Here we go: Five things we must learn from Tottenham’s pre-season draw with Luton Town
Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 0-0 draw by Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in what was their second match of a demanding pre-season double-header. Following an earlier fixture against Wycombe Wanderers the same day, this clash wrapped up a physically intense day for Thomas Frank’s side.
While the game was short on fireworks, it did offer some insights into the current state of the squad, tactical experiments, and lingering issues as the Premier League season edges closer. Here are five key things we learned from Tottenham’s latest pre-season outing:
1. Goalkeeper Rotation Continues as Vicario and Kinsky Share Minutes Again
One of the most notable aspects of the match was yet another split in goalkeeping duties. Just as he did in last weekend’s match against Reading, Thomas Frank opted to divide the game between Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky – each playing a half.
This wasn’t entirely expected. With the earlier fixture against Wycombe already giving Brandon Austin a full 90 minutes, there was a growing assumption that one of Vicario or Kinsky might be given a longer run-out to help clarify the pecking order between the sticks. Instead, both were given another 45 minutes, continuing the trend of equal opportunities between the pair.
This repeated rotation raises questions over who Frank sees as his undisputed number one heading into the new campaign. It’s clear that competition remains open in the goalkeeping department, and the pre-season tour of Asia may provide more definitive answers.
2. Injuries and Absences Limit Squad Options
Despite fielding two full squads across their back-to-back matches, Tottenham were still without several first-team regulars who are nursing minor injuries or recovering from illness. Among the most notable absentees was creative midfielder James Maddison, who only recently returned to training but wasn’t considered match-fit enough to feature.
Elsewhere, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin also remained unavailable, both continuing rehabilitation from knocks sustained earlier in the summer. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur sat out due to illness, and striker Dominic Solanke missed the game after picking up a minor issue in training.
While none of these issues appear to be long-term concerns, their continued absence from match action underlines the importance of a fully fit squad as Tottenham prepare for more challenging opposition in Asia and beyond. The club will be hoping to welcome back most of these key players before pre-season concludes.
3. Mikey Moore Trialled in a Central Role Again
One of the more intriguing developments from the game was Thomas Frank’s continued tactical trial involving Mikey Moore. Typically used as a wide attacker under former boss Ange Postecoglou, Moore was again positioned centrally, this time as the more advanced of two attacking midfielders.
Against Reading, Moore partnered Alfie Devine in dual No. 10 roles. In the clash with Luton, Moore was again used in that creative central space, but struggled to make a decisive impact. His movement was clever at times, but the physicality and compact shape of Luton’s midfield limited his effectiveness.
This positional experimentation suggests Frank is assessing Moore’s versatility – potentially reshaping his long-term role within the squad. While there are still questions about whether this suits the young talent best, early pre-season is the perfect time to explore such options before tactical decisions harden ahead of the new season.
4. Full-Back Depth Becoming an Obvious Weakness
Another takeaway from the Luton match was the vulnerability in Spurs’ full-back options, laid bare when makeshift changes were forced upon the lineup. Destiny Udogie started the game but was withdrawn midway through, prompting an unconventional reshuffle.
Jamie Donley, typically a forward or attacking midfielder, was surprisingly deployed as a left-back. His presence in the back line caused a ripple effect: Yves Bissouma had to provide cover on the right when needed, and Brennan Johnson was pushed wider to maintain balance on the flanks.
This makeshift solution only underscored Tottenham’s lack of natural depth in the full-back department. With Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, and Udogie representing the main senior options, any injuries could leave the team scrambling to find emergency cover. Reinforcements in this area are becoming increasingly necessary, and the Luton game served as a timely reminder of how thin the margins are.
5. Breaking Down Low Blocks Still a Major Problem
Despite keeping a second clean sheet in three pre-season matches – a stat that will no doubt please the coaching staff defensively – Tottenham’s persistent issues in attack were once again exposed. The North London side found it incredibly difficult to penetrate Luton Town’s low defensive block.
The League One outfit defended deep and in numbers, leaving minimal space in and around the penalty area. This stifled Tottenham’s attacking rhythm, especially out wide, where Brennan Johnson and Mohammed Kudus were frequently double-marked.
Without key creative outlets like Maddison or Kulusevski, Spurs lacked the cutting edge to unlock Luton’s compact shape. Their buildup play was often slow and predictable, and clear chances were at a premium.
This is not a new problem. It was a common theme last season and remains a tactical hurdle Thomas Frank must overcome. A signing like Morgan Gibbs-White – a player capable of threading passes through tight gaps and breaking lines – could help add invention in the final third, particularly when main creators are missing.
Conclusion
While the 0-0 draw may not have been the most entertaining spectacle, it offered valuable insight into where Tottenham Hotspur currently stand in their preparations. Squad depth, positional experimentation, and tactical adjustments are all still being worked through.
With tougher tests awaiting them on their upcoming Asian tour, Thomas Frank and his coaching staff will be eager to refine their plans, reintegrate returning players, and potentially strengthen weak areas – particularly at full-back and in attacking midfield. Pre-season may be about fitness, but for Spurs, it’s also clearly about fine-tuning the structure for a more consistent and resilient campaign ahead.