Tottenham can turn to three main contributing factors when analyzing their current six-match slump, a downturn that has dropped them to ninth place.
There are often countless issues when a side is enduring a poor run of form. You can’t stop the rot by solving one primary cause. It will take a concerted effort for Tottenham to dig themselves out of the trench they’ve dug.
Only one win in six matches has seen the Lilywhites drop significantly down the table. In those six games, Spurs have been kept off the scoresheet on three occasions. They’ve been outscored 10-4 and have only led once.
Here’s the three main contributing factors to Tottenham’s recent Premier League struggles.
3. Sergio Reguilón’s absence
Sergio Reguilón’s injury absence unsurprisingly coincided with the Tottenham’s recent Premier League downfall. His return to the side last week ended up in defeat to West Ham, but one can blame that on rustiness, a discernible lack of match fitness.
While I have nothing against Ben Davies, who filled in admirably during Reguilón’s time on the treatment table, the Welshman doesn’t measure up to the innumerable benefits Reguilón brings.
The Spaniard’s speed and skill allows him to maraud forward in possession, taking the pressure off of Spurs rearguard. He is one of Tottenham’s top performers so far this season, and for good reason.
His crosses are also hugely advantageous. The loanee from Real Madrid more often than not whips in delightfully teasing crosses, challenging even the most aerial proficient defenders. Those crosses put opposing defenders on the back foot, facilitating chances for Tottenham, who scored just three goals — two of which against lowly West Brom — in the five matches he missed. In fact Tottenham were shutout in three of five matches without Reguilón’s services.
Most of Reguilón’s key contributions come on the offensive side of the ball. He is an out-and-out wingback, a perfect embodiment of the modern role. His defensive numbers are middling, if not disappointing. Reguilón has lost more duels and aerial challenges than he has won. But that’s not why he’s in the team. He offers a vital lifeline for Spurs in possession. Consistently providing an outlet, Reguilón ability to play on the front foot decreases the pressure on the back line, a slightly unheralded, yet decisive element to Spurs’ overall success.
2. Son Heung-Min’s scoring drought
Unless you live under a rock, you know how much of an impact Son Heung-Min has on Tottenham Hotspur. He has 13 top flight goals this season, accounting for 35 percent of his side’s goals. Though it might be a sobering thought, Tottenham’s results are entirely too dependent on goals from Son and Harry Kane. If they don’t score or set others up on a platter, too often Spurs remain goalless.
Kane and Son have contributed for over 70 percent of Spurs’ 37 goals this season. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket. Unfortunately the goals have dried up completely for Son, who has potted just one in his last nine Premier League matches. Even though Son isn’t an out-and-out striker, Tottenham depend on him like he is.
Son’s offensive contribution cannot be understated. He is one of two critical elements in an engine that drives Spurs attacking machine. But he’s played a lot of football, relied upon every game to provide the goods.
And although sometimes he performs as systematically and efficient as a robot, we have to remember he wasn’t mechanically engineered in a lab. Obviously susceptible to the physical rigours of the Premier League, Son is showing signs of wear and tear. He needs more rest between games, which Jose Mourinho will be acutely aware of. That depends on Dele Alli, Gareth Bale, Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela doing their part so Son can get the rest he, and Spurs, so obviously need.
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.