Lost the ball 13x: Ange must drop 5/10 Spurs man who was as bad as Son against Leicester

Tottenham Hotspur began their Premier League season with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Leicester City. While not disastrous, the result left fans and pundits disappointed as Spurs aim to secure a top-four finish and return to Champions League football.

The match highlighted a critical issue for Ange Postecoglou’s side: a lack of clinical finishing. Although there were a few bright spots, key players, including club captain Son Heung-min and new signing Brennan Johnson, failed to deliver the performances expected of them.

Son Heung-min, a player renowned for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, delivered a surprisingly subdued performance against Leicester City. Despite being a talismanic figure for Tottenham, Son looked off the pace, failing to connect effectively with his teammates and often squandering possession. This below-par display drew criticism from fans and media alike, including a harsh 4/10 rating from Express journalist Amos Murphy.

Son’s Game by the Numbers

The statistics highlight Son’s struggles on the night. In his 89 minutes on the pitch, he failed to score or assist, mustered only one blocked shot, and his expected goals figure was a mere 0.03. Additionally, Son completed just one of three crosses, lost possession 13 times, and was dribbled past three times, which underscores how ineffective he was in creating opportunities for his team.

Brennan Johnson, Tottenham’s new signing from Nottingham Forest, also had a difficult night. Starting on the right wing, Johnson had moments of promise but ultimately failed to make a significant impact on the game. Like his captain, Johnson struggled to create clear-cut chances, and his overall performance suggested that he might not be ready for a regular starting role just yet.

Johnson’s Game by the Numbers

Johnson’s stats further emphasize his struggles. With an expected goals and assists figure of only 0.16 combined, one shot on target, and no completed crosses, Johnson’s contribution was minimal. His passing accuracy was also below par at 77%, and like Son, he lost possession 13 times, which disrupted Tottenham’s attacking rhythm.

The performances of Son and Johnson are indicative of broader tactical challenges that Ange Postecoglou faces. The lack of finishing quality in the final third is an issue that plagued Tottenham last season and appears to have carried over into the new campaign. Despite creating several opportunities in the first half against Leicester, Spurs failed to capitalize, allowing the Foxes to remain in the game and eventually equalize.

Additionally, Postecoglou’s decision to start Johnson on the right wing over the more experienced Dejan Kulusevski raised eyebrows. While Johnson is a promising talent, his performance suggests he might benefit from being eased into the Premier League rather than being thrust into the starting lineup. Kulusevski, who came on in the 79th minute, injected much-needed energy into the team, and his presence could have altered the game’s outcome had he been introduced earlier.

As Tottenham prepare for their upcoming fixtures, including a home game against Everton, Postecoglou faces some tough decisions. The performances against Leicester suggest that changes may be needed to ensure that Spurs can be more effective in the final third. Players like Kulusevski may need to be given a more prominent role, while the likes of Johnson might benefit from more time to adapt to the team’s style of play.

Furthermore, Postecoglou will need to work on ensuring that key players like Son Heung-min find their form quickly. Son’s ability to turn games on their head is well-documented, and his return to form will be crucial if Tottenham are to challenge for a top-four spot.

While the draw against Leicester City was not the start that Tottenham Hotspur fans were hoping for, it is far from the end of their ambitions for the season. There were some positive aspects to take from the game, and with the right adjustments, Spurs can still find their stride.

However, the early signs suggest that Postecoglou and his team have work to do, particularly in converting chances and ensuring that key players deliver on their potential. If they can address these issues, there is no reason why Tottenham cannot push for a top-four finish this season.

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