Excitement at Tottenham is often short-lived. The story of Tottenham's 2024-25 season and beyond, the first 16 months of Ange Postecoglou's reign, has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
Tottenham are now a two-faced team, with the peaks of their powers and the possibility of a bottom in the blink of an eye. When Spurs are on top, they are hard to stop. But when Postecoglou’s side are on the wrong side, they can fall to even the weakest opponents.
This has become more evident in recent weeks. A 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on 27 October was a shock that almost destroyed the team’s confidence and motivation. However, just a few days later, the “Roosters” made a 2-1 victory over Man City in the League Cup, followed by a 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa.
Just when it seemed like Spurs were finding their form, they lost to Ipswich Town, who had not won all season. The defeat not only cost them points, it came before FIFA Days in November, creating two weeks of tension and doubt within the club and among fans.
However, when the disappointment hit rock bottom, Tottenham responded with an impressive 4-0 win over champions Man City. It was more than just a win, it was a milestone that helped Spurs dispel concerns about their form and potential.
This victory also helps answer the big questions about whether Tottenham can play well in difficult matches? Can Ange Postecoglou and his students overcome big opponents when missing key players?
However, bad luck has not let Tottenham go. Immediately after the victory over Man City, the news that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will be out for a long time due to an ankle injury has dampened the team's spirit. This poses a big challenge for Fraser Forster, who will have to stand in goal for the time being.
Despite the difficulties they face, there is reason for Spurs fans to be optimistic. The statistics show that the team is on the right track, with Tottenham leading the way in goals scored, second in xG (expected goals) and having one of the highest number of shots on target in the Premier League. Defensively, they are not too bad either, with one of the lowest number of goals conceded.
Postecoglou's side clearly have potential but inconsistency has overshadowed the progress they have made. The challenge for Tottenham now is to maintain consistency during the most intense period of the season.
Tottenham will have a busy schedule between now and the end of the year, playing on Thursdays and Sundays for five consecutive weeks, including important matches against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League and Man United in the League Cup.
More worryingly, they also have to face opponents they have lost to this season such as Bournemouth, Fulham and Southampton. With Vicario absent, the task of defending the goal will fall on Forster's shoulders, which makes many fans worried.
Tottenham need to avoid letting setbacks turn into crises and focus on improving their form. If the north Londoners can maintain their consistency in the coming games, the end of 2024 could bring a more peaceful feeling to fans.
