Not just Werner: Ange must now boldy axe Spurs ace who lost the ball 15x vs Tamworth
Tottenham Hotspur secured their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over non-league Tamworth. However, the match’s scoreline fails to reflect the challenges Spurs faced throughout the game.
All three goals were scored in extra time, with the opener coming from an own goal. Despite advancing, Ange Postecoglou’s side struggled to break down their lower-league opposition during the first 90 minutes, resulting in a performance that raised concerns about the team’s ability to dominate weaker opponents.
One of the players under scrutiny after the match was Timo Werner. The Germany international started as the central striker ahead of Dominic Solanke but failed to make the most of the opportunity to impress.
Werner contributed two key passes and created one significant chance, yet his overall performance fell short of expectations, particularly with his poor execution in crucial moments.
Vs Tamworth | Timo Werner |
---|---|
Minutes | 90 |
Shots | 4 |
Big Chances Missed | 2 |
Goals | 0 |
Possession Lost | 14x |
As shown in the table, Werner missed two clear opportunities to score, including a one-on-one situation where he failed to beat the goalkeeper. His inefficiency in front of goal and frequent loss of possession contributed to a frustrating afternoon for Spurs’ attack.
Another player who struggled was teenage winger Mikey Moore, making his first appearance since recovering from a lengthy illness. The 17-year-old, despite being included in the starting XI, lacked match sharpness and struggled to make an impact in the final third. His inexperience and lack of fitness were evident, affecting his ability to handle the physical demands of the game.
Performance Stats | Mikey Moore |
---|---|
Minutes | 68 |
Possession Lost | 15x |
Big Chances Created | 1 |
Shots on Target | 0 |
Moore’s performance mirrored Werner’s struggles, as he lost possession more often despite playing fewer minutes. While the England youth international did create one big chance, he failed to register a single shot on target and appeared out of sync with the pace of the game.
Given his recent recovery from illness, his lackluster display is understandable, but it highlights why he may not yet be ready for high-stakes matches like the upcoming North London derby.
Both Werner and Moore’s performances leave Postecoglou with critical decisions ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at The Emirates. Werner’s lack of clinical finishing and Moore’s fitness concerns suggest that neither should feature in the starting lineup.
However, Moore’s potential as a second-half substitute might still provide Spurs with an option to impact the game against their fierce rivals.
The win against Tamworth, while ultimately a positive result, exposed several areas of concern for Tottenham. The team’s difficulty in breaking down a National League side and the individual struggles of key players highlight the need for improvements, both in tactics and personnel.
As Spurs prepare for more significant challenges in their domestic campaign, Postecoglou will need to ensure his squad delivers performances befitting their Premier League stature.