Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Christian Eriksen on Tottenham’s Win
There’s a possibility that Tottenham could go on a run this month with the slate of games they have coming up. All of which are winnable if Spurs stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation.
One win in 10 matches was a statement that would be repeated one too many times following Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea last weekend. If you included Spurs’ wins over Manchester City and Swansea City it amounts to three wins in 12 games. Still not good but it looks a little more pleasing.
So it goes without saying that the past two months have been a tough time for the north London club and its supporters. Fans were disappointed with the results as was Mauricio Pochettino but he felt calm through it all.
The Argentine manager’s calm demeanor had to be a sign that something might change. And indeed, it appears it was his team’s formation. Pochettino has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 in three consecutive games.
While AS Monaco and Chelsea ended up being losses, sticking with something that has worked since day one — the 4-2-3-1 — would eventually pay off. Lo and behold, yesterday Spurs turned things around and looked like the same club that thumped Stoke City in September and repeated their dominating performance against Man City in October.
Beating Swansea reminded everyone that Spurs are capable of such performances like picking up positive results against Arsenal and West Ham United in November. From top to bottom, even Spurs’ substitutes, everyone put in good shifts.
“It was a very good performance.” Harry Kane said on Tottenham’s official website.
“It started a bit slow, we had to be patient, they obviously came to frustrate us and drop off but we moved the ball quicker today, we created a lot of chances, obviously got the first two goals before half-time and then the third straight after.”
“That really gave us the momentum for that second half and we went out there and got the big win.”
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Since returning from injury, Kane has been on a tear. Despite scoring from the penalty spot four times in the past five games, those are still goalscoring chances at the end of the day.
And at the moment, it seems like Harry Kane’s form is what could help spark Tottenham’s run this month.
“I scored two goals in six games before the injury and now I think it’s eight in 11,” Kane said. “I’m pleased with the two goals today and hopefully we can get a good run together now, get some wins going and really push up the league.”
Son Heung-Min who provided the goal of the match spoke about Spurs’ recent form and chalked it up to something that is normal in football. Teams go on good runs, others go on bad runs.
“I think this is football,” the South Korean said. “We never want to lose, everyone is of the same mind but sometimes you lose and everyone is sad. When we win, we’re all happy.”
“We can celebrate today and until Monday, then we have to think about an important game against CSKA Moscow. We have to be focused and recover well.”
Christian Eriksen also chimed in with a potential run happening if Tottenham can maintain their form throughout this month. And should Mauriico Pochettino continue to stick with his preferred formation, why can’t Spurs return to winning ways?
“There always has been that feeling,” Eriksen said. “After a win you always get more confident, you want to go for it and keep going. Now we’ve kicked off with a good start to December and hopefully it will be a good month.”
Next: Is Tottenham's 4-2-3-1 Back for Good?
Finally, with Manchester United looming in the background at Old Trafford, Spurs must first finish their Champions League campaign on a good note by winning at Wembley Stadium.
Doing so will see Spurs play in the Europa League once again but it’s a competition that Tottenham are more comfortable in and could also advance further if they so choose to.
“We haven’t won yet at Wembley, we want to finish with a win and give something back to the fans – and take something for us as well by getting those three points.” Christian Eriksen added.