeat in the semi-final of the Scottish FA Cup. He managed to win at Ibrox in three of his six trips there as Celtic boss. Euan Robertson is one of Transfermarkt's content managers based in Glasgow and reveals more about Postecoglou's time north of the border: "Celtic and Rangers have enjoyed a duopoly of Scottish football for decades but in recent years the former have been completely dominant. Winning the Old Firm games are always decisive to collecting trophies and Ange Postecoglou boasted a strong record against Rangers."

"Remarkably, they met 11 times in the Australian's two years in Glasgow and he won six of this game which was crucial in winning five of the six trophies on offer during this period. Postecoglou can expect a warm reception at Ibrox, but Rangers will have one eye on their big cup final on Sunday...against Celtic!" Postecoglou will be hoping for another positive result at Ibrox - if it goes wrong, there will no doubt be pressure on the Australian's job in north London.

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Who is Min-hyeok Yang? The South Korean sensation set to join Tottenham in January

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 21/11/2024 - 16:17

Tottenham Hotspur spent just under €150 million on new players in the summer, in the hope of helping Ange Postecoglou get the North London club back into the top four of the Premier League. Most of that money went towards new striker Dominc Solanke, who joined the club from Bournemouth in a record-breaking €64.3m move. While the vast majority of what was left in the budget was spent on exciting, young players like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall, who have proven to be useful squad players for the Spurs manager this season.

However, the smallest allocation of resources was put aside to tie down a deal for a young winger from South Korea, who could end up playing a large part in Tottenham’s current league campaign. Signed for a mere €4m, Tottenham signed Gangwon winger Min-hyeok Yang up to a five-year contract, before agreeing to let the young star stay at the K League club for this season. But those plans quickly changed when Postecoglou’s side experienced a tricky start to the season and now reports in England are strongly suggesting that the 18-year-old talent could end up making the move to London ahead of schedule and join Tottenham’s squad in January. So who is Yang and how much help could he be to Tottenham this season?

How highly rated is Min-hyeok Yang in South Korea?

At just 18 years of age, Yang obviously hasn’t had an extensive amount of exposure in his native country but in the short period of time he has played for Gangwon he has quickly earned a huge amount of praise. In 37 games to date for the club, the winger has bagged an impressive 11 goals and six assists. That incredible return in front of goal earned Yang the player of the month award in the Korean top-flight in just his fifth month of senior football for Gangwon, making him the youngest player to achieve such a feat in the history of the competition. Such form has not only won him a move to Tottenham, but also seen him recently get nominated for the Player of the Year award in the K League. “He is the player everyone is talking about right now and for almost twelve months,” said Tiberius Radziejewski, Transfermarkt’s Asian football expert. “Having signed his first professional contract just half a year ago, he quickly became an irreplaceable figure for Gangwon, breaking several records on the way. His consistency is remarkable, shown in countless awards this season.”

How good is Min-hyeok Yang?

As previously noted, the young winger clearly enjoys scoring goals and creating them for team mates too. Despite his young age, Yang’s 17 goals and assists in this season’s K League was the seventh best return among all players in the division and just four off league leader Anderson Oliveira. Remarkably enough, Yang’s goal contributions far outperformed all other players in his age range in the league, with the next best forward aged 21 or younger in the K league managing just five over the course of the season. “At his age, he stands out as such a well-rounded player,” added Radziejewski, when asked about Yang’s main strengths. “He is known for aggressively taking on defenders in one-on-ones, while maintaining his impressive pace and following through with clever, precise shooting. He is one of the fastest players in the league and likes to play on both wings. He excels in cutting inside to score with either foot or pushing the ball forward to outpace defenders.”

Whether through lazy stereotypes or because of both players now earning a wage from Tottenham, comparisons to Premier League star Heung-min Son have inevitably begun to appear online. But while it seems far too early to draw any serious conclusions about Yang’s potential, there may be some clear similarities between Tottenham’s new signing and their 32-year-old talisman. “A Korean player signing with Spurs naturally brings to mind Son,” said Radziejewski. “Indeed, there are some obvious similarities between Son and Yang: both possess brilliant speed, love taking on defenders, and are comfortable with either foot. However, their playing styles differ significantly upon closer observation because both rather have a different approach and style of play. Not only do they differ in physicality but also in positioning upfront. Yang tends to play more oriented to the centre in tight spaces.”

Is Min-hyeok Yang ready for the Premier League?

Tottenham’s reported decision to pull forward Yang’s arrival date in England clearly suggests that Postecoglou and his backroom staff are confident that the 18-year-old talent could have an instant impact for Spurs in the second half of the season. But that would mean throwing the young player into the deep end and asking him to thrive in the Premier League in his first experience of European football. So is Yang ready for a career-defining test? “With the ongoing injury crisis, his chances of making an impact are notably higher, noted Radziejewski. “However, at just 18 years old, he faces significant challenges, including adapting to life on the other side of the world. Having a fellow countryman at the club should help ease the transition. Tottenham's relatively young squad is another advantage. The Premier League is known for its intense physicality, which is something he certainly will need to focus on improving.”

