TBR Football

After Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby, it’s understandably all doom and gloom in N17.

Tottenham are now 13th in the Premier League and Ange Postecoglou must be feeling the pressure of only winning one league game in nine attempts.

Spurs are in a Carabao Cup semi-final, but they’re currently not showing too many signs that they’ll be able to hold onto their 1-0 lead when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool next month.

That being said, it feels as if Spurs’ project is at the point whereby Daniel Levy needs to heavily back Postecoglou or the two need to part ways, because very little progress is being made right now.

The good news, if the club continues to stick by Postecoglou, there’s a few stars emerging at the club who the Spurs boss can build around.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall ready to lead Tottenham’s revival

It’s almost easy to forget that Tottenham have an 18-year-old playing completely out of position at centre-back right now – Archie Gray has been superb in an uncomfortable role.

Gray arrived from Leeds United as a versatile player, he was often switching between right-back and midfield in the Championship, but playing central defence is a whole new challenge entirely.

The youngster has arguably been better than Radu Dragusin in all areas whilst playing alongside him, a future England international with a huge future ahead.

Of course, Gray may soon end up lining up with Lucas Bergvall in Postecoglou’s midfield once Spurs’ back line are fit again.

In the midst of Tottenham’s recent woes, Bergvall has also been exceptional in the middle, a youngster fans in N17 can really get behind.

The Swede’s gritty personality is already adored in north London, and the prospect of a long-term midfield partnership of Gray and Bergvall should be really exciting.

Daniel Levy has to back Ange Postecoglou in January

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice complimented Gray and Bergvall after the North London Derby, a duo who will compete against the Spurs’ rivals for years to come.

Postecoglou was criticised by Aaron Lennon after losing to Arsenal, the former Tottenham player wasn’t happy with what he saw at the Emirates Stadium.

As mentioned, Spurs will need to make a call on whether Postecoglou is still the right person to lead the club forward long-term.

But if he is, and he’s able to turn things around when players return from injury, then Tottenham fans can look forward to seeing both Gray and Bergvall flourish.

Two excellent signings, and evidence of why Spurs need to invest again this month.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s big transfer mistakes is coming back to haunt them and it’s hurting Archie Gray who is being forced to play out of position.

Gray is being asked to fill in at centre-back and whilst the teenage midfielder is doing a commendable job there, it’s clear he would thrive in the centre of the park.

Tottenham’s unprecedented injury crisis has forced him to drop into the deeper role of centre-back as Ange Postecoglou has just one fit option available.

The 18-year-old is rightfully receiving his flowers for the job he is doing for the Lilywhites, however, Postecoglou should not be in a position where he has to use Gray in defence.

Tottenham’s lack of central defenders is hurting Archie Gray

Tottenham opted not to sign another central defender in the summer and stuck with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies.

Considering the drop-off in quality between Romero and Van de Ven to Dragusin and Davies and the duo’s injury record, not bringing in another defender is hurting the team.

Archie Gray is too good to be playing there and given Spurs’ need for a number six, it’s just ridiculous that another top central defender wasn’t signed.

It’s January 16 already and given there have been very few links to new defenders, it seems as though the club are just waiting for Romero, Van de Ven and Davies to return rather than proactively signing a new option.

Davies is back in training, and Romero and Van de Ven are reportedly set to return on January 26 – this cannot come soon enough so that Gray can finally start to get minutes in midfield.

Archie Gray already has the perfect midfield partner at Tottenham

Tottenham’s situation is quite telling right now considering 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall is one of their best performers and that was certainly the case at the Emirates.

Declan Rice praised Bergvall and Gray after the North London derby as he was so impressed how they were getting regular Premier League minutes despite only being 18.

After Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, debates are likely to stir about whether Spurs should persist with Ange Postecoglou at the helm or look to make a prompt change.

TBR Football understands Daniel Levy is still backing Ange Postecoglou, despite being trigger-happy when sacking previous managers such as Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

Postecoglou was gutted after Tottenham lost to Arsenal and felt a club of the Lilywhites’ stature cannot afford to be losing 11 out of their 21 Premier League games.

The Tottenham hierarchy will be in agreement with the former Celtic boss as they are truly having a nightmarish league campaign.

The manner in which Arsenal won should concern the Spurs dressing room as well — with Declan Rice pointing out Tottenham’s defensive frailities during his post-match interview.

Despite Ange Postecoglou’s tactical decisions often called under question throughout his time in the Premier League, he took the bold decision of playing with no natural holding midfielder in the second half.

Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr criticised after Arsenal vs Tottenham

Postecoglou substituted both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr and brought on James Maddison and Brennan Johnson. Lucas Bergvall, who was hailed by Rice was deployed in an unfamiliar role as a number six at the Emirates Stadium.

Craig Burley felt Ange Postecoglou had no choice but to take both Bissouma and Sarr off against Arsenal, who he feels have become “liabilities” for the Tottenham boss.

The former Brighton technician carelessly losing the ball in the build-up to Leandro Trossard’s goal and the 22-year-old having picked up a needless yellow card for kicking the ball away to delay the restart after a free-kick was awarded.

The pundit said via ESPN FC: “He takes off [Pape Matar] Sarr and [Yves] Bissouma who have fast become liabilities for this manager and this club. Bissouma with his performances and his discipline and Sarr with his discipline and his indiscipline, got a booking for, I think kicking the ball away and he’s always prone to a challenge, a rash challenge.”

“As soon as he got booked for that, I said to you guys, he’ll put his foot somewhere and that kind of forced the manager to taking them two off.”

Craig Burley concluded: “He takes them off because Bissouma’s having one basically and Sarr’s probably not going to see the game out. I’ve seen them make rash challenges before, he’s on a stupid yellow for kicking the ball away and he’s a guy who dives into challenges.”

Tottenham could sell Bissouma, as they have been linked with a move for Quinten Timber.

Ange Postecoglou rates Sarr highly and it is important to remember that his powerful run ultimately led to Spurs winning the corner that ultimately led to Heung-min Son’s opening goal.

Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr stats in Arsenal vs Tottenham

The midfield pair would have been disappointed after Ange Postecoglou decided to hook them off at half-time.

However, the statistics make for grim reading for both Sarr and Bissouma, starting with the former.

The fact that Sarr lost seven out of his eight duels while being dispossessed twice despite only having 15 touches of the ball might justify why Postecoglou felt it was time for him to come off the pitch.

Sarr has impressed at Tottenham for the most part but in a North London Derby, standards have to be raised by every player on the pitch.

As for Bissouma, it remains alarming that such an experienced player could be as unconcentrated as he was in the lead-up to Trossard’s strike — as the statistics suggest how disappointing the Malian was.

Like Sarr, Bissouma has been praised at Spurs too but unless he steps up his game, it would be no surprise if either one of Bergvall or Archie Gray usurp him as Ange Postecoglou’s go-to number six.

As for the former, he too will need to up his game as things look far from rosy for Spurs.

Tottenham have had a frustrating week.

Spurs lost in the north London derby on Wednesday, just days after a rather embarrassing performance in the FA Cup against Tamworth.

Indeed, Spurs were held to a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes against Tamworth over the weekend.

Spurs’ frustrations don’t end there either, they’re also not having the best of times in the transfer market.

Randal Kolo Muani was a Tottenham target this month, and via, Lequipe, Tottenham even made an offer for Kolo Muani this month.

Tottenham almost agreed terms with Kolo Muani, but, despite their best efforts, the striker is now headed elsewhere.

Kolo Muani is set to join Juventus, and that deal appears close to completion.

Randal Kolo Muani having Juventus medical

According to Alfredo Pedulla, Kolo Muani is having his medical with Juventus on Thursday.

The journalist even posted a video of the £77m striker arriving at Juventus to undergo these tests.

Tottenham will have to go back to the drawing board and look for another target if they do indeed want to bring in a new attacker.

Tottenham have three other targets in mind, but whether or not they can sign any of these players remains to be seen.

Tottenham’s failed January transfer plans

Unfortunately for Spurs, this isn’t the first time they’ve had a transfer near miss in January.

Tottenham have tried and failed to land a number of targets in recent years who have gone on to become stars.

Luis Diaz was set to join Tottenham before heading to Liverpool instead, while Tottenham wanted Conor Gallagher last January but failed to get a deal done.

Meanwhile, Tottenham nearly signed Antonio Nusa last January, but that deal fell through at the last minute as well.

Spurs really don’t have much luck when it comes to securing their January transfer targets, and Kolo Muani is just the latest in a long list of Spurs winter transfer plans to have gone up in smoke.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a rather disappointing week on and off the pitch.

Tottenham put in a disappointing display away at Tamworth in the FA Cup, being held to a 0-0 draw in normal time against a non-league outfit before losing 2-1 in the north London derby to Arsenal.

