Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Ange Postecoglou, has ushered in the club’s best start under a new manager in the Premier League. However, despite a satisfying 2-0 victory over Fulham that propelled them to the top of the table, Postecoglou expressed concern over his team’s second-half performance.
Tottenham fans had reason to celebrate as Captain Son Heung-min and new signing James Maddison found the net on either side of half-time. The early goals put Spurs in control of the match, but they lost their grip on the game in the final 30 minutes. Errant passes and missed tackles marred the second half, and Tottenham could have paid the price had Fulham been more clinical in their finishing.
Postecoglou’s side now stands at 23 points out of a possible 27, with seven wins and two draws. They are two points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and local rivals Arsenal. Postecoglou has outperformed Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who had amassed one fewer point in February 2009 during his first nine games as Chelsea manager.
However, there will be little room for complacency within the Tottenham camp, as Postecoglou was openly critical of his players’ performance in the second half against Fulham. He expressed disappointment with their ball control and play quality, labeling it as their worst 45 minutes of the season.
He stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and ensuring a strong approach. Despite securing a clean sheet, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had to make several crucial saves to preserve the win.
Maddison added that Postecoglou had been “ballistic” in his reaction to a similar display during pre-season. With another challenging match on the horizon, against Crystal Palace on Friday, Postecoglou may use some stern words to address the issues from the Fulham game.
Despite the strong start, Tottenham’s manager remains focused on the need for improvement. He acknowledged the team’s deserving place at the top but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. The unconvincing second half served as a reminder of the areas in which they can get better.
As they prepare for the Crystal Palace clash, Tottenham aims to build on their excellent form and strengthen their position in the Premier League. The opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table presents a scenario that even the most optimistic fans couldn’t have imagined at the season’s outset.
