Are Tottenham’s recent wins over Wolves and Forest proof they can win ugly?

It has been a very solid start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign for Spurs and boss, Antonio Conte. The Italian appears to be getting a tune out of his squad and one of the most encouraging aspects for fans is the ability to win without having to turn on the style.

Many former Spurs players and even former coaches believe this is one of the most talented Tottenham squads in a generation. Former head coach and player Tim Sherwood said Conte has “got the players” to win major trophies for Spurs, describing Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min as “two world-class players” in attack. However, Tottenham have oft been considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing teams in the top-flight, but their ability to grind out wins has often been their undoing and prevented them from mounting genuine title challenges.

Gritty home wins are the bedrock of successful seasons

Spurs’ narrow 1-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers suggests Conte may just have instilled a more streetwise, efficient edge to Tottenham’s play this term. Harry Kane’s 64^th minute strike proved the difference in a cagey contest. It was a game where both teams had 50% possession and Spurs only managed one more shot on target than their Black Country visitors, but their persistence to stay in the game provided Kane with the perfect platform to be the match-winner.

Overcoming newly promoted upstarts

It was another end-to-end contest at newly promoted Nottingham Forest a week later. Big-spending Forest are attempting to upgrade their entire squad in a single transfer window and Spurs had to stand up to a barrage of shots and a red-hot City Ground atmosphere at times. Kane broke the deadlock in the fifth minute to give Spurs something to hold onto. However, Forest had plenty of chances to equalise, with Neco Williams coming closest with a fine half-volley.

Kane even contrived to miss from the penalty spot after a handball from Forest defender Steve Cook. That only served to ramp up the tension in the away end, but Kane atoned for his spot kick miss by notching a second goal nine minutes from time after an inviting cross from summer recruit Richarlison.

It’s clear that Conte doesn’t necessarily want his team to dominate possession. However, the Italian seems confident in the backbone of his side to absorb pressure and make their attacking moments count in the final third. With Kane seemingly back in lethal form after his transfer saga last summer, keeping the England skipper fit for the entire campaign could be the difference between a title tilt and settling for a top four finish.