Plenty of positives at Spurs, in spite of third defeat on the spin for Ange

IN DIFFERENT circumstances, three defeats on the spin would be nearing crisis territory for Tottenham, particularly with a trip to champions Manchester City up next, followed by matches against West Ham and Newcastle.

- Dan Kilpatrick

 

Now, though, is not the time to panic, and yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa should go down as frustrating but encouraging, suggesting Spurs remain on track under Ange Postecoglou and will be just fine this season, especially when their best players return.

Postecoglou was missing 10 first-team players to injury or suspension yesterday, including both his preferred centre-backs, his entire first-choice midfield and a raft of useful squad options.

Spurs started the match with a backfour made up entirely of full-backs, no obvious defensive midfielder, a bench of kids and misfits, and with three players returning to the fold.

Rodrigo Bentancur, who was forced off after just 32 minutes, made his first club start since ACL surgery in February, while goalscorer Giovani Lo Celso was named in a Premier League XI for the first time since the 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United in October 2021, Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge.