He’ll displace Palmer: Ange could bench Maddison & unleash “complete” Spurs ace instead
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has found himself under mounting pressure after what initially seemed to be a promising start.
The Australian coach appeared to be instilling a positive philosophy at the club, but recent results have cast doubt over his project. Despite impressive victories such as a 4-1 home win against Aston Villa and a stunning 4-0 triumph at Manchester City, Tottenham’s form has been inconsistent, with some shocking defeats tarnishing their campaign.
The 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town at home and the recent 1-0 defeat away to Bournemouth have raised serious questions about the team’s direction.
Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara even suggested on talkSPORT that Postecoglou could face the sack if he doesn’t turn things around quickly. The Bournemouth loss was particularly frustrating, as Spurs struggled to assert themselves despite enjoying substantial possession.
The performance against Bournemouth revealed glaring weaknesses. Andoni Iraola’s side outplayed Tottenham in key areas, creating more opportunities and maintaining a higher intensity throughout.
Bournemouth registered 21 shots, including eight on target, while Spurs managed only 12 shots with four on target. More alarmingly, Bournemouth created seven big chances, squandering six of them, which spared Tottenham from a heavier defeat. On another day, the scoreline could have been far more humiliating for the visitors.
Defensive frailties once again plagued Tottenham. Bournemouth capitalized on Spurs’ issues defending set-pieces, with young defender Dean Huijsen scoring his first goal for the Cherries.
Huijsen exploited Tottenham’s zonal marking system, finding himself unmarked at the back post to convert a free header. It was yet another example of poor defensive organization, a recurring problem for the team this season.
Individual performances also left much to be desired. James Maddison, usually a key creative force, had a night to forget. The England international struggled to influence the game, creating only two chances while losing possession 17 times.
His inability to maintain control in midfield compounded Tottenham’s woes, and he missed a crucial opportunity to level the match. Maddison’s underwhelming display could prompt Postecoglou to consider changes for the upcoming clash against Chelsea, a fixture that could prove pivotal for the manager’s tenure.
Pedro Porro may be in line for a return to the starting lineup after being rested against Bournemouth. The decision to rotate Porro out of the squad backfired, as his absence was keenly felt.
A consistent performer this season, Porro has been one of Spurs’ standout players, featuring in 17 matches across all competitions. His return could offer much-needed stability, both defensively and offensively.
Postecoglou might also reshuffle his midfield to address the imbalance. Archie Gray, who filled in at right-back against Bournemouth, could move back into his natural midfield role, allowing Porro to reclaim his position in defense.
This adjustment would likely reduce Tottenham’s attacking threat from midfield, but Gray has shown the ability to contribute in the final third, evidenced by his two assists during his time at Leeds United. Such a change might provide a better balance against Chelsea, a team with significant attacking firepower.
Porro’s defensive capabilities will be tested against Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, a player known for his versatility and creativity. Palmer’s free-roaming role presents unique challenges, but Porro’s defensive stats suggest he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Over the past year, the Spanish fullback has averaged 3.61 combined tackles and interceptions, 5.95 ball recoveries, and an impressive 1.57 successful tackles against dribblers per 90 minutes, placing him in the upper percentiles among fullbacks.
These numbers highlight Porro’s ability to disrupt opposition attacks and recover possession, making him a vital asset in Tottenham’s defensive setup. His performance against Palmer could prove decisive, as the Chelsea winger has been in sensational form, contributing nine goals and six assists in 14 Premier League appearances this season.
Keeping Palmer quiet will be no small task, but Porro has the opportunity to deliver a statement performance and reassert his importance to the team.
The clash against Chelsea comes at a crucial juncture for Tottenham. With Postecoglou under scrutiny and the team’s inconsistencies exposed, this match offers a chance to regain momentum and confidence.
A strong defensive display, combined with tactical adjustments in midfield, could provide the foundation for a much-needed result. For Postecoglou, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that his vision for Tottenham is still viable and that he can navigate the challenges of Premier League management.
As the team prepares for this pivotal encounter, the focus will be on tightening the defense, maximizing midfield creativity, and ensuring clinical execution in the final third.
Tottenham’s ability to rise to the occasion will determine not only the outcome of this high-stakes match but also the trajectory of their season. For Ange Postecoglou, it’s a defining moment—a chance to silence the doubters and prove that his project can withstand the pressures of top-flight football.