Analyzing Tottenham’s Possession Struggles Under Postecoglou

Currently, Tottenham Hotspur possesses more of the ball than any other team this season, yet they have been unable to convert possession into clear goal opportunities. We explore the numbers behind their struggles on the field.

Under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham has experienced both notable positives and specific challenges. A prominent issue has been their difficulty in preventing goals, often manifesting in weaknesses at defensive set-pieces. Additionally, their strategy of maintaining a high defensive line has been criticized, with the term “suicidal” being used by some observers. Opponents have found success exploiting the space behind Tottenham’s defenders, with notable incidents such as Newcastle capitalizing on this tactic.

Despite these defensive challenges, Tottenham’s biggest issue has emerged at the offensive end. Although they dominate possession, amassing an average of 67.8% in Premier League games, converting this into goals remains a problem. The concept of “field tilt” illustrates their territorial advantage, showing Tottenham operates higher up the pitch more than any other team, yet transforming this dominance into goals remains elusive.

In their initial four matches, Tottenham showcased high possession numbers but attained only six goals. Notably, four goals materialized against a poorly performing Everton. However, against tougher opponents like Arsenal, Tottenham has found themselves lacking, sitting 13th in the table and trailing by five points from the top four.

Statistics reveal Tottenham averages 0.018 expected goals for each entry into the final third, ranking low alongside newly-promoted teams and Everton. They frequently access the penalty area, yet their conversion rate remains unimpressive. Tottenham averages 0.32 shots per penalty area entry, the lowest in the league, indicating inefficiencies in creating substantial scoring opportunities relative to their penalty-area entries.

While Postecoglou’s team is expected to score in line with their expected goals, it requires significant possession and territory to do so. Arsenal’s defensive efforts, spearheaded by midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey, neutralized Tottenham’s possession play, underlining the need for Tottenham to adopt a more innovative attacking approach.

Tottenham’s hesitation to take risks and attempt decisive plays has been evident, lacking ambition in their attacking actions. This cautious style allowed Arsenal to reorganize their defense effectively, despite Tottenham’s overwhelming possession.

Postecoglou has assembled a squad comprising fast attackers, yet opponents have adapted by minimizing space behind their defenses. Solving this dilemma requires not just individual craftsmanship but collective strategic adjustments. Players like James Maddison, crucial for unlocking robust defenses, are returning from injury, needing to regain peak form to aid the team.

Ultimately, while possession statistics tell one part of the story, Tottenham’s path forward requires an increase in creativity and risk-taking in their offensive play. Without a strategic evolution, frustrations may begin to simmer among supporters and stakeholders alike.