“imagine losing 16 duels, I’m so angry at him right now and I’m already planning NOT to play him in next Europa clash” Mikel Arteta names ONE Spurs who was the club’s problem against Roma surprising not everyone will expect
Water is wet, the sky is blue, and Tottenham Hotspur remain the epitome of inconsistency in football.
For Spurs fans, the highs and lows of supporting their team have always been part of the package, but the current campaign under Ange Postecoglou seems to have amplified those contrasts. Just days after their jaw-dropping 4-0 demolition of Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Tottenham stumbled to a frustrating 2-2 draw at home against Roma in the Europa League. It was a performance that encapsulated the maddening inconsistency that has plagued the North London club for years.
While the result wasn’t a disaster in isolation, the stark difference between the two performances was impossible to ignore. Against City, Spurs looked like genuine title contenders, dismantling Pep Guardiola’s side with ruthless efficiency. Yet, against a Roma team that has struggled in Serie A this season, Spurs were disjointed, uninspired, and ultimately, wasteful. Postecoglou’s team wasn’t terrible, but they lacked the spark, cohesion, and intensity that had been so evident in their previous outing.
Two players, in particular, stood out for the wrong reasons: Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke. Their performances not only highlighted individual struggles but also underscored some of the systemic issues that Tottenham must address if they are to avoid more nights like this.
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Radu Dragusin: Struggling Under the Spotlight
With defensive stalwarts Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both sidelined due to injuries, the responsibility of leading the backline fell to Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin. While Davies, ever the dependable veteran, turned in another solid performance, Dragusin once again found himself under scrutiny for all the wrong reasons.
The Romanian defender, who arrived with high expectations after impressing at Genoa, has struggled to adapt to the demands of Postecoglou’s high-line defensive system. Against Roma, there wasn’t a single catastrophic error like the ones he committed against Qarabağ and Galatasaray in previous Europa League matches. Instead, his performance was characterized by a lack of composure and conviction, leaving Spurs vulnerable at crucial moments.
Dragusin’s unease was palpable throughout the match, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Tom Parsons of the Evening Standard was scathing in his post-match assessment, awarding the center-back a lowly 5/10 and noting that Postecoglou “will be desperate to have Cristian Romero available again.” This sentiment was echoed by the fans, who have grown increasingly frustrated with Dragusin’s inability to step up in Romero’s absence.
The statistics from Dragusin’s 95 minutes on the pitch paint a grim picture. He managed four clearances but failed to win a single aerial or ground duel, an alarming shortcoming for a player whose physicality is supposed to be his strength. He also lost possession four times, committed one foul, and didn’t register a single tackle or interception. These numbers highlight a performance that fell far below the standards expected of a starting defender at a club of Tottenham’s stature.
While it’s true that Dragusin is still relatively young and adapting to a new league, the patience of Postecoglou and the Spurs faithful is wearing thin. With Romero’s return still uncertain, the pressure on Dragusin to improve will only increase in the coming weeks.
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Dominic Solanke: Wasteful in Front of Goal
If Dragusin was Spurs’ weak link at the back, Dominic Solanke’s struggles in attack were equally concerning. After failing to get on the scoresheet during the victory over Manchester City, the English striker was eager to make an impact against Roma. Instead, he delivered one of his most underwhelming performances of the season.
Solanke had several opportunities to put Spurs in control of the match, but his finishing let him down time and again. His most frustrating moment came in the second half when he opted to take a shot himself rather than pass to an unmarked James Maddison in the penalty area. It was a decision that not only squandered a golden opportunity but also highlighted a lack of awareness and composure that has occasionally crept into Solanke’s game.
While Solanke wasn’t directly responsible for the goals Spurs conceded, his inability to convert chances left the team vulnerable. Had he been more clinical, Tottenham might have come away with all three points, rendering Roma’s late equalizer inconsequential.
Parsons was equally unimpressed with Solanke’s performance, also awarding him a 5/10 and criticizing his lack of sharpness in front of goal. The statistics further underline just how poor the striker was on the night. Despite playing the full 95 minutes, Solanke failed to score from an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.15, missed two clear-cut chances, and completed just 81% of his passes. To make matters worse, he committed three fouls and lost 16 of the 19 duels he contested, a shocking return for a player tasked with leading the line.
Solanke’s struggles weren’t just a one-off. While he has shown flashes of brilliance this season, his inconsistency remains a concern. For a team like Tottenham, which aspires to challenge on multiple fronts, having a reliable striker is essential. Solanke’s inability to deliver on nights like this raises questions about his long-term role in the squad.
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A Familiar Pattern for Tottenham
Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Roma is just the latest example of a troubling pattern that has haunted the club for years. On their day, Spurs are capable of beating anyone, as their victory over Manchester City proved. But their inability to maintain that level of performance on a consistent basis continues to hold them back.
For Postecoglou, the challenge is twofold. First, he must address the individual errors and lapses in concentration that cost his team so dearly. Whether it’s Dragusin’s struggles at the back or Solanke’s wastefulness in front of goal, these issues need to be resolved quickly. Second, he must instill a sense of mental toughness and focus that allows his team to approach every game with the same intensity and determination, regardless of the opponent.
The good news for Spurs is that they remain well-placed in both the Premier League and the Europa League. But if they are to achieve their ambitions this season, they cannot afford many more nights like this. The inconsistency that has defined their campaign so far must be replaced by a level of professionalism and ruthlessness that has too often been missing.
Ultimately, the performances of Dragusin and Solanke were emblematic of Tottenham’s broader struggles. Both players have the talent to succeed, but talent alone is not enough. As Spurs look ahead to their next fixtures, Postecoglou will be hoping for a much-improved showing from his entire squad—because in football, inconsistency is a luxury that no team can afford.