Despite facing challenges in open play, set-pieces are emerging as a crucial asset for Tottenham this season. Their dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham United showcased this strategy, with the opening goal coming from a corner delivered by new signing Xavi Simons to Pape Sarr. Manager Thomas Frank`s meticulous planning was evident; while Cristian Romero had a set-piece goal disallowed, the dangerous deliveries from Simons and Mohammed Kudus consistently threatened throughout the match.
Lucas Bergvall`s header for Tottenham`s second goal, though not strictly a set-piece, originated from a precisely executed long ball by Romero, which Bergvall skillfully converted past West Ham keeper Mads Hermansen. This play further underscored the detailed, rehearsed routines Thomas Frank is instilling in his squad.
Last season, Tottenham`s reliance on set-pieces was minimal, netting only 10 goals from such situations and conceding 13, placing them in the bottom third of the Premier League for both metrics. However, under Frank, there`s a clear shift. Early in the current season, they`ve yet to concede a set-piece goal while scoring two in just four matches. While not yet matching Arsenal`s prolificacy in this area (who boast five set-piece goals), it marks significant progress for Spurs.
The team remains a work in progress, particularly in open play, adapting to the absence of key attackers like Heung-min Son (who moved to Los Angeles FC), James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski. This context highlights the critical importance of new additions Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus. Despite a challenging transfer window where they missed out on targets like Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Tottenham ultimately secured valuable signings that are already demonstrating their worth.
Integrating these new players, especially in possession, will require time. Yet, one certainty is that Tottenham will not replicate last season`s 17th-place league finish. Following their Europa League triumph and the departure of Ange Postecoglou, expectations are high for Spurs` return to Champions League football. Frank`s early results, particularly the confidence derived from strong initial performances, offer optimism for their campaign.
Upcoming Champions League Fixtures for Tottenham
Here is Tottenham`s Champions League schedule:
- Villarreal (home)
- Bodo/Glimt (away)
- Monaco (away)
- Copenhagen (home)
- Paris Saint-Germain (away)
- Slavia Praha (home)
- Borussia Dortmund (home)
- Eintracht Frankfurt (away)
Significant defensive improvements are crucial for Tottenham to begin their campaign strongly, particularly ahead of a challenging away fixture against PSG. This also provides Frank valuable time to identify his optimal starting eleven. Recalling their previous encounter with the Parisians in the UEFA Super Cup, Tottenham will aim to replicate their dominant first-half performance, where Micky van de Ven put them ahead, rather than the second half, which saw them squander a two-goal lead.
This early promise suggests Frank is on the right track, effectively balancing Tottenham`s ambitions across multiple competitions. The focus now shifts to consolidating these elements to propel the club to the next level. While set-pieces will undoubtedly contribute, the continued synergy between Kudus and Simons could transform this team into a genuine dark horse, capable of reaching the Champions League last 16 and securing a top-four Premier League finish.
