Grading Jose Mourinho’s first three months as Tottenham boss

The negatives

Under Mourinho, Tottenham were involved in their first scoreless draw in 93 matches at Vicarage Road. That match highlighted the club’s inability to create offence. It was the third match on the bounce Tottenham were held goalless, matching the club’s worst streak in six years.

It was clear Mourinho’s dogged, hard-nosed, defensive brand of football was starting to take over. Injuries didn’t help the gaffer’s cause, but there is no excuse, even away from home, for not scoring against Southampton and Watford.

And then there is Spurs well documented defensive frailties. Mourinho’s new side conceded eight goals in his first three matches in charge. But things have since changed, with the Portuguese gaffer’s tactics, ideologies and strategies now firmly instilled.

Otherwise, Mourinho has taken criticism for his record against the elite sides. Spurs lost at Old Trafford 1-2 and were defeated at home 0-2 to Chelsea in a woeful outing. They followed that defeat up by a closer, more encouraging 0-1 loss to Liverpool, the probable league winners. Then came Spurs 2-0 victory over Manchester City, providing Mourinho his first victory against the top flight’s best. One out of four is certainly nothing to write home about but it’s a giant step in the right direction.