This time last year Tottenham were top of the Premier League unbeaten.
A year later, Spurs are eighth, five points adrift of the top four and 10 behind the league leaders ahead of a week of football that could prove pivotal to their season. Ange Postecoglou’s team are troubled by a case of consistent inconsistency.
The Spurs boss cut a defeated figure when he faced the press following his side’s 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace on Sunday. His demeanour was a far cry from the jolly, room-capturing man that wowed the league with a refreshing charm last campaign. His side’s display at Selhurst Park was a reflection of that.
Struggles away from home
Very much second best at Selhurst Park, Postecoglou alluded to Spurs being outfought in a “battle” against Palace, unable to deal with the intensity of a side that, before their meeting, had yet to record a league victory. Unfortunately for Postecoglou, the loss also represents a worrying trend for Spurs when playing away from home.
When the final whistle blew in south London, the result meant that Tottenham had failed to win any of their last four London derby matches.
With three losses and a draw, the north London side have only managed a single goal during those defeats, failing to find the back of the net in three of those games.
It’s a problem that stretched beyond the capital, with Spurs having just one win in their last five league matches away from home. That victory came against 10-player Manchester United. Their only other point on the road came in their opening weekend draw at newly-promoted Leicester.
This season, based on home form alone, Spurs are fourth in the Premier League, scoring the third most goals and conceding the joint-second fewest. On away form, Spurs have scored the third fewest goals and conceded the fourth most, putting them in 13th.
This calendar year hasn’t been kind to Spurs on their travels either with just three total away wins in 2024.
An inability to win duels
In the weekend prior to the Palace defeat, Spurs seemingly put right the wrongs of their collapse at the Amex stadium where they led 2-0 against Brighton before suffering defeat. Goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Heung-Min Son and an Alphonse Areola own goal saw a rampant Spurs dismantle West Ham.
In the jubilation of the win was a reality of the performance that saw the Hammers cause Spurs real issues in transition. Their inability to deal with West Ham’s midfield in the first half saw James Maddison withdrawn at half-time for Pape Sarr in an alteration that had the desired effect as Spurs took greater control.
An inability to win duels means that Spurs are prone to losing control of games, especially against some of the league’s higher-octane sides away from home comforts.
Postecoglou’s principles, while risky, are what he wants his side to stick to. Playing out from the back cost them against Palace as the Eagles won the ball high up the pitch after Micky van de Ven failed to trap a pass from Pedro Porro in his own box. Palace took full advantage and Jean-Phillipe Mateta punished them with the winning goal.
A return to home comforts
On Sunday, Tottenham face Aston Villa at home, live on Sky Sports.
Villa represent a team that has found a replicable formula this season. The last time the sides faced at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs succumbed to a 2-1 defeat but were able to turn that around with a 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Villa Park. Postecoglou will be hoping for something similar to climb up the table.
The reality of Spurs’ expectations is something that has been discussed by previous managers, but Postecoglou has been adamant he will yield positive results come the end of the season.
The trouble for Spurs though, is that there is an inherent unpredictability week to week in their performances, reflected in their results that is stifling any kind of progression.
Watch Spurs host Aston Villa live on Sky Sports Premier League from 1pm on Sunday ahead of kick-off at 2pm.
