Spurs Gut Reaction Rant: Draw vs Everton
Spurs draw once again, lose Mousa Dembélé.
Heading into Spurs’ second home fixture of the 2015-16 Premier League season, Mauricio Pochettino opted to make two changes to his starting eleven: adding Danny Rose and Nabil Bentaleb and dropping Ben Davies and Érik Lamela. There would definitely be some mixed reactions to the two changes.
While a change was needed at left back, seeing Nabil Bentaleb inserted back into the starting lineup following three miserable appearances for the Algerian midfielder was cause for concern. Except, Bentaleb turned in his best performance this season. In fact, every Spurs midfielder played very well today.
The lone standout player was and still is, Mousa Dembélé, for two reasons.
One, since being restored to the starting eleven, the Belgian midfielder has played well dating back to this pre-season. Secondly, after his second half injury in the 53rd minute, Dembélé’s loss was felt when the pressing game at midfield vanished and the second half starting opening up for both teams.
RELATED: Pochettino: Errors are ‘Killing’ Tottenham
While Eric Dier and Nabil Bentaleb did well to cover for Dembélé, they quickly picked up yellow cards. An initial reaction could be that, they were pressing too much (pun not intended) to get the ball back — obviously this is something that Dembélé does very well. To lose him very early in the second half, more or less, changed the entire game from the 54th minute until the game ended.
***
Something that seems to be very consistend with Spurs this early in the season, outside of earning draws, is their inability to finish in scoring and closing games out. For this game against Everton, Spurs created plenty of chances but had more shots off target than on target from the eye test.
It’s safe to say that Spurs finishing this season is clearly lacking for reasons unknown. A good portion of their shots are already outside the box as is and crosses are now sailing well beyond the touchline. Perhaps it’s time to start focusing on these finer points in training?
POPULAR: Spurs Got Reaction Rant: Draw at Leicester
Another issue to point out for Spurs is their transfer window deals.
More from Match Reports
- From glory, glory to gory, gory, for Mason and Tottenham Hotspur
- Ryan Mason’s Elegant Solution to Tottenham’s Problems
- Tottenham – Defensive needs show over last two games
- Tottenham Hotspur hold off Brighton in much needed 2-1 win
- Mason moves make the difference for lucky Tottenham against Brighton
While it’s good to sign new players to improve the squad, which they’ve done, even if it is mostly defenders.
The players currently on this squad (new signings included) have now got to put everything together in order to earn wins.
Perhaps it’s a formation change, perhaps it’s better players being inserted into the starting eleven. Or maybe, without a veteran presence, silly errors will continue to persist. Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that something is definitely lacking this season.
Earning three consecutive draws after starting the year off with a loss isn’t a coincidence. If it is, it could be due to the entire team looking at the bigger picture, the future, and not the present which is a top four finish. Maybe it’s time to seriously consider reassessing this team before Spurs’ season tanks.
Next: Matchday: Tottenham v Everton
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help