Three reasons poor first half vs Leeds will benefit Tottenham

3. Conte and his side have already overcome adversity

Spurs were yet again booed off the pitch at the interval. Conte gave his honest opinion in the aftermath of the match, saying Tottenham’s supporters had every right to show their universal condemnation of the listless, disjointed and apathetic first half display.

However, Tottenham’s second-half recovery provided great cause for optimism. Conte would have been enraged with what he saw in the first 45 minutes. And he definitely let his starting side know about it in the locker room. The gaffer made some minor tactical adjustments at the break. The change in mentality, though, was the most impressive component of Spurs’ turnaround.

The reaction was brilliant to see. Conte’s irrepressible intensity lifted his side and the 60,000 disgruntled supporters. Tottenham got knocked down, but, most importantly, bounced back. You learn the most about your team when you hit rock bottom. And make no mistake, that first half display was as close to rock bottom as Tottenham have come.

To overcome palpable adversity in the first month of Conte’s tenure bodes well for Spurs. Camaraderie will increase, bonds will strengthen, which will invariably lead to more positive collective performances.