Tottenham Hotspur's recent victory against FC Copenhagen, while celebrated, highlighted underlying issues that still need addressing. Micky van de Ven's stunning goal momentarily diverted attention from the team's struggles, but the cracks are still there. Let's dive deeper into what happened.
Thomas Frank, the Spurs head coach, experienced a tough match, with his team recording their second-lowest xG (expected goals) in a Premier League match. This performance led to criticism, with some even comparing the team's display to that of a 'League Two team.'
However, Spurs were fortunate to face FC Copenhagen, a team that had struggled away from home against English sides. This presented an opportunity for Spurs to secure a much-needed home win. Furthermore, Copenhagen's defense had been vulnerable, conceding multiple goals in their recent Champions League matches.
Early in the game, Spurs showed promise, putting pressure on Copenhagen. A series of events led to Spurs taking the lead around the 20-minute mark. Rodrigo Bentancur passed the ball to Xavi Simons, who then set up Brennan Johnson, leading to a goal.
Simons, despite recent criticism, was at the heart of Spurs' positive moments. He should have had a second assist, but Randal Kolo Muani missed a close-range shot. Kolo Muani also missed a clear header just before halftime. These missed opportunities could have been costly against stronger opponents, as Spurs had the same number of shots on target (two) in the first half despite dominating possession (67%).
Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski's errors further aided Spurs, leading to their second goal, with Kolo Muani assisting Wilson Odobert. Johnson's red card threatened to change the game, but the team's center-backs, including Van de Ven, stepped up. Van de Ven scored an incredible goal, running the length of the pitch before finishing. This was his sixth goal of the season. Following this, Cristian Romero assisted Joao Palhinha for another goal. Richarlison missed a penalty, preventing Spurs from a larger victory.
This win was a boost for Frank and the team, but Van de Ven's brilliance masked the underlying issues. Kolo Muani's struggles in front of goal and the team's lack of cohesion remain a concern, justifying the internal 'desperation' for new attackers. Spurs' performance will be tested against Manchester United.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think Van de Ven's goal truly masked the team's problems, or was it a sign of their potential? And this is the part most people miss... Were the team's struggles due to individual player performances, or deeper tactical issues? What do you think Spurs needs to improve in the long run? Share your thoughts in the comments!