Meanwhile, in the transfer market, Spurs received another blow.

Tottenham wanted Randal Kolo Muani from PSG on loan, but Kolo Muani is now set to sign for Juventus instead.

It’s back to the drawing board for Spurs in terms of finding a new striker, and speaking on the Market Madness Podcast, Ben Jacobs has named three potential options for Spurs.

Three striker options for Tottenham

According to Jacobs, Spurs could look at three strikers now.

Viktor Gyokeres, Jonathan David and Liam Delap have been named as options for Spurs.

David was linked to Arsenal this week, while Chelsea are also admirers of Delap.

“Tottenham like many clubs are thinking about the striker’s market and wondering whether or some of their targets are not going to be available until the summer,” Jacobs said.

“For example, Viktor Gyokeres. I think people like Gyokeres or alternatively Jonathan David who might be available for a nominal fee now but is more likely to wait for free agency, looking at potentially Liam Delap, but it would take something astronomical to move him.

“Tottenham are in the conversation for some of these players, Chelsea re going to be in for Delap as well, but it’s a case of can they get anyone opportunistically or can they wait until summer.”

Tottenham striker options compared

Gyokeres, David and Delap are three very exciting striker options for Tottenham.

All three players have been in great form this season, but when you look at the numbers, it’s clear which of the three players Spurs should be prioritising.

Viktor Gyokeres isn’t just the best of these three options, there’s an argument to make that he’s the best striker in Europe right now.

Unfortunately for Tottenham, signing Gyokeres won’t be easy.

Manchester United are keen on Gyokeres due to his incredible relationship with Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, while Arsenal have scouted Gyokeres recently too.

Tottenham do need a new attacking option. Richarlison could leave Spurs in the near future, while Heung-Min Son hasn’t been at his best this season either.

Spurs have their eyes on three potential strikers, and any if Spurs can sign any of these three players they’d be a much more dynamic attacking side.

Following their defeat against Arsenal in the North London Derby, Tottenham Hotspur have slumped to 13th in the Premier League.

Tottenham have only won one of their last nine Premier League matches, a record that you’d associate with a team at threat of relegation.

That’s not a conversation Ange Postecoglou will currently be concerned about, but after 21 games played Spurs are only eight points ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who saw fit to sack Gary O’Neil.

Postecoglou will always point to his injury crisis in N17, which is perfectly fair, but Tottenham do need to find a way to be more resolute even when they are missing key players.

Heung-min Son admits Tottenham are in a predicament he’s ‘never’ seen

That being said, Spurs captain Heung-min Son shared some interesting comments in the fallout of the defeat to Arsenal.

Speaking to Spurs Play, Son spoke about Tottenham being far too passive in the first half against Arsenal, and then admitted that he’d never experienced the club being in such a poor position since he arrived in north London.

Son said: “The manager spoke to us as well [at half time]. I think we were way too passive, which we never play like this.

“That’s why it’s frustrating more. You just realise why, especially when you go ahead away from home, you have to practice these results. It’s really frustrating. What can I say? It’s just a very, very painful night.”

Then asked about what he’s saying to Tottenham’s players, Son continued: “I can’t speak highly enough of the boys for the work rate and commitment. It’s 100% there.

“But in the game there, certain people including me had to step up, and those days are not important what age you are, experience or inexperience, I think it’s not important.

“You play for the club and the badge and have to take more responsibility.

“I have been here 10 years, never been in this position, so we are going to have to just make sure everybody is ready for the weekend.”

Ange Postecoglou needs to take some of the blame at Tottenham

Despite Spurs’ failings, Postecoglou has seemingly remained a very popular figure in N17, partly because he’s such a likable character.

However, Aaron Lennon was disappointed with Postecoglou’s tactics at Arsenal, feeling as if he ultimately hindered his players.

Dejan Kulusevski complimented Arsenal after the win, comments which Spurs fans won’t enjoy – they would surely much rather he was speaking up his own team after a Derby victory.

A very difficult period for Son, Postecoglou and everyone associated with Tottenham.

And it does feel as if Daniel Levy needs to back Postecoglou in the transfer market this month or start a new project with a new manager.

Despite taking the lead against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur were unable to hang on and Ange Postecoglou suffered his fourth defeat in Spurs’ last five Premier League matches.

After the 2-1 loss, Tottenham are now 13th in the league and they’re actually closer to the bottom three than they are any European spot.

