The Right Response

Since last writing, both of Tottenham's teams have earned a statement result each (and yes, I do plan on glossing over the loss that the Women's team had in the middle) and started to regain some of the positive vibes that typified the beginning of the season—before an injury bug hit the entire club.

Ange Postecoglou made a few key tweaks to his starting lineup to lead the team to a win against Newcastle United, while Robert Vilahamn showed trust in his injury-reduced squad to respond positively in the Conti Cup after suffering a second league loss in a row. If I had to pick one thing that has pleased me most about this season under the new managers it would be the way they've elevated the performances of their whole squads. If you can't compete with the enviable depth of the top teams, at least cause them some problems. It helps to have managers with interesting tactical ideas and a spirit of bravery that diffuses down to the players.

In this issue: Newcastle recap | Manchester United & Arsenal recaps | Previewing the weekend(ish) matches | News from around the Lane

Since I'm getting this issue to y'all a little later than is ideal, what with the Men's team having a Friday match and missing a chance to preview the Women's midweek cup match entirely, I'm going to keep things short and sweet with today's recaps. And just to be candid, I didn't get to watch the WSL match against Manchester United live and haven't had the heart to go back and watch it in full, so that will just be some basic observations from the extended highlights. I'll still include the lineups, for posterity. We'll be back to regularly scheduled programming after the next round of games.

PL Matchday 16 recap | Tottenham 4 - 1 Newcastle United

Udogie 26', Richarlison 38' • 60', Son (pen) 85' | Joelinton 90+1'

I remarked on the most recent episode of The Tottenham Depot that this was the first Men's match in a long time that actually felt like a fair fight. Newcastle have been hit with just as many injuries as we have, but I would argue that Ange has dealt with the squad constraints much better than Eddie Howe. The Newcastle manager chose to field the same outfield ten he'd used for their previous four matches in all competitions (Nick Pope was injured in the first game of that stretch and has been replaced by Martin Dubravaka since). You could see that the Newcastle players were on their last legs for their fifth game in 16 days. Nowhere was that fatigue more apparent than in Kieran Trippier's matchup with Son Heung-min on Spurs' attacking left flank. On that note, let's look at the starting lineup for Tottenham.

Starting XI:

Son Heung-min was moved back out to his traditional left winger role while Richarlison got his first start since returning from surgery at the striker position. With Brennan Johnson on the other wing, Dejan Kulusevski was able to move into the #10 role where he's been so successful lately. Pape Sarr also got his first start since his recent injury.

Like I said, I don't have time to go into too many specifics today, but the big picture takeaway is that we looked at our most fluid, attacking best for the majority of the game.

Some highlights:

• Destiny Udogie got his first goal in a Spurs shirt, finishing a superb cross from Sonny by crashing the box.

• Son contributed a second assist for the first goal of Richarlison's brace, this time dribbling along the goal line a bit before cutting back a pass to Richarlison in the box.

• In the second half, Pedro Porro delivered an ambitious through ball that Richy struggled to bring down at first, but finished nicely.

• Our fourth and final goal came from the team's first awarded penalty of the season, won and converted by captain Son.

• On the other end, Ben Davies made a crucial block early in the first half after making a key recovery run.

• Another costly giveaway by substitute Pierre-Emile Højbjerg led to a consolation goal for Newcastle in stoppage time.

• Cristian Romero narrowly avoided a red card with a risky challenge.

SAtP Player of the Match: Richarlison

It's clear that Richy's recent surgery has made a world of difference. He looks much more confident in his movement now and wasn't far off a hat trick. Plus it was good to see him making the right runs to link up with the more creative players in the squad.

We need him to be playing at full capacity for these matchups against teams that are going to sit back and require more of a "target man" striker than Son can provide. It's also a relief to see that Son still has all the tools to be productive on the wing after putting in such a strong campaign as a center forward this season.

Honorable mentions: Dejan Kulusevski (newly masked due to a broken nose) and Pedro Porro

Notable and quotable:

• This was the first time Richarlison had scored with his foot for Spurs; all his previous goals were headers.

• Son hit another Premier League milestone, becoming just the 7th player to score 10+ goals in eight successive PL seasons.

• Son has also set a record for most assists for Spurs in the PL era (83), surpassing Christian Eriksen.

• The captain's thoughts on breaking the winless streak:

I hope this game to be our turning point. We have to make winning as a habit. It is important not too be too much excited when you win, not to be too depressed when you lose. Of course I'm happy, but I'll focus on coming games.

