Expect a much better Tottenham performance against Juventus

Expect Spurs, after a thoroughly disappointing performance against Manchester City, to recover and show their true colours in their final pre-season against Juventus. 

Almost everything that could go wrong did during Tottenham’s 3-0 pre-season loss to City in Nashville yesterday. The starting 11 were flat and devoid of zest from kickoff, most of whom were uncharacteristically poor in possession.

Kieran Trippier was a ball of nerves during his time on the pitch. He had the touch of The Thing from Fantastic Four and conceded possession carelessly – and on several occasions. Other than two deadly accurate early crosses, Trippier’s long balls also missed their mark more often than we’re used to seeing.

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Eric Dier also endured a nightmare first half, needlessly coughing up possession in dangerous parts of the pitch. The most forgettable instance saw Dier set City up for a sitter, which Danilo thankfully – and laughably – ballooned over from point-blank range.

Even Mousa Dembele wasn’t nearly as assured in possession. Dembele also joined in on the litany of giveaways, conceding possession in Spurs’ third of the pitch. Hugo Lloris made an easy save on the resulting play but Dembele’s lack of concentration was a microcosm of the entire match.

Hugo Lloris knocked the ball into touch a few times. His distribution has been a slight cause for concern lately, the most glaring giveaway coming in France colours against Sweden in a World Cup Qualifier in June. Lloris’ gifted Sweden the home win in the dying minutes with a wayward clearance.

Harry Kane missed a sitter on a breakaway in the latter stages of the first half, an occurrence more rare than witnessing a live Joachim Löw butt sniff.

As you can plainly see, it wasn’t going to be Spurs day.

Recover and regroup

Trippier will settle into his position, ridding himself of the overtly apparent nerves he displayed yesterday in Nashville. Mauricio Pochettino will provide a necessary calming presence in the dressing room in the aftermath of the defeat. The gaffer remained steadfast in his post-match comments, reiterating that the most important thing is preparation, and not the result itself.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/891553972539895808

Nobody wants to lose in such comprehensive fashion against a Premier League rival. However, if it has to happen, Spurs picked the best time for it to do so. They have a week to dissect the loss before their last pre-season game against Juventus, and two weeks before the business really kicks into gear.

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That’s plenty of time to commiserate, reflect, recover and put their collective best foot forward against the Italian giants on July 5. Spurs also have a fortnight to buy a player or two, something the gaffer has made recent iterations about, all but promising help is on the way. 

Regardless of Pochettino’s team selection on Saturday against Juventus, expect Tottenham to acquit themselves with desire, composure, poise and decisiveness, team attributes we’ve come to expect over the last few seasons.