Examining Tottenham’s Progress in the 2023/24 EPL Season

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2022/23 season was characterized by inconsistency and managerial instability, as they went through three first-team managers. The club struggled to find a balance in the Premier League, ultimately finishing in 8th place and missing out on European competitions.

Despite boasting a formidable attacking lineup led by Harry Kane, the team’s defensive weakness proved costly because they conceded goals at an alarming rate compared to their previous standards under managers like Mauricio Pochettino.

Fast forward to the current season, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs started brightly, briefly topping the Premier League table after their eighth game. However, their form has been erratic recently, and they currently find themselves in 5th place, with only hopes of securing a higher position. 

In terms of player performance, Son Heung-Min and Richarlison have emerged as standout performers, leading the team in goals. New signings like Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Radu Dragusin have added more depth and quality to the team. However, there’s still a need for further reinforcements, particularly in the defensive line and attacks. 

Of course, Postecoglou’s arrival brought some optimism because the Australian manager is known for his tactical experience and love for attacking football. You can find predictions for the next Tottenham fixtures here as the team gears for the final games that will determine their fate in the Top-4 race and qualification for European competitions next season.

Tottenham In the 2023/24 EPL So Far

The Good

Tottenham Hotspur has been able to record some exciting feats during the 2023/24 season despite some setbacks. Under Ange Postecoglou’s management, the team has shown signs of great potential and ability to compete at the highest levels, even without Harry Kane.

Tottenham’s attacking power has been a standout feature this season, as proven by their impressive performances and results. Some notable victories include a 4-0 win over Aston Villa and a thrilling 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. 

Individual performances have also been a bright spot for Tottenham this season. Son Heung-Min has been sensational, leading the team in goals and demonstrating his importance as a key attacking threat. His partnership with new signing James Maddison has been promising, as they’ve combined effectively to create scoring opportunities and dictate play in midfield.

Defensively, there have also been improvements, with players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forming a solid partnership at the back. Their contributions have helped stabilize the defense and limit the opposition’s scoring chances, leading to more positive results for the team.

Regarding overall performance, Tottenham finds themselves in a respectable 5th place in the Premier League table, with a realistic chance of securing European qualification for next season. Looking ahead, Tottenham will aim to build on their successes and address areas of weakness as they continue their journey in the Premier League. 

The Bad

The team started this season with a lot of optimism under new manager Ange Postecoglou, but they have faced lots of challenges between the first week and week 28 so far. One of their lowest points during these 28 games of the season came in their 3-0 defeat to Fulham on March 16th, 2024. This result reminded them of their vulnerability, especially their  defensive weakness and maybe a lack of cohesion in the team. 

They also suffered a 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, which dropped them on the table and reduced their chances of finishing strong. Some fans believe the early exit from the English FA Cup, with a 1-0 loss to Manchester City, was too disappointing and probably added to the team’s frustrations and morale.

Despite moments of promise, such as their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in March, some inconsistencies have plagued Tottenham throughout the season. Their fluctuating form and results have hindered their progress and have continued to prevent them from mounting the top spots in the Premier League.

While new signings like Brennan Johnson and James Maddison have added quality to the team, off the pitch, the departure of key players like Harry Kane has left a void in the squad, impacting team dynamics and performance. 

What Can Fans Expect?

However slim the chances are slowly getting, making European competition is still a reasonable possibility within the reach of Spurs. But ultimately, their actual chances hinge on how well they perform in the remaining few Premier League fixtures. They are currently sitting in 5th place, which means they are within striking distance of the top four and just a few points separating them from Champions League qualification. 

Should they manage a solid finish to the season and fight for favorable results in their remaining key matches, Tottenham might just be able to finish in the top four and secure a spot in European competition next season.

In terms of winning silverware, the odds are stacked against Tottenham in the current campaign. Their early exit from the English FA Cup and potential challenges in other cup competitions suggest that their focus may primarily be on league success again. Although winning the Premier League may be a tall order for Tottenham this season, it’s not entirely out of reach. They may not be the outright favorites, but as earlier mentioned, a solid finish to the season and some slip-ups from other title contenders might make them emerge as surprise champions. However, on a more realistic stance, their primary goal would be to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Their likelihood of making the top four largely depends on the team’s ability to avoid dropping unnecessary points like they did against Fulham in their last game. With key players like Son Heung-Min leading the charge and potential reinforcements in the transfer market, they have the talent and depth to compete with other top teams. However, they must also address defensive vulnerabilities to maximize their chances of finishing in the top four.

To strengthen the team, Coach Postecoglou may make tactical adjustments and strategic signings in key areas. If he can address the defensive issues, improve the midfield, and add more depth to the attacking line, the Spurs might be able to reach their full potential.