• Ange on how Sonny has adapted to the captaincy:

He's embraced the extra responsibility, both in and around the culture here but also during games when we’ve needed him to step up.

• Richarlison on needing some time away from the pitch, along with his surgery:

I am 'hungry', I always want to play, but I learned this lesson the hard way. If your health and mental health are not up to date, there is no point. A lot of people criticised me, said bad things about me, because I really wasn't performing at my best, and since my head wasn't feeling good anymore due to the lack of confidence and off-field matters, which wasn't great either, everything went down a very bad path. So much so that I took a break from social media and I've been saying very little, because I want to recover and I am focused on that. Thank God, I am feeling much better and without that pain.

• Ange on Davies' makeshift role at CB:

I thought Ben Davies was outstanding. He's getting a run of games. We've got to be mindful he's not a centre-back and he's growing into that role. Ben is still adapting to it. He's done remarkably well. We need to sign another center-back though because at the moment we're on tenterhooks in case something else happens there.

WSL Matchday 9 | Tottenham 0 - 4 Manchester United

Malard 29' • 59', Toone 51', Ladd 84'

Two things were notable about this game:

1) It was the first without all three of our usual starting midfielders (Olga Ahtinen, Eveliina Summanen, and Drew Spence) due to injury.

2) Beth England made her return from hip surgery, getting a surprise start against United.

We kept the score respectable until halftime, entering the break at 0-1, but two quickfire goals early in the second half gave United a lead we could not come back from, and they scored a fourth and final goal just before full time.

Starting XI:

Again, Beth starting rather than coming off the bench was the biggest surprise. Robert Vilahamn was true to his word in finding a way to play both England and Martha Thomas, with the latter dropping back to the #10 role to facilitate. Jess Naz started on the left wing in place of Grace Clinton, who was ineligible to play against her parent club. The defense also saw a shakeup, with Shelina Zadorsky coming in to play at leftback so Ash Neville could cover rightback for Angharad James as she shifted into the depleted midfield beside Ria Percival. Luana Bühler was dropped to the bench, though it was unclear if it was for injury or selection reasons. Amy Turner replaced her to play next to Molly Bartrip in the CB partnership.

Since I didn't watch this one I can't say how the substitutes did, but I've heard from other fans that despite the loss we kept our shape fairly well and at least played with some attacking intent (England had an early chance that was particularly notable). We know that there's a disparity in our squad depth compared to the top teams, so suffering a loss with so many key players out is somewhat expected. Still, it was a tough result to take—especially with the lopsided scoreline—after the previous loss to the other half of Manchester.

My one other observation from merely watching the highlights is that Becky Spencer seemed to be overcompensating for the lack of positional chemistry in the backline by coming off her line too early. This led to a couple of long-range shots over her head that she had no hope of stopping. There have been a lot of changes in the defense lately, so I'm hoping this quirk gets ironed out if the lineup becomes more consistent.

No player of the match pick since I can't make an informed choice!

Notable and quotable:

• This quote about the strategy of loaning players was from Vilahamn's most recent press conference (full quote here), but it's relevant to the United match since Clinton was ineligible to play:

We want to create a Tottenham that can compete for the long end, and if you’re gonna just continue loaning players, we’re never gonna develop our own players; we're always gonna loand and develop, and then give back really good players to the top teams.

I'm glad he said this, honestly. It wouldn't be so bad if we were getting players on loan from other leagues but intra-league loans can be a real hindrance to long-term progress; while we only gain temporary benefit, a rival potentially gains a more experienced player at the end of the loan. Of course, it remains to be seen if Spurs will attempt to sign Clinton on a permanent contract at the end of her loan, but I wouldn't count on it.

League Cup — Group Stage Matchday 3 recap | Arsenal 3 - 3 Tottenham

(Arsenal win PK shootout 4-3 for extra point)

Blackstenius 19', Leonhardsen Maanum 37', Codina 68' | Thomas 17', Naz 30' • 48'

This match was so much more competitive than I was expecting (what with our injury situation) and it made for a thrilling watch. Yes, we took the lead three times only to see Arsenal equalize each time, but the important thing is that we scored three great goals to give ourselves a fighting chance against perennial WSL title contenders. This game had huge stakes for our chances of qualifying for the Conti Cup quarter-finals as well: with the point we earned from the draw, qualification is in our hands. A win against Southampton secures a ticket to the knockouts, and even with a draw we still have a decent chance of progressing. That final group stage match won't be played until the new year though, so let's just bask in taking our second-ever point from Arsenal for now.