Transfermarkt

Just five wins in 11 games - Are Postecoglou’s tactics holding Tottenham back this season?

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 11/11/2024 - 12:02

Tottenham’s difficult start to the season rumbled on at the weekend, when the London club were forced to accept defeat in an embarassing 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town in front of their own fans on Saturday. In what happened to be the promoted club's first league win of the season, two early goals from the visitors proved enough to claim all three points, despite Spurs scoring a consolation goal in the second half. The result now means that Ange Postecoglou's side sit tenth in the Premier League table, with just five wins from their first 11 league matches.

Worryingly for Spurs, their problems don’t seem to stem solely from issues that have plagued the team this season. When we take a look at which Premier League clubs have picked up the most points since the start of 2024, Tottenham sit eighth in the league table - behind Manchester United, who opted to sack their manager Erik Ten Hag for picking up just 40 points from 27 league games over the course of the last 10 months - and considerably behind the top-four rival that Postecoglou was undoubtedly hired to catch. It won’t be lost on Spurs fans or indeed the club’s hierarchy that the team have notable dropped off and are now behind clubs like Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea, who look better equipped to challenge for fourth place this season. So what’s gone so wrong for Tottenham and can their manager fix things before it gets too bad?

Tactical struggles holding Tottenham back

Famed for his exciting, gung-ho football, Postecoglou has undoubted guided Tottenham to some impressive victories this season - 3-0 over Man Utd, 4-1 over Aston Villa or the recent 2-1 victory against Man City in the League Cup - but in just about each instance, Tottenham were allowed to exert their game plan onto their opponents and in the end won the contest through attacking football. The problems for Spurs arise when other teams don’t indulge them in such duels and instead sit deep or frustrate Postecoglou’s team enough that their Plan A simply doesn’t work. Whether it be the 1-1 draw with Leicester City on matchday one, the defeats to Newcastle, Brighton and Crystal Palace or indeed the weekend’s loss to Ipswich, Tottenham still seem to struggle when games are more cagey and far less open.

"Hugely disappointing. We started slow and passively," said the Spurs manager after their most recent defeat. "We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. Second half we had chances but didn’t do enough to win the game." Although Postecoglou made a point of taking blame for the result, he also noted his frustration at Ipswich's tendancy to slow the game down and even bring it to a stop with players claiming to be injured. "It seems to be the way the Premier League is going," said the Australian tactician. "Clubs are taking strategic time-outs. We just have to cop it. It’s up to the officials not me." While Spurs fans may share his anger over the stoppages, they'll also note that this isn't the first time that their manager has used the stop-start nature of games as an excuse for his team's performances. Following a recent 1-0 defeat to Palace, Postecoglou said: "It was one of those games with a lot of stoppages and battles, and they ended up winning a lot of them and coming out on top. There was a lot of disruption and it was hard to get any fluency. They did better than us.”

Early goals continue to cost Spurs important points

This, undoubtedly, gives a crucial insight into the problems facing the Spurs manager and why his tactics seem to come undone against more defensive teams. When opponents attack Tottenham and leave space in their own half, Postecoglou's side seem well equipped to take advantage of that. Which is why we've seen the London club score 15 goals against Galatasaray, Villa, Man City, Brighton and Man Utd in their last 10 league games. But, crucially, in that same period of time Spurs only managed to score four goals in four games against lesser teams like Ferencváros, AZ Alkmaar, Palace and now Ipswich. And this inability to break more defensive teams down is clearly costing Postecoglou's team a number of points this season.

For example, Saturday's defeat to Ipswich was the eighth time Tottenham have gone behind in a Premier League game this season. That wouldn't be an issue, if not for the fact that the team seem to notably struggle when it comes to scoring goals and coming from behind to win games. In those eight instances, Postecoglou's team have dropped a massive 15 points. And while that may only rank Tottenham ninth among all English top-flight clubs for points dropped in this manner, it places them firmly in the bottom half of the table and among clubs that are either fighting off the threat of relegation or very close to being dragged into said circumstances. What may also trouble fans of the club is the fact that only four clubs in this season's Premier League campaign have gone behind more often than Spurs this season and three of them are currently in the bottom three, while the fourth sits just three points above the dreaded drop.

The Dominik Solanke problem

Perhaps the most obvious fault for this inability to score goals against deep defences comes from Tottenham’s star No.9, Dominic Solanke. Last season the England international thrived in a very direct system at Bournemouth, where he could run on to long balls over the top of defences, or spearhead fast counter attacks. While Solanke has shown that same capacity for Spurs this season, with two goals that came from counter attacks against Brentford and Man Utd, as well as an impressive brace in the recent win over Villa, the striker has seriously struggled to create chances in the aforementioned clashes that require a more patient approach in attack. Indeed, in stark contrast to his goals in end-to-end clashes with other top-half clubs, Solanke has somewhat embodied his team's deeper issues by failed to score a single goal against Leicester City, West Ham, Crystal Palace or Ipswich, despite starting in each game. As the graphic above illustrates, the striker has so far averaged 0.45 goals per 90 in the Premier League this season, which is a notable dip from last season’s career high with Bournemouth of 0.51 per 90. While that average certainly isn't bad, it will undoubtedly frustrate the player and his manager to no end that he hasn't been unable to improve on it with much-needed goals against team in the bottom half of the league table.

