AliousWhile Ange Postecoglou’s inaugural season at Tottenham Hotspur began with a spectacular promise, with Spurs sitting atop the table after 11 games, their campaign eventually leveled out to a respectable fifth-place finish. This outcome exceeded the expectations of many, especially considering the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich on the eve of their opening match.
Despite a rocky second half of the season and early exits from both domestic cups, which frustrated fans, there were more than enough glimpses of promise to suggest that the Australian manager is building an exciting project at the club.
Star of the Show:
Micky van de Ven emerged as the standout performer in his maiden Premier League season. Hailed as the ‘flying Dutchman,’ his pace, physicality, and quality on the ball made him a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s system.
Biggest Letdown:
Yves Bissouma started the season magnificently, appearing to be Spurs’ answer to Declan Rice. However, his form tailed off amid a series of disruptions, often self-inflicted, including three suspensions and his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Most Improved Player:
Pedro Porro silenced doubts about his ability to play in a back four, arguably becoming Spurs’ most consistent performer under Postecoglou.
Game to Remember:
Spurs technically denied Arsenal the title after securing a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in an entertaining encounter. Postecoglou’s side twice came from behind, suggesting their capability to compete with the top sides sooner than expected.
Game to Forget:
Ironically, the 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea in November proved to be a memorable yet pivotal moment, completely derailing Spurs’ season. Van de Ven and James Maddison suffered long-term injuries, while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were sent off, exposing the lack of depth in Postecoglou’s squad.
Rising Star:
Pape Sarr, the 21-year-old Senegalese, excelled as a hard-pressing No. 8 and even finished the season as a false nine, showcasing enormous room for improvement and promising to be a significant player for Spurs going forward.
While optimism prevails among Spurs fans, it is hard to ignore the potential strain on their relationship with Postecoglou following the strange Manchester City game.
Alious