Starting XI:

Time for a massive caveat before I even discuss our own starting lineup: Arsenal had rotated 10 out of 11 players from their previous league match, with Katie McCabe the only holdover.

We got another glimpse of Barbora Votíková in a match that enabled her to better showcase her skills than in the previous two group stage games. The defense saw a couple of changes, with Luana Bühler back in the CB duo and Angharad James filling in at rightback for the first time in a while. We had two very attacking-minded midfielders in the double pivot, whilst Martha Thomas got another turn at the #10. Jess Naz got the nod at striker while Beth England rested the entire match—probably for the best from an injury return/fitness perspective, even if it would have been nice to see her in a short cameo. Overall it felt like a good mix of first-team and squad players, although some of the selections were more down to necessity than anything with our typical starting midfielders out injured.

And I'm glad we gave it a proper go because this result probably means more than a point in the WSL would, in the grand scheme of things. It would be nice to make a strong run in the Conti Cup, especially if we assume we'll be getting those injured players back towards the resumption of the competition after the new year, and England will be hitting her stride by then as well. To dare is to do, etc.

I thought Kit Graham and Ramona Petzelberger both found moments to shine in their roles, but I was most impressed with Thomas and Naz. Although Thomas did a lot more of the playmaking in this one since she wasn't in the striker role, her run to get on the end of Ash Neville's cross for the first goal was classic forward play. (Side note: Neville swapping temporarily to the right side before she made her assist is further proof that we need to recruit a leftback in the January window so Neville can play on that flank more often, where she has thrived). The one question around playing Naz as a striker has been whether her finishing is strong enough; her two goal-scoring shots in this match were as clinical as they get. We know that she can make the right runs and her pace has always been an asset, whether she's playing centrally or from her usual wide position.

I'm not going to lie though... I am growing increasingly concerned about the defense. It's not just that we seem to concede the same types of goals (the primary culprits: set pieces and crosses from out wide), but that we aren't getting any better at the basics as the season goes on. If anything, we've gotten worse. Perhaps some of the decline in defensive stability can be attributed to the frequent changes to the backline over the last couple of months. Bühler seems to be carrying a knock that has her in and out of the starting lineup, and although she started this cup match she was taken off at halftime. Everyone knows my feelings about Amy Turner (lovely person, not good at defending headers as we saw for Arsenal's third goal), but unfortunately, we just don't have another right-sided centerback option in the squad right now, besides Molly Bartrip who is already starting to begin with. I think Gracie Pearse could maybe fill in, in a pinch, but she has very limited top-flight experience.

There was some confusion about whether or not Arsenal's final goal was going to count as a Turner own goal or for Laia Codina, but FotMob has it down as the latter so Amy's getting a reprieve here.

Regardless, that third equalizer triggered a penalty shootout for an extra point, a funny quirk of the Conti Cup competition rules. I was intrigued to see how Votíková would do in a PK shootout, and indeed, she was able to make one save (and got fingertips to two more shots). But with Sabrina D'Angelo saving Naz's shot (she went first) and Graham's PK ricocheting cruelly out by the crossbar, Barbora would have needed to make another save to keep us alive and force sudden death. Still a decent effort, especially the PKs from substitutes Rosella Ayane and Shelina Zadorsky.

Sure, getting a draw against a heavily rotated Arsenal side is not quite the same as doing it when they're at full strength, but they still have a remarkably strong team even when it's the second string. I hope we can take this performance and build on it for the rematch on Saturday—when the Gunners will certainly be playing their preferred starting XI.

SAtP Player of the Match: Jess Naz

As I mentioned in the intro for this issue, seeing the improvements across the whole Men's and Women's squads has been a highlight of the season so far. Jess really exemplifies that effort on the Women's side. She's about to age out of the "promising young forward" category, so now is the time for her to start stepping up her game. She definitely stepped up for this cup match, leading the line with confidence & finesse and scoring two beautiful goals.

Perhaps more than any other fringe player, she is causing Robert some selection dilemmas, especially now that she's shown she can play both as a striker and winger with equal skill. Kit also deserves an honorable mention for fitting in pretty seamlessly when called upon to start this season.

Even though Jess is still relatively young, she's been with the squad long enough that I feel quite attached to her on a personal level. So if any player is going to prove the doubters wrong and flourish in the Vilahamn system, I hope it will be Jess.