Postecoglou’s job doesn’t seem to be under pressure, but it does feel as if this project is at a bit of a crossroads.

Either Daniel Levy needs to back his manager heavily in the transfer market or the two need to part ways – Spurs are currently meandering without any real intent.

Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray were once again the centre-back duo against Arsenal, which says a lot in itself.

Ange Postecoglou told that he ran his players into the ground against Arsenal

Aaron Lennon watched Spurs’ defeat for BBC Radio 5 Live and spotted a problem that Postecoglou was actually causing for his players against Arsenal.

The Spurs boss has a very distinctive style, one that demands an incredibly high tempo.

And Lennon thought that was an issue at the Emirates Stadium, feeling as if Tottenham’s players were being run into the ground.

Lennon said: “The team looked tired today, the team is stretched but it’s a big problem.

“Ange Postecoglou’s way is fast tempo for 95 minutes. The Spurs players don’t look like they can keep up with the pace.

“It is a massive problem. One win in nine – it’s not good enough at all.”

Dragusin was criticised after the game, but does feel as if the club’s on the field issues are a lot more significant than individual performances, as Lennon seems to protest.

Daniel Levy needs to back Ange Postecoglou or sack him

As mentioned, Spurs are now at a point where they essentially need to throw funds behind Postecoglou, or use that money to find a new boss.

On the whole, it seems as if Postecoglou still has support of the majority in N17, given that he has shown how well Tottenham can perform when all are fit.

But at the same time, it’s too convenient to excuse such a succession of poor results when several top players are still available.

Dejan Kulusevski made an interesting point about Arsenal after the North London Derby, perhaps pointing out their rivals biggest advantage right now.

A difficult time for Tottenham, who have some big decisions to make.

Ange Postecoglou is not a happy man as Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby.

Tottenham are on a terrible run in the Premier League.

Spurs have won just one and lost six of their last nine fixtures in the league. They are 13th in the table now and could drop down to 14th if Manchester United win their game in hand.

Postecoglou was disappointed with how his team performed against Arsenal on Wednesday night, so much so that he wants the two players who actually played well to feel some pain.

Ange Postecoglou wants Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray to be ‘hurting’

Tottenham started the game in terrible fashion against Arsenal.

Spurs barely got out of their own half in the first 20 minutes of the game. They were getting dominated and deserved to go a goal or two down.

However, luck was on their side at the time as Son Heung-min opened the scoring in the 25th minute to give Tottenham a surprise lead.

Despite the score on the board, Spurs continued to play passive football, and that allowed Arsenal to score two quick-fire goals before the break to win the game.

Every Tottenham player apart from Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and to a degree Djed Spence failed to deliver, and that is disappointing.

After the game, Postecoglou was asked if he saw the two teenagers’ performance as a positive despite the result. The Australian disagreed and claimed that he hopes Bergvall and Gray ‘are hurting’ despite their own displays.

He told Football London: “I want them disappointed. This can’t be accepted by anyone at the club. Us losing so many games in a league season is not right.

“I know we are going through a tough trot and are asking big jobs but I hope they are hurting, the 18-year-olds, as much as anybody else in terms of us not being able to deliver on a big night.”

Senior Tottenham players are letting Postecoglou down

Postecoglou was clearly in no mood to focus on the positives after his side’s disappointing performance, and we can’t blame him.

Seeing two 18-year-olds perform significantly better than all the senior professionals in the side shows the big problem Spurs are facing right now.

Son scored a goal but he barely did anything apart from that, while James Maddison can’t even make the starting lineup anymore because of how poor he has been over the last few months.

Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke were the only two senior players who looked like they were trying, but that is not enough at all against a team as good as Arsenal.

One league win in nine is a shocking statistic. Postecoglou has to find a way to turn things around – if he doesn’t, he will be shown the door.

Tottenham Hotspur have already made one signing in the January transfer window and more could be on the cards.

Spurs have spent much of the season without a multitude of key players, which has severely hampered their form.

Now, Tottenham are said to be looking at reinforcements in defence, midfield, and attack as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his ranks.

However, the Lilywhites have dealt a major transfer blow with regards to a key attacking target, with Randal Kolo Muani choosing Juventus over Spurs.

That said, Tottenham could now be in line for an alternative who has been labelled “one of the best defensive forwards” around.

Jonathan David among forwards offered to Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, Lille striker Jonathan David is one of several players who has been offered to Spurs and other clubs by their agents in ‘recent times’.

