Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 1-0 defeat against Leeds United on Saturday, halting a three-game winning streak that had previously lifted the team up the table following two seasons near the relegation zone. Those recent victories offered encouragement, particularly after a winless start to the campaign that included four consecutive matches without a goal, though offensive difficulties remain persistent.
Attack and Transfer Struggles
According to FotMob data, Spurs rank 17th in expected goals scored and continue depending heavily on set pieces to break down opposing defences. Liam Tharme of The Athletic observed before the Leeds match that the club ranks second for the proportion of goals from set pieces at 40 percent, trailing only Leeds United at 44.4 percent, and third for expected goals generated from dead balls at 32.4 percent.
A late October victory against Chelsea showcased the team’s potential as a dominant possession side that controls opponents with and without the ball. However, that optimal performance still required a goalkeeping mistake by Chelsea’s Mike Penders alongside a long-range strike from Mathys Tel, who now faces a potential absence due to injury.
Following a summer transfer spend exceeding $400 million, expectations suggested Spurs might contend for Champions League qualification this term. Ten matches into the campaign, however, additional investment appears necessary to resolve ongoing issues in the attacking line.
Grade: D