Notable and quotable:

• Shelina Zadorsky has been slowly but surely getting more minutes over the last few matches, and Vilahamn had some praise for her resilience after a tough previous season:

The most important thing is that she’s back smiling, and actually performing and training very well...To see her come back, as a person, is the most important thing, because she’s shining right now.

• This was the most goals we have ever scored in a match against Arsenal, never having managed more than one goal before.

Previewing PL Matchday 17 — Nottingham Forest

We're headed to Brennan Johnson's old stomping ground. Ange Postecoglou had this to say about Spurs' young winger:

You can’t play for a big football club and hide away. It doesn’t happen. You look at any player who goes to a big football club, that’s where they want to be, they want the responsibility, they want the limelight, they want to be the person who makes that difference. That’s why Brennan came here. He could have very easily stayed at Nottingham Forest where he was making a great career for himself, but he wanted to get out of his comfort zone because he had been there for so long and he chose to come to a big club.

Ange went on to say he has every belief that Brennan is coming to embrace the challenge and making strides, whilst holding some patience for him along that journey as his manager. Good stuff!

I have no doubt the Welshman will play an important part in this Friday's matchup. With Giovani Lo Celso injured once again (sigh) and Dejan Kulusevski therefore likely to get the nod at the #10 role, Johnson will need to start on the right wing. We'll probably see the same configuration of Richarlison at striker and Son Heung-min on the left wing, but there's potential for them to swap if their individual matchups on the pitch necessitate it. So, expect the same starting lineup from the previous game.

Nottingham Forest have an enviable injury situation right now, with only one major injury to Taiwo Awoniyi—their top scorer thus far, though only with four goals. But that doesn't mean they've been having a good run of form. They're winless in their last five fixtures, and have only earned one win (against Aston Villa, of all teams) in their last twelve. They've managed a fair number of draws, however, so they're treading water above the relegation zone for now.

Former Tottenham player Serge Aurier hasn't played in their last two matches, but I don't know for sure if that's because of injury or just manager Steve Cooper's discretion.

Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White are the main attacking threats to deal with from Forest, although Chris Wood can also cause problems on set pieces. As much as I would like for us to finally get another clean sheet, I feel confident we can outscore them no matter what. Hopefully Brennan doesn't show his old club too much respect.

Previewing WSL Matchday 10 — Arsenal

Then on Saturday, we have the early kickoff at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the second Arsenal fixture of the week. I know, it hardly seems fair. But at least after this match it's the winter break, a time for injured players to heal and the recruitment team to get busy with final preparations for the January transfer window. 

Arsenal will undoubtedly be fielding a stronger team this time around, so I can't lie to y'all and say a result is equally as feasible as it was in the cup. But the away draw will have given Spurs some confidence and momentum to work with, and there is always a point to prove (no pun intended) when it comes to our NLD rivals. I am also hoping there will be a large, supportive crowd at the stadium to spur our team on (pun fully intended). 

The only injury update is that Ellie Brazil is available for selection again, though I wouldn't expect to see her starting with the other winger options in good form. As far as the rest of the lineup goes, the only potential change I could see (barring a lingering fitness concern for Luana Bühler) is at the goalkeeper position. Vilahamn may choose to start Becky Spencer so she can play her way out of her rough stretch of form, but Barbora Votíková showed enough in the cup match that I would be fairly confident seeing her in goal. She proved that she is capable of distributing the ball, which was my main concern—and playing out from the back is one of Spencer's best attributes. Plus, having just played Arsenal midweek (even if it was their rotated side for most of the match) would be an advantage for preparation.

The onus is on Arsenal to demonstrate the objective superiority of their squad, while ours is to make it difficult for them. This is definitely Vilahamn's philosophy, to cause the opponent problems and remain committed to attacking football regardless of the circumstances. A good performance along those lines will represent further progress in the team's evolution.

• Spurs Women have been drawn at home to Sheffield United in the FA Cup. The match will take place the weekend of the 13th/14th of January, so it will be the first fixture after the winter break.

• Destiny Udogie signed a new contract that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2030. What a way to celebrate scoring his first goal for the club last weekend! 

Isn't it refreshing to always look forward to games now, even the difficult ones, because we know there will be surprises and exciting football? Even the club-wide injury crisis can't fully dampen the mood. Let's get behind our teams as the Women's side approaches the pause at the (almost) halfway point of the season, whilst the Men's side gears up for the festive fixtures.

COYS

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