Tottenham thought they had an easy match when they led Chelsea by 2 goals in just 11 minutes. However, inconsistency in approaching the game at each moment and fatal mistakes in defense cost Spurs dearly at home.
If it had not been for Son Heung-min's late goal in the 90+6 minute, the "Roosters" would have lost 2-4. Son's narrowing the gap in the final minutes only helped ease the disappointment a little, but it cannot be denied that Ange Postecoglou's team is in crisis.
Last season, Tottenham played with dedication, many matches were short of players but still attacked. That philosophy of Postecoglou is imbued with the current squad and it helped the North London team rise to the top of the rankings in the opening stage of last season.
However, when opponents began to read Tottenham's style of play, this style of play of the Australian strategist began to backfire. Tottenham's over-the-top offers, combined with silly passes, have given Chelsea many good chances. When the Blues stepped up their pressing to get close to the penalty area, the awkwardness was clearly shown through Spurs' blocking moves. The two penalty kicks were the clearest proof.
The unstable defense has witnessed two of the most important players being injured, Cristian Romero and Mickey van de Ven. Romero left the pitch first, followed by Van de Ven, leaving Postecoglou "dizzy". During Spurs' successful times under Postecoglou, this central defender pair was considered the key factor in helping goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario stand firm.
The final concern is captain Son Heung-min. Since Harry Kane left the team, Son has been considered the leading striker despite being over 30 years old. The Korean striker has become less agile every year due to age issues. The unstoppable accelerations from midfield have gradually decreased. Even the 32-year-old star's finishing skills have worn out.
If Son cannot carry the attack, no one in the remaining factors has the qualities to do so, from Dominic Solanke, Richarison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson or Timo Werner. Buying people will be redundant but not buying will be lacking, that is the situation of Spurs at the moment when the transfer season is approaching.
At Tottenham Stadium, President Daniel Levy was very moved to watch his team being destroyed by Chelsea. Perhaps the demanding English boss is gradually considering changing the coaching position on the coaching bench. Postecoglou comes with many doubts as he has never had a big achievement in Europe. Now, he is proving that those doubts about himself are correct.
Tottenham need to change to compete again, at least for a Europa League ticket next season. However, where to change and where to do first is an unresolved problem at the moment.
