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Two most urgent areas of concern for Tottenham Hotspur

By Gary Pearson

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United and Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 4, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United and Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 4, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Defensive fragilities were yet again on show in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, with two recurring themes requiring urgent attention if Tottenham are to vie for a top four spot. 

Shockingly, after numerous missed opportunities, Tottenham still have an opportunity to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Though, even with direct competitors continually tripping up, it’s unlikely Spurs will finish in the top four, especially if they can’t resolve two glaring defensive issues.

2. Tottenham’s aerial deficiencies

Newcastle’s game plan was as simple as it was clear. Knock the ball long or delivery crosses to put Spurs’ fragile rearguard under pressure. Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon and Sergio Reguilon were dominated aerially by a physically superior and more wily Newcastle front line.

Dwight Gayle had his way in the air with Sanchez and Tanganga. If not for a superb Hugo Lloris double save, Gayle would have buried the initial close-range first half header. Sanchez was caught out on a simple direct angled cross, while Tanganga couldn’t cover the gap in time to interject. Tottenham were eventually made to pay for their inability to deal with crosses and direct aerial long balls. Reguilon, who is known more for his attacking prowess than his defensive aerial ability, was easily beaten in the air at the back post on Joe Willock’s eventual 85th minute leveller.

The Premier League is ruthless and unforgiving, which makes it all the more important to be able to defend an opponent’s aerial threat. Jose Mourinho needs to find a way to source a commanding presence in Tottenham’s back line, an asset clearly missing in Spurs ranks.

Sanchez has incredible difficulty judging long aerial balls, while Rodon is still too raw and inexperienced to get the better of wily attackers. Eric Dier is so far off the pace he cannot even be considered a viable option, while Toby Alderweireld is entering the twilight of his playing career.

Jose needs to source a commanding marshal in the offseason, or Spurs will face the exact same problem going into next season.

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