Stewing at the Break

The first international break of the season usually comes too soon, but I was selfishly grateful for this one because it gave me a chance to get the bulk of my unpacking done post-move. I didn't watch a single international game start-to-finish, which has to be the first time that's happened in probably the last three years of international breaks (unfortunately, I did see the USMNT highlights—oof, help us Poch!). But it was an eventful time on the breaking news front, including transfer moves and a very emotional Spurs Alumni update. More on all of that later.

In this issue: Newcastle United recap | Previewing the NLD | Transfer talk | News from around the Lane

But first, I have to briefly rewind and take a look back at the Men's team loss to Newcastle United. I had said in my preview that we simply needed to survive this fixture, always one of the worst in the schedule. Result-wise, that was not the case, but in terms of performance, I actually think the squad acquitted themselves pretty well, especially compared to the last two outings at St. James' Park.

Oh, and it's NLD Eve.

PL Matchday 3 recap | Newcastle United 2 - 1 Tottenham

Barnes 37', Isak 78' | Burn (OG) 56'

After we got through the first fifteen minutes or so I at least felt confident that this wouldn't be another shameful blowout—and thank god it wasn't, for the goal differential as well as our pride. But even though we were the better team on paper, the real-life result was the first loss of the season.

It was very much a game of cliches:

• chances not taken

• fine margins

• a cruel sport

It's frustrating to sense that this fixture has become something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, but at least the script was slightly tweaked this time around. If the performance had been another situation of the squad hardly showing up it would have made for a painful international break; although a vocal portion of the fanbase did indeed stew over the result for two weeks, I was content to chalk it off as "one of those games" and move on.

Starting XI:

Newcastle had plenty of injuries to deal with, but so did Spurs—the entire striker contingent was missing, in fact. That meant we got another look at Dejan Kulusevski in the #9(ish) role. But the bigger experiment was in the backline; Cristian Romero shifted to the left centerback position to accommodate Radu Drăgușin on his preferred righthand side. Drăgușin was replacing Micky van de Ven in the lineup because of a knock picked up in the previous game—the monkey's paw curling after that awesome box-to-box run to assist Son Heung-min. Meanwhile, in the forward line, Wilson Odobert was given the challenge of playing on the right flank rather than his usual left.

Key highlights and takeaways:

• While the swapping of Romero and Drăgușin showed some signs of promise for future games where Van de Ven is unavailable, the overall equilibrium of the backline was thrown off and the marking for both Newcastle goals was pretty poor. As has been the case in the previous two matches this season, the goals conceded have seemed to come down to lapses in concentration more than genuine systemic issues with the defense—perhaps with the exception of our set piece defense, which remains woeful.

• Brennan Johnson is probably tired of being perceived as a super sub, but at this point in his Spurs career it is still his most useful role. Plus, having high-quality substitutes is integral to keeping the intensive press of Angeball working into the late stages of games. Regardless, Johnson did make a big impact off the bench by forcing an own goal. Nick Pope made a strong reaction save on Johnson's shot (itself a rebound of James Maddison's earlier effort) but Dan Burn miscalculated the path of his clearance right into the net.

• As many Spurs fans have remarked, this felt like a match that would have had a different outcome if we'd had any of our strikers available, not to mention Van de Ven's defensive help (especially on the second Newcastle goal, where the high line failed and Udogie's questionable fitness left him without the speed for a proper recovery run). That doesn't make the result any easier to stomach, of course, but I'm comforting myself with the acknowledgment that the performance was a vast improvement over the last two outings at this ground. And if it contributes to shaking the "bogey" vibes of this fixture, all the better. We tend to beat them at home, so let's see put this one in the past and get our revenge later.

• A quick note on the general fan response: it will come as no surprise that I think the negativity is massively overdramatic, but I do understand it to some extent. Last season's surprisingly strong start (unbeaten in the first 10 Premier League games) gave Ange Postecoglou a longer leash than would usually be afforded to a manager new to the Premier League when results started to go south after the Chelsea debacle; this season's slow start, by contrast, is putting that pressure firmly on him for the first time. Granted, I think the majority of that pressure is coming from fan perception and not the actual board. Of course it's disappointing to have broken the unbeaten streak already in this new campaign, but I don't think the club is wavering in their support of Ange's project.

SAtP Player of the Match: Own Goal

I jest, but the ability to force own goals has actually been a key indicator of the Angeball system working as intended. We managed five last season, so let's see if we can goad our opponents into providing a few more in 2024/25.

Notable and quotable:

• Alfie Devine made his last appearance on the bench for a while, as he's now gone out on loan.

