While Harry Kane may be enjoying a thrilling start to his Bayern Munich career, it isn’t all doom and gloom in Tottenham as many were anticipating.
The Ange Postecoglu era is underway and a refreshing change of pace and style for Spurs fans from the Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho approaches which frustrated fans, and players alike.
Losing your biggest star, and arguably one of the best strikers in world football will always knock a team. Kane’s contributions were incredible and difficult to move on from, and Postecoglu was considered somewhat of an outside shot for the role, especially in the eyes of those closely following the odds on platforms such as 32red sports betting.
He has though got off to a fantastic start with the north London side. With 23 points from his opening nine games in charge, he has the most of any new manager in the Premier League history over that time span.
Son Heung-min has taken over the armband and leading his side through the middle, taking over the “Kane Role” so to speak, but the way Spurs now play is a distant cry from the defensive and cautious approaches of recent managers past.
Spurs have scored in every single game so far, all without signing a new star striker to take over from the departed Kane. They have scored in every game, and in eight of these nine games, they have scored two or more goals.
Postecoglu’s attacking and fluid approach utilises the speed of his attack, spearheaded by Son, but also includes Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and new signings James Maddison and Brennan Johnson.
Son has amassed seven goals in nine games since taking the leading role, which Maddison has three, Kulusevski two and Richarlison one. The forward line is clicking without the traditional “Number 9” up top.
Moving away from the wingbacks and back three used by Conte has freed up the forwards and offered the advanced central midfield role to Maddison who is thriving since his move from relegated Leicester City.
The England International has three goals and five assists across these opening nine games and is playing his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans as the national team look to evolve and compete in the 2024 Euro’s.
While the attack is flowing in a style which says, “We are sure we’ll outscore you”, the defence is also having a great start to the year.
You could be forgiven for thinking that gaps may appear at the back in transition, or they could struggle with players unfavoured or out of form last season in midfield. But this Spurs team look full of confidence.
Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma in the midfield have found their feet with Postecoglu and provided a solid defensive midfield in front of the central defenders. Sarr has won 10 of his 13 tackles attempted which Bissouma has completed 18 of his attempted 26. They have a combined 58 tackles and interceptions made between the two of them in midfield.
Guglielmo Vicario is the joint-leading goalkeeper with clean sheets too in the Premier League behind new signing Mickey van de Ven who has looked a reassuring presence alongside often hot-headed Cristian Romero, who seems more composed and calm this season.
While everything seems to be going right for Postecoglu so far, he has been able to enjoy the plaudits and praise in the media for his teams’ performances as well as his entertaining press conferences and approachability.
While all is rosy now, we are yet to see him under pressure. Tough games continue to come for Tottenham, with Aston Villa (H), Manchester City (A), West Ham United (H), and Newcastle (H) from the end of November before the busy Christmas period.
The big Aussie has been a revelation for Spurs so far and handled the loss of Kane spectacularly, but Spurs history often shows they are one step away from a sticky patch. Postecoglu has handled everything impeccably so far, it will be exciting to see where the rest of the season can go.
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