Be careful what you wish for at Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Mason, who deployed a front four Tottenham supporters have wanted to see all season, will question whether it’s still a viable option after being swept aside by Leeds. 

Hearing pregame of Son Heung-min, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Gareth Bale starting in the same time brings about a surge in anticipation. Three of Tottenham’s top four goal scorers, along with a formerly prolific midfielder in search of redemption, playing in the same starting team is reason enough for excitement, especially in a season riddled with solemnity.

The foursome decimated Sheffield United in the previous fixture, ripping through the Yorkshire club at will on route to a four-goal output. Feasting on one of the worst defences, however, doesn’t exactly offer a realistic test subject for the fearsome foursome. Cutting through that side is as easy as downing a pint after a stressful day.

Leeds yesterday represented an entirely different challenge. The high press Leeds expertly executed snuffed out time and space, allowing Spurs fleeting moments in possession.

The attacking quartet were dangerous on the counter, with Son benefitting from a wonderful move on the away side’s only goal. Giovanni Lo Celso located Sonny with a smart outlet pass. Dele eventually found Sonny on a fortuitous through ball and the South Korean finished with conviction.

Spurs replicated that move later in the first half, this time with Kane benefitting from another Dele through ball. A ridiculous marginal offside call nullified an outstanding sequence of play from Spurs’ frontmen.

That, though, was pretty much the entire extent of Tottenham’s offensive forays. Bale struggled to make his mark while Dele at times was unwilling to press defensively.

Mason spoke about the pivotal VAR decision in no uncertain times, saying it changed completely the complexion of the match.

And while I agree with the sentiment, the ludicrous VAR decision alone didn’t cost Spurs another missed opportunity to contend for a top four spot.