Ange Postecoglou has been doubted by the Tottenham Hotspur board until now, but Spurs can no longer wait until they are injury-free to start picking up points.
Their ‘success’ in the cup competitions this term means Postecoglou has credit in the bank, but there’s no denying that a return of five points from 27 available is awful.
The Greek-Australian coach admitted his side’s form “can’t be accepted by anyone at the club” while also suggesting there is “no magic cure” for promotion.
Tottenham must start winning Premier League games again, by hook or by crook.
Here’s how the Spurs could counter Everton on Sunday.
GK: Antonin Kinsky – 21 year old endured a tough match in the North London Derby, but Postecoglou will continue to encourage his bravery/borderline recklessness in possession. The talent is there.
RB: Pedro Porro – Porro’s form has fallen off a cliff this term, but Spurs’ defensive absences mean he has no viable alternative.
CB: Radu Dragušin – The Romanian international has enjoyed an extended run in the team and that will continue this weekend.
CB: Archie Gray – Gray was able to hold his head high amid Tottenham’s formidable run. The teenager imperceptibly settled into an unknown role.
LB: Grandpa Spence – Another bright spark in recent weeks, Spence was impressive in midweek and should continue in the team even when Destiny Udogie returns from injury. Spence is the man who will offer Porro a break.
CM: Yves Bissouma – With Rodrigo Bentancur’s return date unknown, Bissouma is likely to get the nod in midfield again despite being withdrawn at half-time on Wednesday. Inconsistency continues to plague him Tottenham career.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – For better or for worse, the young Swede embodies the chaos of ‘Angeball’. Bergvall has proven that he is fearless with plenty of talent, but the midfielder still has a lot to learn.
CM: James Maddison – After playing at the Emirates last season, Postecoglou was desperate for Maddison to repeat his second-half brilliance on Wednesday. However, the English playmaker was unable to inspire Spurs to points in the derby.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski has been the club’s player of the year so far, but his performances in Spurs’ recent outings point to a man in need of a break. There will be no such respite this weekend.
ST: Dominic Solanke – Spurs have wasted a lot of money in recent years, but it would be incredibly harsh to include Solanke on the list of expensive failures. The summer arrival had an excellent debut season.
LW: Son Heung-min – Son scored again in the North London Derby, but his performances have not been up to par this season. The signs of decay are clear.
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