A Review of Things
We're playing better football this season than we did in those opening 10 games of last season; conceding less shots and controlling far more of the game in comparison. Where we got lucky last season, we've had less composure (and luck) this one so far.
7 pts after 3 games last time out but had to endure 40+ shots on goal. This season the tally against us is in mid-20s. Far more structure and purpose, just letting ourselves down with final third output, even when bossing touches in opponents pen area.
Those opening 10 games were amazing because of how much of a refresh it was compared to the dull dead football of end-game Conte and the self loathing mess the club curated. We got away with it a few times and often Ange maligned the lack of front three fluidity.
He could see that not being clinical and then struggling versus low block was a huge frustration. To suggest we're not combating this differently is wrong. 'It's only 3 games' works both ways too. Also, the high line; we looked suspect all the time last season. Less so now.
Injury and form implosion pretty much left us with an aftershock that we failed to recover from. Already this season we're defending corners better (still not pretty) and actually seem to have sprinkled some creativity on our attacking set pieces. High turn-overs too (nerdy).
Had we capitalised on our domination in both the LC and NU games and won both - the long standing questions would still remain (relating to consistency, game management, defending with the high risk high line).
Lack of finesse and discipline from players has let us down, fine margins. Claiming a continuation from last season is a huge stretch. We do however need to liven up the output to truly own the games narrative (and also react better when under pressure).
The test in terms of levelling up, is for us to start scoring the goals we are promising to do so in our build up play. How do we game manage when we're 2-0 up? When winning games, how does the momentum solidify confidence? Will key players become accountable, week in week out?
No doubt, this is going to trigger a few, you know, 'cause how dare I retain a sense of caution and desire to have valid tactical questions answered and also be positive and balanced with my perspective. Current Spurs is well worth my time to commit too. Have to give it a go.
There's a loud minority on here (Twitter) that will never accept discourse. Nobody wins if Tottenham don't succeed. The frenzied anger-spats is like a peak Ibiza foam party. Wipe your mouths. Stop blaming other supporters because of your inability to connect emotionally to nice things.
If you're angry all the time, I feel sorry for you. Plenty wrong with THFC, modern football. It's not a weakness to smile and retain a siege mentality for your players and gaffer. No need to weaponise every single aspect of the matchday experience etc. Wild ideology I know.
But I'm preaching to a cult, so, I guess you do you and crack on with it. Keep screaming into your echo chamber, the algorithm will reward you with other miserable people, stamping their feet.
The most sensational plot twist is that often BOTH sides will agree on certain things, but this gets lost in amongst all the noise. Hating Spurs is a badge of honour and being positive is deemed cuck behaviour. Wtf. Some are choosing to ignore the whole point of football.
Anyways. Enjoy your lunch.