Tottenham Hotspur’s recent defeat to North London rivals Arsenal exposed a familiar Achilles’ heel: vulnerability from set pieces. While manager Ange Postecoglou remains resolute in his decision not to employ a dedicated set-piece coach, the recurring theme of conceding crucial goals from dead ball situations raises questions about his approach.
Costly Errors and Defensive Frailties for Spurs
Two of Arsenal’s goals stemmed from inswinging corners, highlighting glaring defensive lapses by Spurs. The first goal, an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, displayed a lack of awareness as Arsenal players ran freely behind their markers. The second goal, a close-range header from Kai Havertz, showcased another defensive breakdown. Pundits were scathing in their criticism, with Paul Merson on Sky Sports remarking: “Unbelievable…You wouldn’t see this happen in an under-12 football match.”
These defensive frailties stand in stark contrast to Arsenal’s prowess from set pieces. The Gunners boast the most goals from corners in the Premier League since 2016-17, with a significant role attributed to Nico Jover, their dedicated set-piece coach. Jover’s presence on the touchline, barking instructions during Spurs desperate late corner attempts, served as a constant reminder of the contrasting approaches between the two clubs.
Will Postecoglou Adapt?
Despite the mounting evidence, Postecoglou remains steadfast in his refusal to hire a set-piece specialist. He advocates for a holistic approach, integrating set-piece training seamlessly into his overall game plan. While his philosophy has merit, the current results suggest it’s not effectively addressing a critical weakness.
Postecoglou acknowledges set pieces are a problem but downplays their overall significance. He emphasizes a broader need for improvement across the board. However, ignoring the glaring gap in set-piece effectiveness could prove costly for Spurs Champions League aspirations.
The looming question remains: will this be the turning point that forces Postecoglou to reconsider his stance? Statistics suggest Spurs are hemorrhaging points due to set-piece deficiencies. While a change in philosophy might be a challenge for Postecoglou, prioritizing results might necessitate an adaptation. Only time will tell if Spurs can bridge this gap and contend for a top-four finish, but addressing their set-piece woes needs to be a top priority.
As in Fox Sports
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