• Despite dominating possession, we continue to give up higher quality chances than we are creating—Newcastle had 1.83 xG vs Spurs' 1.26 xG.

• Romero had scored early in the match, but it was called offside.

Previewing PL Matchday 4 — Arsenal

If the old adage about "form going out the window" in derbies is true, it must be doubly so for one taking place so early in the season. I think that factor makes me nervous more than anything to do with either team.

Speaking of teams, we may have some assistance from Arsenals' injury list. Keyword "may," because I'm still traumatized by Jamie Vardy's surprise start and goal in the opening match of the season.

One of Arsenal's newest signings, Mikel Merino (a player I am now doubly obligated to hate after the Euros—iykyk), fractured his shoulder during his first training session and therefore won't be making his debut against Spurs. Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori both picked up injuries on international break, though the latter is possibly in contention to play tomorrow. Takehiro Tomiyasu hasn't yet trained with his team this season and will miss out, but Gabriel Jesus may have recovered from his early-season groin injury to feature.

Arsenal will also be without Declan Rice due to one of the silliest second yellow cards I've seen in a hot minute—and I mean silly from Rice, not the referee, who was merely following the rulebook and appropriately punishing time wasting. It was Rice's own fault that he was already on a yellow.

Our injury outlook is looking a lot better than it was prior to the break. Dominic Solanke and Micky Van de Ven are both available for the matchday squad, although Richarlison and Will Lankshear remain out. Yves Bissouma could be a doubt after picking up a knock playing with Mali over the break, but he'll be a gameday decision.

With Arsenal missing two key midfielders, we have no excuse not to win the midfield battle. That being said, I still don't even know who my personal preferred midfield three is this season, although I think James Maddison has to be a lock for this particular fixture from an experience standpoint. I slightly give Pape Sarr the edge over playing Lucas Bergvall or even Dejan Kulusevski in his place, but mostly because I would like to have the two of them available as impact subs when Sarr inevitably tires out around the 65th minute. Sarr's pace will be valuable on the defensive side of things, and I think we'll have enough creativity further up the pitch with Maddison and the wingers, especially since Arsenal won't be playing a low block. That just leaves the #6 conundrum. It could be a moot point if Bissouma ends up being unavailable; Rodrigo Bentancur would be the natural choice then with his seniority. I can't see Ange throwing Archie Gray into the NLD cauldron unless it was by necessity.

The other key to the game will be not squandering early chances. This is the type of fixture where taking the lead is crucial to getting a result. I am suddenly remembering how disappointed I was about the draw in the home NLD last season because the win was there for the taking, and I hope we don't end up in a similar situation this year.

I suppose there has been some controversy over Ange's comments that he's treating this game like any game against a top side, irrespective of the rivalry component, but I don't have a problem with that attitude. There is something to be said for consistency of mentality and preparation, which can be just as important when it comes to not playing down to a bottom team as it is when striving to compete with a more challenging opponent. Better to be bringing the same energy week in and week out so that there's never a question of which Spurs team is going to show up (or not). Plus, I'm of the opinion that putting too much stock in the rivalry as a player can be detrimental if said player is already on the passionate side to begin with. Celebrate the goals passionately, but don't let emotions lead to rash decision-making that could lead to a red card. That's where I'm at, anyway. But I'm on record as being an idealist who would rather win "the right way." There's being savvy and streetwise, and then there's taking it too far.

That being said... just win, please! I've tried to be as sanguine as possible about the slow start results-wise this season, but losing the home NLD could be a terrible blow to morale. It doesn't matter that Arsenal have finished above us in the table the last two seasons and could reasonably be considered favorites despite our home-field advantage and their injury disadvantage. For all I believe the approach to the game shouldn't differ from that of any other top fixture, interpreting the result will always be an emotional exercise.

Transfer talk

It's going to be another speed round today in the interest of time, but I'll go into more depth on the conclusion of the Women's transfer window in my upcoming WSL preview.

Transfers in

• Hayley Raso has signed on a two-year contract. I'll be honest, this one came out of nowhere, but it was a welcome surprise. She spent the previous season at Real Madrid after departing Manchester City, and on a positive note regarding durability, she played 39 games total for Madrid, including some in the Champions League. She has also excelled with the Australia National Team. Bringing in such a reliable, quality winger bodes well for our ability to take the leap and get closer to the team's state goal: Champions League qualification. On the downside, she's 30 years old and not the kind of long-term prospect that we had tended toward bringing in under Robert Vilahamn's management.

