Further Challenges Ahead For Shaky Spurs

The departure of Nuno and appointment of a manager of Antonio Conte’s pedigree was, for many fans, a potential turning point in the season. However, with results faltering and The Athletic reporting that Conte will not commit to seeing out his contract, there are troubling signs on the horizon. The team has noticeably improved on the pitch, but results leave much to be desired. While only good coaching and training can work that particular niggle out of the system, there are other challenges on the horizon that could further shape Spurs’ season.

Postponements on the way

Spurs were disproportionately impacted by the sometimes questionable usage of COVID cancellation protocols over December and January. Fans weren’t so put out; many were wary of what happens when a game gets postponed on your bet365 bets, or Fun88 and BetVictor, and were also concerned at losing their ticket value. For the team, however, the impact has been huge, and Conte was arguably correct when he asserted that the Premier League was in ‘a big mess’, as The Guardian reported in January. Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool were among the teams who were granted suspensions that were questionable at best – and they’re all teams in near enough competition with Spurs. COVID isn’t over, and further postponements could be on the way – time will tell if this hits Spurs, or if the Premier League shows a little more clarity in their decision making.

More injuries

Tottenham have hardly been lucky with injuries this season. Harry Kane doesn’t seem to be able to find his flow again, and the still hugely promising Japhet Tanganga has found himself sidelined along with Eric Dier and Oliver Skipp. While the latter two are nearing fitness according to the Evening Standard, this is starting to take the shape of a real defensive crisis. Conte is famously workmanlike, and may perhaps bring a rigour of fitness and training not experienced since Poch. With the season wearing on, however, he must be wary of putting the players into more stressful situations. Balance is required.

The form table

After the game against Wolves, Spurs still sit just 5 points off Champions League spots – with 3 games in hand. The problem is in the competition. Wolves, Arsenal, West Ham and even Man Utd sit above Tottenham in the form table, having strung together a greater run of results respectively and the points that go hand-in-hand with that. There are huge opportunities for Tottenham to get ahead and secure at least a Europa League place, but those games in hand are almost acting like an extra pressure. The squad needs strong leadership and to keep its head; this first XI can still beat most other teams in the league, and even give the likes of Liverpool and Man City a proper test.

A lot of this will hinge on Conte; his training methods, his fitness levels, and what he demands of the squad. There’s a huge opportunity there, if Spurs can take it.