As the year draws to a close Tottenham fans may find themselves reflecting on the first half of a season that perhaps embodies that most annoying of tags that has been attached to their club in recent years.
Ange Postecoglou seemed to have cast away that ‘Spursy’ label in a blistering start after his appointment last summer, marrying the club’s much-trumpeted desire for fun, attacking football with an apparently hard-edged ability to actually win most of their matches. It seemed like a dream combination for those who dared to do, and Tottenham were being talked about as genuine title contenders as they won eight and drew two of their opening 10 matches. ‘Ange-ball’ was the talk of the top flight.
Then, as the days grew shorter, injuries hit hard and the wheels seemed to fall off. Spurs were ‘Spursy’ again. Four defeats and a draw in five games brought all the old anxieties flooding back and the gregarious Postecoglou went from being everyone’s favourite fantasy barbecue host, to looking more like a grumpy uncle who could explode and ruin the family get-together.Â
Then three wins on the trot suggested a December fightback but Thursday’s 4-2 defeat at Brighton – where they trailed 4-0 before a late rally – again saw a vulnerable underbelly exposed and the team looked jaded. Postecoglou has admitted his high-energy, high-risk style takes a hard toll on players and has asked for funds to reinforce his squad early in January.
Today’s opponents will pose another stiff test for the Greek-Australian coach. Bournemouth are the league’s form side, having won six of their last seven matches and four on the trot away from home. After a tricky start following his not universally popular replacement of Gary O’Neil, Basque manager Andoni Iraola seems to have got his methods across and is reaping the dividends as his side have catapulted themselves into mid-table.Â
Striker Dominic Solanke is on fire, having netted eight times in their seven-game unbeaten streak. He is sure to test the Spurs back line, the area which Postecoglou is most anxious to strengthen.