Three main causes for Tottenham’s Premier League slump

1. Lack of continuity in heart of defence

The main cause for Tottenham’s slump is the distinct lack of continuity at the heart of defence. Jose cycles through centre backs as much as a washing machine tumbles clothes, even though he only has three, maybe four, viable options.

He employed a back three in the 3-1 loss to Liverpool, with Joe Rodon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies lining up across the back. That provided a disastrous outcome, with Liverpool exposing the trifecta repeatedly. Stubborn and steadfast, Jose went back to the same system against Brighton, this time employing Davinson Sanchez, Jos Rodon and Toby Alderweireld. While Spurs only lost 1-0, it was much the same. It’s a system that doesn’t suit Tottenham’s defensive personnel.

Finally convinced he was flogging a dead horse, Jose reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 for his side’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea. Dier and Alderweireld were the rearguard pairing for that match. Dier’s inexplicable foul on Timo Werner led to Chelsea’s winner from the spot.

Toby and Davinson formed the partnership for the lone win during the recent six-game slump. But West Brom weren’t able muster much offence in Tottenham’s comfortable 2-0 win.

Then came City, when Dier and Davinson formed the dubious duo. We all know what transpired in that 3-0 loss. For the first time in six matches, Jose against West Ham stuck with the same pair in consecutive games.

But it was the wrong pair. Davinson and Dier have difficulty getting on the same page, a fact that was miserably reinforced for both of West Ham’s goals.

Consistency, especially at the most important positions on the pitch, is an essential element to any side’s success. Jose obviously doesn’t know who his best central defensive partnership is, which is costing the team more severely than any other deficiency.