The start of the 2024/25 Premier League season has been a rollercoaster for Tottenham Hotspur and their supporters. After a summer of excitement and expectation, driven by the arrival of promising talents like Archie Gray and Dominic Solanke, the campaign’s early results have been mixed.
With only four points secured from a possible nine, and key players struggling to make an impact, manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself at a critical juncture. The team’s recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United has intensified scrutiny, particularly on the performance of new signing Wilson Odobert. As Spurs look ahead to the crucial North London derby against Arsenal, questions are being raised about the need for tactical adjustments and whether Odobert should retain his place in the starting lineup.
A Summer of Promise
Tottenham’s summer transfer window was marked by strategic acquisitions aimed at bolstering the squad and securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. The arrivals of Archie Gray, a highly-rated young midfielder from Leeds United, and Dominic Solanke, a proven goalscorer from AFC Bournemouth, were seen as significant upgrades. These signings, combined with the tactical acumen of new manager Ange Postecoglou, raised hopes that Spurs could mount a serious challenge for Champions League qualification.
Recommends-
- Ange must immediately drop 5/10 Spurs ace who lost the ball every 4 touches vs NUFC – opinion
- Ange Postecoglou makes controversial St James’ Park atmosphere claim
- Why Son asked Postecoglou to make strange Spurs decision and Solanke’s key role
However, the early weeks of the season have been anything but straightforward. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and defensive frailties have plagued the team, leading to disappointing results. The loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
The Newcastle United Defeat: A Case Study in Missed Opportunities
Tottenham’s trip to St James’ Park was always going to be a tough test. Newcastle United, under the management of Eddie Howe, have become a formidable force, particularly at home. The Magpies have developed a reputation for grinding out results, even when they are not at their best. This was precisely the scenario that unfolded against Spurs.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Tottenham found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as it highlighted several areas where the team fell short. Defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and a lack of cutting edge in the final third all contributed to the loss.
Cristian Romero, one of Tottenham’s most reliable defenders, had an uncharacteristically poor game. He was caught out of position for both of Newcastle’s goals, allowing the opposition to capitalize on defensive errors. Destiny Udogie, a young full-back who has shown promise in his early appearances, also struggled to cope with the pace and physicality of Newcastle’s attackers. His inability to effectively challenge Jacob Murphy in the build-up to Alexandre Isak’s goal was a key moment in the match.
Yet, while the defense bore the brunt of the blame, it was in the attacking third where Tottenham’s shortcomings were most apparent. Despite their dominance, Spurs failed to convert their chances into goals. This lack of clinical finishing has become a recurring theme in the early part of the season, and it is an area that must be addressed if the team is to achieve its objectives.
Wilson Odobert: A Talent in Transition
One of the most intriguing storylines of Tottenham’s early season has been the integration of Wilson Odobert into the first team. The 19-year-old winger was signed from Burnley for a reported fee of £25 million, a significant investment in a player with immense potential. Odobert’s arrival was somewhat unexpected, as there had been little speculation linking him with a move to Spurs prior to the deal being completed.
Odobert’s signing was seen as a coup for Tottenham, as the Frenchman had impressed during his time at Burnley. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal made him a standout performer in the Championship, and there was optimism that he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
However, adapting to the demands of top-flight football is never easy, particularly for a young player making the step up from the Championship. Odobert’s early performances have been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance tempered by moments of inexperience and inconsistency.
In the match against Newcastle, Odobert was handed his second start of the season, having made his debut the previous weekend against Everton. It was an opportunity for the youngster to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in English football. However, his performance ultimately fell short of expectations.
A Performance Under the Microscope
Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, a respected journalist with a deep understanding of Tottenham Hotspur, provided a candid assessment of Odobert’s performance against Newcastle. Gold awarded the winger a 5/10 rating, noting that while Odobert posed a threat with his pace and direct running, he lacked the final pass or finish required to truly influence the game.
This assessment was borne out by the statistics. Odobert played 74 minutes, during which he had 40 touches of the ball and completed 20 of his 24 attempted passes, giving him an impressive pass accuracy of 83%. However, these numbers do not tell the full story.
Despite his involvement in the build-up play, Odobert struggled to make a decisive impact in the final third. He managed just one key pass throughout the match, and his two attempts at goal both missed the target. His crossing was also ineffective, with both of his attempts failing to find a teammate. In addition, Odobert completed none of his two attempted dribbles, and he lost possession 11 times.
While it is important to remember that Odobert is still in the early stages of his development, these statistics highlight the challenges he faces in adapting to the Premier League. The step up from the Championship is significant, and it is clear that Odobert is still finding his feet at this level.
The Tactical Conundrum: To Persist or Make Changes?
Ange Postecoglou now faces a difficult decision regarding Odobert’s place in the team. On the one hand, the manager will be keen to give the young winger time to settle and find his rhythm. Consistency is often key for young players, and dropping Odobert after just a few games could dent his confidence and hinder his development.
On the other hand, Tottenham cannot afford to drop points in a highly competitive Premier League season. The upcoming North London derby against Arsenal is a crucial fixture, and Postecoglou will need to field a team capable of delivering a result. Given Odobert’s struggles against Newcastle, there is a strong case for making changes to the starting lineup.
One of the key factors in Postecoglou’s decision will be the availability of other attacking options. Tottenham’s strength in depth in the forward positions is one of the team’s biggest assets this season. The likes of Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Heung-min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski all offer different qualities, and Postecoglou has the flexibility to rotate his attack depending on the opposition.
Brennan Johnson: A Strong Contender
One player who has made a strong case for inclusion in the starting lineup is Brennan Johnson. The Welsh international was instrumental in Tottenham’s first goal against Newcastle, forcing Dan Burn into an own goal with a dangerous cross. Johnson’s pace, energy, and ability to deliver quality balls into the box make him a valuable asset, particularly in matches where space is at a premium.
Johnson’s versatility is another factor in his favor. He can operate on either wing or through the middle, giving Postecoglou the option to deploy him in a variety of roles. His performance against Newcastle suggests that he is ready to take on a more prominent role in the team, and he could be the ideal candidate to replace Odobert in the starting lineup for the Arsenal match.
Timo Werner: Experience and Goalscoring Threat
Another option for Postecoglou is Timo Werner, the German forward who joined Tottenham in the summer. Werner has a proven track record of scoring goals at the highest level, and his experience could be invaluable in a high-pressure fixture like the North London derby.
Werner’s ability to play across the front line makes him a versatile option, and his understanding of the game allows him to link up effectively with his teammates. If Postecoglou decides to prioritize experience and goal threat, Werner could be the man to step into the starting eleven.
The Return of Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke’s fitness will also be a key consideration. The striker has missed two of Tottenham’s first three matches due to injury, but if he is available for the Arsenal game, he is likely to be a key part of Postecoglou’s plans. Solanke’s physical presence, hold-up play, and ability to score goals make him a focal point for Tottenham’s attack, and his return could provide the team with the cutting edge they have been missing.
If Solanke is fit, Postecoglou could opt for a front three of Son, Kulusevski, and Solanke. This combination offers a balance of pace, creativity, and finishing ability, and it could pose a significant challenge to an Arsenal defense that has been in fine form this season.
The Importance of the North London Derby
The North London derby is always one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season, and the upcoming clash between Tottenham and Arsenal is no exception. Both teams have started the season strongly, and the result of this match could have a significant impact on the race for the top four.
For Tottenham, the derby represents an opportunity to bounce back from the disappointment of the Newcastle defeat and make a statement against their fierce rivals. A victory would not only boost.