Now, let me preface this by saying: it’s only 3 losses against 3 decent teams, key difference makers are out and even if they continue on this run, Tottenham will be more than OK with Ange at the helm.

I’m going to talk about specifically these 3 games. Despite key players not playing, Tottenham have still been able to play the Ange way somewhat, because the players have the skillset to do so (looking at bryan gil, lo Celso, Bentancur and even Hojberg to an extent). the only time they got pegged back really was the second half vs wolves, and as a united fan, I can say wolves are pretty good at that.

ok that’s subjective but what’s factually correct is that spurs have led in each of these 3 games, and one would think that they would be more cautious and try to protect their lead despite it not being the Ange way. they played the “brave” high line against Chelsea, they switched off in the final minutes v wolves, they played a high line for the all-important equalizer at the end of the half against villa. i mean, look at the starting XI against villa. did Ange not even consider set pieces when he put that out?

I don’t know what’s right or wrong in the long term, but I do think that the inability of Ange to not be more pragmatic and flexible considering the circumstances is a genuine criticism to be had (feel free to disagree in the comments). in turn it’s probably that stubbornness that’s his strength as well. This is coming from a United fan who has the same issue (lack of a plan B) with Ten Hag so do with this bit of context what you will.

  • Snacks75@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Nah mate. If you look at the match, we played well enough to score more than one goal. Villa took their chances and we didn’t. And the ones that we took, we were marginally offside.

    That’s football sometimes. It is what it is, we’ll have a go next week.

  • rochesterjack@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    They’re being rumbled very quickly, he needs a plan B, not saying he’s not up to it but he needs to implement it pretty quickly cos it’ll unravel sharpish. Still great to watch & very entertaining.

  • editedxi@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    All of Ange’s previous clubs went through the same thing and came out the other side better for it. He is unrelenting in his pursuit of scoring goals. We don’t stop trying to score. On another day we could have had 5 goals quite easily. By playing this way no matter what, we will get to the point where we are scoring 3+ every week. I trust the process. Plus, even with the injuries we have I’m pretty encouraged that we only conceded two goals today. More to come from us, and it will be great to watch throughout 2024.

  • bardachni@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Any team in the PL would struggle with the volume of players that Spurs are missing. It’s a clear indicator that the rebuild is not over and needs to keep pace in January. Most Spurs fans are pragmatic and are accepting that this is part of the process - I’ve never seen the anti-Spurs hysteria from other clubs as much as in this season.

    The fact that they are committed, playing good football and only just coming up short is a testament to the change in attitudes at the club. I remember when we’d give up before the first whistle and get turned over by 5 goals.

  • VeryStandardOutlier@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    What you’re saying is they should sit in a block with Dier and Davies at CB in the name of “pragmatism”. We already know how that story ends. We’ve seen it for 4 years. Just because you’re playing cynically doesn’t mean you’re somehow more likely to win.

    We have a far better chance at winning and controlling the game with the way we played today. We won on xG by over a goal but couldn’t finish for shit. We finish two goals in the first 10 minutes (and we should have) and you wouldn’t be writing this

  • Caesarthebard@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Any team that had the players out that we have had would struggle. Yes, we do need players in January, I don’t think anyone has said otherwise but this is the main reason. Decimate a team over the course of three games of eight of its best players and even Champions League winning teams would seriously struggle with that. This has been freakish.

    The club is only at the start of having Ange’s mentality and style drilled into them - if anything, we are now being shown as victims of our early success. It usually takes him at least a season to get everything to the level he wants it at.

    We’ve tried pragmatic with Dier and Davies at the back in the last three/four seasons and it’s been a complete disaster. I don’t know why anyone thinks Ange trying what has already failed comprehensively (as well as what is against his beliefs) will succeed. The only reason we won games at all when we tried pragmatic low block football is because we had Kane and we don’t even have him now.

    Spurs fans are behind this and we knew there would be bumps in the road.

  • fietfo@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Everyone who actually watches Tottenham can see what is being done is absolutely without a shadow of a doubt what we should be doing and what we should continue to do.

    There’s a reason the last few games haven’t worked out and we all know it’s the thin squad. With 10 players out and fullbacks having to play cb it’s a bit of a problem.

    But the way we play should continue and we will benefit in the long run, and Ange will anyway. Regardless of what is said outside of Tottenham.

    A bit of time a few transfers windows and by the time next season rolls round things should be looking good.

  • btmalon@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    We have been conceding from set pieces near the halfway line for 5 years now. I don’t think it has much to do with Ange’s naivety.

  • stilusmobilus@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Pretty certain that after applying this for 20 years and progressively being successful at it, unfortunately that will continue.

    Generally, Postecoglou’s sides don’t do that well at all at the start until the system gets understood, but that hasn’t happened here which is even more worrying. The main things stopping it are injuries and silly on field decisions by players. It seems that the higher quality of player makes the system even more effective.

    I’ve been watching him since his Roar days. I’m pretty confident his system will bear fruit for them.

  • TJFSI38@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Not watched much of Spurs this season, but what are Spurs’ fans views on Ange? Has he justified the hype or is it exaggerated by the media?

  • Magicwiper@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    They didn’t switch off for the last few minutes against Wolves they were second best for the majority of the game and Wolves just could not take their chances. The Chelsea game could of been ridiculous but they seemed not to want to score and still got 4! Didn’t watch the Villa game so can’t comment but I wouldn’t be surprised if Villa had an off day against Tottenham rather than Tottenham played them off the park.