Other attacking talents said to have recently been offered to Tottenham include Lyon winger Rayan Cherki and Nice forward Evann Guessand.

GMS sources said Tottenham could stick to the Ligue 1 transfer market as they look for alternatives to replace Kolo Muani on their shortlist.

What David could bring to Tottenham

With Richarlison only just back from injury, Timo Werner struggling and Son Heung-min looking like he needs a rest, Spurs could certainly do with reinforcements up front.

Meanwhile, David is fast emerging as one of the most highly sought-after talents on the market thanks to his talent, goalscoring record, and a contract that expires in the summer.

The Canada international has 11 Ligue 1 goals for Lille this season and 17 in all competitions, along with six assists.

Meanwhile, David’s overall tally for Lille reads 212 outings, 101 goals and 24 assists, along with 31 goals from 59 appearances for Canada.

As well as Tottenham, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United have been linked with David.

Whoever signs David would be getting themselves a striker who Canadian sports expert Tony Marinaro previously described as “one of the best strikers in the world”.

Meanwhile, former Canada assistant manager Steven Caldwell told Harry De Cosemo on YouTube that Jonathan is a “very good finisher”.

He continued: “He’s doing a lot of work off the ball as well, he’s a real team player, Jonathan David. He’s one of the best defensive forwards I’ve ever worked with.

“The cut-off, the easy passes into midfield and things like that are outstanding.

“He’s a good presser, he understands cues when to press, he’s exceptional at that, as good as anybody in the world, I would say.

“And then the other side of his game is that he’s a stocky-looking guy but he’s quicker than he looks. He can shift when he wants, and for Lille he’s quite prolific.”

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in the much-awaited North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite Son Heung-min opening the scoring for Tottenham, an own goal from Dominic Solanke and a winner from Leandro Trossard meant Mikel Arteta’s side took home the bragging rights.

Arsenal have done the double over Spurs, beating them 1-0 away from home in September — courtesy of Gabriel Magalhaes’ decisive goal.

Ange Postecoglou would have been frustrated as the last time his side won a game in the Premier League was in their 6-0 thrashing of Southampton a month ago.

Antonin Kinsky started in between the sticks for the visitors in his first-ever North London Derby. Kinsky is highly rated by Tottenham, who has made an encouraging start to life in N17.

However, on Wednesday, the former Slavia Prague goalkeeper’s performance flattered to deceive.

Antonin Kinsky criticised during Arsenal vs Tottenham clash

The Czech Republic shotstopper made far too many mistakes on the ball and it seemed like the hosts had quickly realised that he was a weak link for Tottenham in possession, pressing him at will — with Kai Havertz notably almost forcing him into a grave error inside the box.

Kinsky has been tipped to join Real Madrid one day — such is the natural talent the 21-year-old has.

But after how the Tottenham goalkeeper fared against Arsenal, Rio Ferdinand suggested that he deserved a telling off in the dressing room at half-time.

Ferdinand said live on TNT Sports: “If someone hasn’t given him a rocket at half-time to say listen, speed it up. Because that’s where pressure starts.”

The pundit explained how a nervy goalkeeper makes any team uneasy when breaking down Kinsky’s display.

“It creeps through the team then straight away. If the ‘keeper is like that and gets caught on the ball, the rest of the team gets nervy. What’s wrong with just kicking the ball up the pitch sometimes, particularly when you are under pressure?”

Kinsky used to be a midfielder as a youngster and as a result, the Lilywhites new-boy seemingly backs himself with the ball at his feet.

Kinsky has been praised by Solanke and while he has the makings of a top goalkeeper, the nerves seemed to have got the better of him in such a big game.

Antonin Kinsky stats in the North London Derby

The youngster will only learn from his latest outing against Mikel Arteta and Co.

It is imperative to note that in a Spurs shirt, Kinsky has looked the part and it is not easy for any ball-playing goalkeeper to look comfortable against a team that press as relentlessly as Arsenal do.

However, even the statistics suggest that Tottenham’s one and only signing in the winter window had an off day in possession.

Misplacing 11 passes during the contest, Kinsky looked all over the shop.

Especially when it comes to his long kicking as the gifted goalkeeper’s completion rate was just at 44 per cent.

Arsenal constantly pressed Kinsky on the right-hand side, forcing him to kick the ball with his weaker left foot.

However, the positives are that the Tottenham shotstopper was commanding in the box.

On most occasions, Kinsky punched the ball away or simply caught it from set-piece situations.