Now, let me preface this by saying: it’s only 3 losses against 3 decent teams, key difference makers are out and even if they continue on this run, Tottenham will be more than OK with Ange at the helm.
I’m going to talk about specifically these 3 games. Despite key players not playing, Tottenham have still been able to play the Ange way somewhat, because the players have the skillset to do so (looking at bryan gil, lo Celso, Bentancur and even Hojberg to an extent). the only time they got pegged back really was the second half vs wolves, and as a united fan, I can say wolves are pretty good at that.
ok that’s subjective but what’s factually correct is that spurs have led in each of these 3 games, and one would think that they would be more cautious and try to protect their lead despite it not being the Ange way. they played the “brave” high line against Chelsea, they switched off in the final minutes v wolves, they played a high line for the all-important equalizer at the end of the half against villa. i mean, look at the starting XI against villa. did Ange not even consider set pieces when he put that out?
I don’t know what’s right or wrong in the long term, but I do think that the inability of Ange to not be more pragmatic and flexible considering the circumstances is a genuine criticism to be had (feel free to disagree in the comments). in turn it’s probably that stubbornness that’s his strength as well. This is coming from a United fan who has the same issue (lack of a plan B) with Ten Hag so do with this bit of context what you will.
Any team that had the players out that we have had would struggle. Yes, we do need players in January, I don’t think anyone has said otherwise but this is the main reason. Decimate a team over the course of three games of eight of its best players and even Champions League winning teams would seriously struggle with that. This has been freakish.
The club is only at the start of having Ange’s mentality and style drilled into them - if anything, we are now being shown as victims of our early success. It usually takes him at least a season to get everything to the level he wants it at.
We’ve tried pragmatic with Dier and Davies at the back in the last three/four seasons and it’s been a complete disaster. I don’t know why anyone thinks Ange trying what has already failed comprehensively (as well as what is against his beliefs) will succeed. The only reason we won games at all when we tried pragmatic low block football is because we had Kane and we don’t even have him now.
Spurs fans are behind this and we knew there would be bumps in the road.