Whether Tottenham can turn their season around anytime soon remains to be seen. The London club make the trip to Man City after the international break, followed by a Europa League clash againt Roma: two big games that should allow Postecoglou’s side to play their preferred style of football. But the real tests may intriguinely come in the proceeding double header against Fulham and Bournemouth - two clubs that will take great delight in frustrating Tottenham's style of play. If Spurs can win those games, there may be clear signs of progress under Postecoglou. But if not, fans of the club may be forced to acknowledge that their head coach and his tactics will only get them so far in their quest to get back to the top four this season.

Transfermarkt

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham prediction 27.10.2024

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 27/10/2024 - 00:21

The Premier League’s ninth matchday brings an intriguing London derby to Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, October 27, 2024. This fixture pits two teams with contrasting fortunes against each other, promising an exciting encounter for football fans and bettors alike. Crystal Palace, currently languishing in 18th place, are desperately seeking to turn their season around, while Tottenham, sitting comfortably in 7th, aim to continue their upward trajectory under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance.

The match kicks off at 14:00 (UTC), with both teams eager to make a statement as the Premier League campaign approaches its quarter-way mark. Crystal Palace’s struggles this season are evident in their meager points tally of 3, while Tottenham’s 13 points reflect a much more positive start to their campaign. As we delve into the team’s recent performances, tactical approaches, and head-to-head records, we’ll provide insights to help you make informed betting decisions for this captivating Premier League fixture.

Our betting tip for Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur:

Our primary betting prediction for this match leans towards an away win for Tottenham Hotspur. The odds of 1.85 offered by Mozzart for a Spurs victory present good value given the form and quality disparity between the two sides. For those seeking higher potential returns, considering a -1 handicap on Tottenham could be a worthwhile option, likely offering odds in the region of 3.00 to 3.50 at the best betting sites.

Our second betting tip focuses on the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market. We predict that both teams will find the net in this encounter. Again, Mozzart offers the best odds of 1.58 for this outcome, which appears to be a solid bet given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and Tottenham’s potent attack.

Crystal Palace – Fighting for Survival

Crystal Palace find themselves in a precarious position as they enter this crucial fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. The Eagles have endured a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, accumulating just 3 points from their opening 8 matches. With no wins, 3 draws, and 5 defeats, Palace are desperately seeking a turnaround in fortunes under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, who showed so much promise in Palace’s excellent run during the second half of last season.

The team’s recent form offers little comfort, with just 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 defeats in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Their latest result, a 1-0 away loss to Nottingham Forest, further compounds their woes and highlights the urgent need for improvement.

Palace’s struggles are evident in both attack and defense. Having scored only 5 goals while conceding 11 in the Premier League, their goal difference of -6 underlines the challenges they face at both ends of the pitch. This defensive fragility, coupled with a lack of attacking potency, has contributed significantly to their current 18th place in the league table.

Oliver Glasner, known for his tactical flexibility and high-pressing style, faces a significant challenge in revitalizing this Crystal Palace side. The Austrian manager will need to find a way to shore up the defense while simultaneously unlocking the team’s attacking potential if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

Tottenham Hotspur – Resurgence Under Postecoglou

In stark contrast to their opponents, Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a promising start to their Premier League campaign under new manager Angelos Postecoglou. Spurs currently sit in 7th place with 13 points, boasting an impressive record of 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 defeats from their opening 8 matches.

Tottenham’s recent form has been particularly eye-catching, with 4 wins and just 1 defeat in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Their latest result, a commanding 4-1 home victory against West Ham United, showcases the offensive firepower and tactical cohesion that Postecoglou has instilled in the team.

Tottenham’s attacking prowess is evident in their goal tally of 18, the third-highest in the league at this stage. However, their defensive record of 9 goals conceded suggests there’s still room for improvement at the back. This attacking approach, coupled with occasional defensive lapses, has led to some high-scoring encounters and entertaining football for spectators.

Ange Postecoglou’s tactical philosophy, characterized by high-intensity pressing and fluid attacking movements, has breathed new life into this Tottenham side. The Australian manager’s emphasis on positive, attacking football has not only improved results but also won over the fans with its entertaining style.

Last Direct Encounter

The most recent meeting between these two sides saw Tottenham Hotspur secure a convincing 3-1 home victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League. This result reflects the current form and quality gap between the two teams and could be indicative of the upcoming fixture’s potential outcome.

H2H Stats

The head-to-head record over the last five encounters heavily favors Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have emerged victorious in all five of these matches, demonstrating a clear dominance over Crystal Palace in recent years. This statistic further reinforces the prediction of a Tottenham win in the upcoming fixture.

Recent Form

Crystal Palace’s form in their last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats

Tottenham Hotspur’s form in their last 5 matches: 4 wins, 0 draws, 1 defeat

These recent form statistics highlight the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, with Tottenham showing significantly stronger performances compared to Crystal Palace.