I know it can be concerning to see a third Australian player join Spurs in just the last two windows, and I do believe we should be diversifying our recruitment in general, but the glut of Matildas coming to the wider WSL in recent years is no different than any other transfer nationality trend. Once it was American players who were en vogue, then French players a few seasons ago, and Spanish players are having their moment now, too. You can also look across the pond at the Brazilian wave in the NWSL.

But I digress.

• Anna Csiki is decidedly not Australian, but rather Hungarian, and joins us on a four-year contract. She's a midfielder who previously played under Vilahamn at BK Häcken. The 24-year-old also features internationally for Hungary. Will she be an immediate starter? I have no idea. But her age and the length of her contract make me think the club sees her as an important long-term addition to the squad.

• Katelin Talbert joins Spurs on a half-season loan from West Ham United. The American goalkeeper has yet to feature for the Hammers but has played in Iceland and Portugal most recently. Talbert cites Hope Solo as her idol and based on the highlights I've seen she definitely has a similar style of goalkeeping, but let's hope she's a lot more cool-headed off the pitch. She's only 25, so if this short-term loan serves as an effective tryout Spurs could very well try to put a bid in to wrest her away from our London rivals. But more likely, this is a stop-gap solution until a better option becomes available in January. At least we have three senior goalkeepers going into the season now.

• Maite Oroz was our sole deadline-day signing, joining on a four-year contract from Real Madrid. This might be the most exciting signing of the bunch because she represents a much-needed replacement for Grace Clinton. 26 years old, she joins Spurs at the peak of her career and with plenty of Champions League experience. The only real downside I can see is that she may struggle with the physicality of the league at just 5'1", but her strong technical skills will help her wriggle out of plenty of challenges.

That's all I have to offer on Oroz so far because the Spanish leagues are my major blind spot (men's and women's).

Transfers out

• Rosella Ayane is going on loan to the Chicago Red Stars until the end of the current NWSL season (so, a half-season loan for Tottenham's purposes). According to Emma Sanders, there is no buy option for Chicago, and her Spurs contract is up in the summer, so there's potential for another loan after this one. Ros is something of an institution at Spurs Women, but we have probably seen the last of her in a Spurs shirt. With the incoming signings, it's hard to see her claiming a spot in the forward line, even off the bench. The NWSL should be a fun fit for her playing style and I look forward to watching her here. Unfortunately, the Red Stars have already played away at the NWSL club closest to me (Racing Lousiville) so I won't be going to watch her in person.

• Celin Bizet has joined Manchester United on a permanent contract. If the Raso signing was surprising, this departure was downright shocking. I really thought Bizet would be part of the young core at Spurs for seasons to come. As it is, she leaves after just two seasons and, let's be honest, middling goal & assist output. And now we must never speak of her or Grace Clinton again.

• Alfie Devine has gone on loan to K.V.C. Westerlo for the season, joining up with future Spurs player Luka Vušković. The Belgian top flight should be a good test for Devine after his previous loans at Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle last season.

News from around the Lane

• Fixture dates and hosts have been confirmed for the Women's League Cup group stage matches:

• Charlton Athletic (A) - October 2
• Aston Villa (H) - November 23
• Crystal Palace (A) - December 11

Remember that if Arsenal does not advance in the Champions League, they will drop down into one of the League Cup groups (likely ours, because of the geographical limitations).

• The Men's first League Cup fixture (no group stage for them!) has also been confirmed:

• Coventry City (A) - September 18

• The club celebrated its 142nd birthday on September 5. Happy belated birthday, Spurs!

• In the penultimate pre-season game, Spurs Women beat Feyenoord 2-0 with goals from Lenna Gunning-Williams and Olga Ahtinen. The new signings got their first minutes as well, with the exception of Oroz who hadn't yet joined.

• In a sad edition of Spurs Alumni updates, Alex Morgan has retired. It's not all sad news, because she's also pregnant with her second child, so congrats to Alex and Servando! And there's a lot to celebrate about her long and storied career, even beyond her accomplishments on the pitch. She's had a huge impact on the professionalization of women's football, including her brief stint at Spurs. Listen to what former Spurs co-manager Juan Carlos Amorós had to say:

We all owe her a huge amount of thanks for everything she's done to make the women's game more equitable, safe, and inclusive. But she provided so many special moments in her playing career as well, so it's sad to see her literally take off her boots and walk off the pitch for the final time. Here's to a happy retirement for AM13 (and her spicy alter ego, AM7)!

I will close with a perfect tweet about Maite Oroz's signing hype video (screenshot for posterity):

One more sleep till the NLD! See y'all on the other side.

COYS

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