Imagine 0% dribbles, 0 key passes, 15x ball lost, The only Red Flag Ange must drop 5/10 Spurs ace after Qarabag revealed
Tottenham Hotspur, after a rough start to the season marked by losses to Arsenal and Newcastle United, seem to be finding their rhythm in recent matches. Their 3-0 victory over Qarabağ FK in the Europa League was their third consecutive win, but despite the convincing scoreline, the match was anything but straightforward.
Early in the game, Spurs faced a major setback when Qarabağ defender Radu Dragusin was sent off just seven minutes in for a reckless last-man challenge. At that moment, it seemed as though the game might become a drawn-out struggle for the North London club. However, under the guidance of head coach Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham adapted their strategy, continuing to impose their style of play, and eventually took control of the match.
The victory saw some standout individual performances, including that of left-back Destiny Udogie, who impressed throughout. However, not everyone shined, as a few players may have hurt their chances of starting in Tottenham’s crucial upcoming match against Manchester United.
Destiny Udogie’s Impact Against Qarabağ
Initially, Udogie was set to rest for the match, as he started on the bench with the expectation of featuring in the more significant clash against Manchester United on Sunday. However, Dragusin’s early red card forced Postecoglou to make a quick tactical adjustment, bringing Udogie on to replace the young Lucas Bergvall to maintain four defenders on the pitch.
Though Udogie was slotted into his natural left-back position, his impact was felt all over the field. He was as involved in attack as he was in defense, continuously making vital interceptions and clearances while supporting the team’s offensive efforts. This dual role has become a hallmark of Postecoglou’s system, where full-backs are expected to contribute across the pitch, and Udogie embodied this approach perfectly.
While such attacking freedom from a defender in a game where the team is down to 10 men might usually be deemed risky, Udogie’s dynamism paid off. He was a constant threat during his 78 minutes on the field, earning a well-deserved 8/10 rating from Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold, who noted that Udogie “played his part in Spurs keeping a clean sheet.” The Italian’s performance solidified his importance in Tottenham’s lineup and further cemented the belief that he must start in all of Spurs’ key matches this season.
Yves Bissouma’s Struggles Against Qarabağ
In contrast, Yves Bissouma’s performance against Qarabağ left much to be desired. The Malian midfielder, typically a force in the middle of the park, had a subpar showing, struggling to make his usual impact. While his performance wasn’t as calamitous as Dragusin’s dismissal, it was below the standard expected of him, and he appeared off the pace for much of the match.
Bissouma’s struggles culminated in him giving away a penalty, a costly error that could have easily swung the momentum against Spurs. His sloppy play was reflected in his 71 minutes of action, where his passing accuracy dropped to just 84%, and he was guilty of losing possession 15 times. Although he did manage to make three clearances, three interceptions, and one tackle, his overall contribution was marred by inconsistency, including losing half of his duels, committing two fouls, and failing to provide a single key pass.
It’s important to note that Bissouma has only made three starts this season, which might explain some of his rustiness. However, with a vital Premier League match against Manchester United looming, Postecoglou will need to consider whether Bissouma’s recent form warrants a starting spot. If the 28-year-old midfielder repeats the same mistakes on Sunday, it could be a much more punishing experience for Spurs, potentially costing them three points.
Alasdair Gold echoed this sentiment, rating Bissouma a mere 5/10, labeling his performance “erratic with some good moments but plenty of sloppy ones.” The statistics back this up: Bissouma misplaced his only long ball attempt, was dribbled past once, and failed to live up to his usual high standards. While Tottenham’s team performance was largely commendable, Bissouma’s individual display leaves Postecoglou with a decision to make before the trip to Old Trafford.
Looking Ahead
Tottenham’s victory over Qarabağ may have extended their winning streak, but it also highlighted some key areas of concern. The brilliant form of players like Udogie offers hope for the future, but inconsistency in performances like Bissouma’s suggests there’s still work to be done. Postecoglou will now need to carefully assess his squad ahead of a high-pressure encounter with Manchester United, knowing that any slip-up could cost his side dearly.
As Spurs continue to evolve under Postecoglou’s leadership, consistency will be key in their quest to climb the Premier League table. With crucial matches on the horizon, Tottenham’s ability to maintain their newfound form will be critical in determining whether this season becomes a success or another frustrating chapter for the North London club.