“It’s not that I don’t like Ange Postecoglou but his decision to start that particular player today was the reason we lose…We might not finish in top-6 if he keeps making such decision’: Jamie O’Hara faults what Ange got by starting ONE Player which cost him the game
Tottenham Hotspur’s Struggles in the 2024/25 Season: Ange Postecoglou and Heung-min Son Under the Spotlight
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2024/25 campaign has been a bitter disappointment so far. After a promising start to Ange Postecoglou’s tenure last season, hopes were high for the club to finally end their long trophy drought. However, recent performances have raised serious concerns about their ability to achieve that elusive silverware this season.
A Season of Underachievement
Postecoglou, known for his bold claims, had confidently stated a few months ago that he has a track record of winning trophies in his second season at any club. While Spurs technically still have time to turn things around, their current form suggests that goal may be slipping out of reach.
Tottenham have won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions, a dismal run that has seen them drop to 11th in the Premier League standings and a disappointing ninth place in their Europa League group. These results are far from the level expected of a club with their ambition and stature.
The downturn in form has been compounded by underwhelming performances from several key players. One of those who has come under fire is the team’s captain and longtime talisman, Heung-min Son, with former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara leading the criticism.
Jamie O’Hara Criticizes Heung-min Son
Heung-min Son has been a cornerstone of Tottenham Hotspur since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 under Mauricio Pochettino. Over nearly a decade, the South Korean international has become a club legend, racking up 424 appearances and contributing directly to 255 goals. Despite often being deployed as a winger, his ability to score and create chances has been sensational.
However, this season, Son’s form has dipped, with just five goals in 16 appearances across all competitions. This has prompted O’Hara, now a pundit, to question whether Son remains a world-class player. Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara said:
“Listen, I said about Son a couple of months ago, maybe a month ago, he was world-class, he isn’t anymore. That’s just how it is. He has been a brilliant player for Tottenham, but I think we need to find a replacement. I got slaughtered by Spurs fans for saying it, and I’m right. He is not good enough anymore.
“He can produce moments still, I get that, he has got something to offer. But he isn’t the Son we have been used to watching for the last three-four seasons. He’s not that player anymore. He can’t go past someone, he hasn’t got the pace, he hasn’t got the sharpness anymore.”
Analyzing Son’s Form: Is the Criticism Fair?
It’s easy to scapegoat a high-profile player like Son when the team is struggling, but a deeper look at his underlying stats tells a more nuanced story. While his goal contributions have declined slightly, the numbers suggest that Son is still performing at a respectable level.
Last season, Son scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in the Premier League, averaging 2.4 shots, 1.9 key passes, and 1.1 dribbles per game. He was dispossessed 1.2 times per 90 minutes. This term, he has four goals and four assists in the league, with averages of 1.9 shots, 2.1 key passes, and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes. Notably, his dispossession rate has improved, dropping to 0.8 times per game.
Son’s goal or assist contributions have declined marginally, from one every 109.1 minutes last season to one every 117.75 minutes this campaign. While the drop is noticeable, it’s far from a catastrophic decline, especially when considering that injuries have disrupted his rhythm.
What Lies Ahead for Tottenham and Son?
Postecoglou faces a monumental task in getting Tottenham back on track, and the form of his key players will be crucial. Son, despite his recent struggles, remains a leader in the dressing room and a player with the ability to change games. Writing him off entirely, as O’Hara suggests, seems premature.
Spurs need more than just individual brilliance to salvage their season. Tactical adjustments, greater consistency, and improved performances across the board are required. For now, the onus is on Postecoglou to reignite his team’s confidence and prove that his promise of second-season success wasn’t just empty words.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with Son’s pedigree and the talent within the squad, there’s still hope that Tottenham can turn their fortunes around. Whether they can live up to expectations, however, remains to be seen.