The Return of Tottenham Hotspur
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North London, England - The date May 8th, 2019 may seem like an inconspicuous one. Of course, it was pre-Covid pandemic and for those in the United States, it was even before the contentious 2020 Presidential campaign was in full throttle. But for fans of soccer, specifically fans of London side Tottenham Hotspur, it’s a day that marks one of the most momentous performances in club soccer history. After falling 1-0 down to Ajax in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final, Spurs pulled off the impossible. The English squad traveled to the storied Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and won 3-2 after conceding two first half goals. The victory propelled Tottenham to its first Champions League final in history (advancing on away goals). However, Spurs’ promising tournament run would come to an end at the hands of premiership rival Liverpool in the tournament finale. Despite falling short, the future for Tottenham looked bright. Star players Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were approaching their athletic prime and manager Mauricio Pochettino looked like the next great footballing mind.
Fast forward to the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season, and the situation in North London looked much different. Talismanic striker Harry Kane left his club of 14 years to join German giants Bayern Munich. Presumably because the England international wanted a better chance at winning trophies. Former manager Mauricio Pochiettino was sacked just five months after leading Spurs to the Champions League final. In total, only two players who started the second leg against Ajax were still part of Spurs at the beginning of this season. Despite being predicted to finish outside of the EPL top six by many pundits, Spurs have started the 2023-24 campaign on fire.
New manager Ange Postecoglou has aided Tottenham to a 4-1-0 start through the first month of the season. Spurs’ attack is humming, the squad is third in the Premiership with 13 goals scored. Even without Harry Kane, the Tottenham offense looks more organized than it has looked in years. The additions of James Maddison, Pedro Porro, and Dejan Kulusevski (whose loan from Juventus was made permanent) have injected a much-needed creative spark into Spurs’ lineup.
Postecoglou’s high-pace and pressing style of play has suited Tottenham well so far. The Australian manager’s tactics helped to earn Celtic two Scottish League titles while under his control from 2021-23. When it comes to Spurs, Postecoglou’s biggest imprint seems to be on the midfield. Under former head coach Anotnio Conte, Tottenham often lined up with three centerbacks and wingbacks flanking either side. The result was a heavily defensive team that left midfielders exposed and without many passing options. In 2022-23 Tottenham averaged 38 progressive passes per 90. Under Postecoglou, Spurs currently sit at 58 progressive passes per game (only a five match sample size).
Tottenham Winger Son Heung-Min has scored 106 EPL goals since joining in 2015. Credit: Reuters
Although Spurs have already beat Manchester United and put five past Burnley, Tottenham’s most impressive display might’ve come last weekend against Sheffield United. Despite finishing the match with 70% possession, Postecoglou’s side trailed 1-0 heading into second half added time. Tottenham, however, wouldn’t go away easily. The London side equalized in the 98th minute after struggling. Brazilian forward Richarlison netted his first goal of the season with a header off of an Ivan Perisic corner. Tottenham Hotspur would put a bow on the contest soon after, as Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski launched a thunderbolt just inside of the penalty box in the 100th minute.
While Tottenham has looked strong throughout the early stages of the season, their toughest fixtures are still ahead. Spurs’ next two Premier League matches are against their archrivals Arsenal (September 24) and an undefeated Liverpool team (September 30). Even with a relatively easy first five matches, Tottenham’s impressive start begs the question; Are Tottenham Back?
