Tottenham fans in the Transfer Tavern are attempting to nurse their woes from last night’s defeat with a round of ale, as a lingering sense of deja vu falls upon the Spurs patrons at the bar.
Overall, it’s been a solid season for the White Hart Lane outfit, who are currently third in the Premier League and on course to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign.
But it does feel like history is repeating itself a little in north London. The Lilywhites have struggled in the cup competitions once again and fallen slightly adrift of the title race, with rivals Chelsea well ahead at the table’s summit.
It’s hard to point the finger at Mauricio Pochettino, who has brought an exciting playing style and a gritty spirit to the club, but squad depth is still a problem for the Lilywhites.
And to prove that point, our landlord has outlined two players who have undoubtedly been Spurs’ weak links throughout 2016/17.
Vincent Janssen
He was billed as Dutch football’s most exciting young talent and the perfect understudy to Harry Kane, chipping in with goals whilst learning the ropes in the Premier League. But Vincent Janssen just hasn’t delivered since arriving from the Eredivisie last summer, netting all four of his goals from the penalty spot and looking decisively cumbersome in the final third.
Of course, Spurs fans will point out he hasn’t played that big a role this season, but that’s precisely the point; Tottenham need to quality front-men fighting for minutes if they’re to truly challenge for silverware and Janssen just hasn’t provided that level of competition. It’s also hindered Mauricio Pochettino’s squad depth, which explains why the Lilywhites have underwhelmed in the cups this term.
Eric Dier
The statistics say it all. Spurs have won just 48% of their fixtures with Eric Dier starting this season, compared to 71% – losing only once – without him. The utility man is a fan favourite at White Hart Lane, but is that because he’s producing the goods or because he’s a hardworking, young English player? We tend to overrate them in the Premier League.
That being said, Dier is clearly a talented player, capable of operating in several positions and somewhat of a natural leader. But it’s just not been a good season for the England international, struggling no matter where Mauricio Pochettino’s fielded him, and he really needs to buck up his ideas ahead of 2017/18.
