PANIC PANIC WE HAVE ONLY SIGNED 5 PLAYERS!!!
Oh how funny it sounds to hear concern over our position of strength this summer. Spurs got the most important parts of their business done early, focusing on upgrades in progressive passing from defence, as well as the midfield to elevate the chance creation in our front line.
However, I still believe we do need to sign two attackers, and De Zerbi publicly feels this way too.
It is a difficult one as Spurs want elite and proven players from elite clubs. The challenge is that those players can’t force exits and those clubs won’t be pushed. The good news is that Liverpool and Man City have made progress in pursuits for Barcola and Neto which would unlock Spurs’ moves for Gakpo and/or Savinho.
Expecting some progress next week as long as those moves happen. Following that, I think it's time we focus on an exciting season ahead! As discussed in our latest episode of A Coach’s View alongside professional coach JJ, Spurs are less reliant on a true number 9 in this system under RDZ.
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COYS #OhSo33,
– Jim
A Red Card in a Friendly?
Pfft, a week without Tottenham playing football and life becomes a bit dim and gray again, doesn’t it. Well, I suppose the one consolation prize is that the Premier League starts in two weeks! Then we go straight back into weekly Spurs. Is that a blessing, or a curse? Hmm…
Because of the nature of this newsletter and its publishing schedule, our final game in our New Zealand and Australia tour was just hours after last week’s edition was released so I have a game to review.
Again, it wasn’t the best football on display from Tottenham but it did feel nice to get the win over our other rivals, even if it’s just a friendly. Cheeky little Richarlison last minute goal. Honestly, I know I’ve said that I love Richy but that I think he shouldn’t be the starting striker (and I still think this) but sometimes when he scores goals and shows his passion I can’t help but start to doubt that sentiment. He’s just so likeable because he truly goes all in for a club.
Also, Kevin Danso and his red card in a friendly. Yeesh. You could hear the Chelsea fans baying for that sending off but honestly, it wasn’t necessary. Yes, in a Premier League game that is a red every day (and the fact he wasn’t even able to control the ball… goodness me) but he slipped so I was kinda hoping he could get away with it. Guess you can’t take out the competitive spirit of a derby, even in a friendly, leagues away from the home city.
Sandro Tonali also scored his first goal for Spurs. A deflection, but all the same the intent was there. It’s nice to see the team shooting the ball for once instead of trying to dribble into the back of the net. Honestly, top 10 things that pissed me off about being under Frank was the fact that he really killed the attacking mindset that Ange had tried so hard to build. Like, eugh. Jan Paul van Hecke also had his first start for Tottenham. Nothing much or crazy to report on his performance, but a solid shift and here’s to seeing more starts from him.
Finally, I can’t end the report without mentioning Kinsky again. Goodness, another reflex save to keep the game at 1-1. I know we praised Vicario for his reflex saves but Kinsky is honestly on another level. Watching him use his feet so comfortably and smoothly when jinking a player out just gives me goosebumps in a good way.
Spurs have the rest of this week off before a double header against TSG Hoffenheim at home. I wish I could be there to see Tottenham play, but it’ll be awhile before I’m able to attend the stadium again. Sigh.
Until next week!
The Analyst – Enya
There is no written Analyst section this week but Enya and Jim have dropped a new video.