Ange Postecoglou has quite simply revolutionized the feeling around Tottenham Hotspur. The blockbuster sale of the legendary and talismanic Harry Kane to Bayern Munich foreshadowed a season of mediocrity. However, the squad is already blossoming under the Australian, but this should not be surprising. The sentiment around the Spurs’ fanbase has reached new heights, and Postecoglou’s style of play represents a marked change from that of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
Already, Spurs are playing with fluidity and languid patterns of play, and much credit must go to the recruitment. With the likes of Harry Winks, Davinson Sanchez, Lucas Moura, Tanguy Ndombele and Sergio Reguilon shifted out, the squad has been aptly trimmed. But it is the scouting of talent that is so remarkable. Alongside Christian Romero, Dutch youngster Micky van de Ven looks to have the makings of a world class centre back, while Italian shot stopper Guglielmo Vicario has slotted seamlessly into a youthful, but exciting defence. Manor Solomon and Brennan Johnson can add much needed dynamism and cover on the wings, while the permanent signings of the impressive Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro are significant. Yves Bissouma looks every bit the player he was under Graham Potter at Brighton, and Destiny Udogie can already make a case for being among the outstanding left back in the Premier League. However, midfield maestro James Maddison is perhaps the signing of the summer, and his impact has been radical.
An opening game against Brentford saw the two vice captains combine, and Christian Romero head home from an inch perfect James Maddison cross. Mathias Jensen then earned a penalty, and Bryan Mbeumo equalized with much of Ivan Toney’s composure, before Joanne Wissa scored from a Rico Henry cutback. Tottenham's play went unrewarded, that is until Emerson Royal wandered into midfield and blasted a half-volley from the edge of the box to secure a deserved point. Against Manchester United, we were treated to an exhibition. United had big chances through Rashford and significantly Bruno Fernandes, but it was Spurs who took the lead when Dejan Kulusevski played in Pape Matar Sarr. Pedro Porro thumped the crossbar, before a gorgeous bit of play was rewarded by a Lisandro Martinez own goal. Manchester United were perhaps unlucky to not score, but Spurs' second half performance against a strong contender was full of promise of things to come.
Last weekend, against Bournemouth, Spurs impressed again. A beautifully crafted team goal, splendid vision from the ever-improving Pape Sarr, and James Maddison feathered home his first Spurs goal. In the second half, Destiny Udogie showcased his attacking prowess and persistence, driving to the byline and crossing it perfectly for Dejan Kulusevski. This weekend, Spurs revealed their offensive capabilities once more, coming back from a goal down in thrilling fashion. Heung Min Son, playing as a number nine, was the benefactor, scoring a beautiful, chipped finish past James Trafford. Christian Romero swept one home, before James Maddison unleashed a trademark curled finish from the edge of the box. The number ten looks so exceptionally Spurs. Manor Solomon set up Son again, before the outstanding South Korean forward instinctively finished a delightful Pedro Porro through ball to secure an outstanding hattrick. With his wingman having moved on, perhaps Heung Min Son will grab the mantle at Whitehart Lane, as when on form, he remains on of the Premier League's deadliest finishers.
Spurs look exuberant, and without any European competitions, it remains to be seen how high Ange Postecoglou can aim. A Leicester like title charge perhaps? Regardless, the opening month, surely a sign of things to come.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s attack looks among the best in the Premier League, in depth and in quality, but the Reds’ have long required a midfield rebuild, and last season’s disappointment elucidated this clearly. But with World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai added to the roster, Jurgen Klopp has begun the transformation of Liverpool’s midfield towards a world class level. Nevertheless, with an array of experienced midfielders, namely Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita departing, the late ‘panic buys’ of Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo were necessary. Yet Liverpool still miss a destroyer, a capable number six, and this could be worrisome.
Liverpool have been far from flawless so far but are still third in the table with three wins and a draw. Against Chelsea, Liverpool began with a swagger, and Chelsea were overwhelmed early on. Mohammed Salah set up Luis Diaz perfectly, and was inches away from doubling Liverpool’s lead, but in the second half, the tables turned, and Chelsea dominated. Axel Disasi scored a debut goal, before Ben Chilwell was denied a delightful team goal by the offside flag. As the chances mounted up for Chelsea, Liverpool held on, but based on their second half performance, a Chelsea win would have been deserved.
Back at Anfield, Bournemouth had a goal chalked off immediately, but scored shortly afterwards, before Luis Diaz acrobatically scored a volley to equalize. Mohammed Salah had a penalty saved, but tapped home the rebound, before Diogo Jota secured the three points from close range. Alexis Mac Allister’s controversial sending off, ultimately inconsequential. Away at St James Park, Newcastle and Liverpool faced off in a more tumultuous clash. Early on, Anthony Gordon pounced on an Alexander Arnold mistake, and proved a constant menace to the Liverpool fullback throughout the game. Virgil Van Dijk was sent off for a challenge on Alexander Isak, but down to ten men, Liverpool did the unthinkable. Darwin Nunez, off the bench, finally made an impact, scoring an exquisite brace to shock the Toon Army.
For successive games, Jurgen Klopp’s men won with ten men, but a clash against Aston Villa represented another test in a tough start for Liverpool. Liverpool-Villa has been eventful the past few seasons, and this game was no different. Liverpool pressed Unai Emery consistently, forcing a corner from Pau Torres early on. Dominik Szoboszlai has a reputation for the spectacular, and his first in red was just that, an effortless left-footed volley past Emiliano Martinez. Then Trent Alexander Arnold unlocked the Villa defence deliciously, and Mo Salah played in Darwin Nunez, who forced an own goal from Matty Cash. Liverpool pressed on constantly and Darwin Nunez missed an open goal before Salah finished at the back post to make it 3-0.
Trent Alexander Arnold’s vision and passing range is vital for Liverpool’s success this season but with a midfield now full of creativity, Klopp’s team is set up for a pure number nine of Darwin Nunez’s ilk to shine, and perhaps the Uruguayan was written off too quickly.
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