Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend and fans will be expecting an improved performance against Arsenal.
We are now approaching a fortnight since Tottenham were last in action.
Spurs were hammered 4-0 at Newcastle United in a frankly dreadful performance up at St James’ Park.
Aston Villa have won twice since then, leaving Tottenham’s top-four hopes hanging by a thread ahead of the North London derby.
No fixture last weekend means Tottenham have had plenty of time to put that Newcastle drubbing to one side and focus entirely on an improvement against Arsenal.
Tottenham’s run-in looks tricky but even if Champions League qualification can’t be secured, this has been an encouraging first season under Ange Postecoglou.
Jurgen Klopp on Tottenham
Postecoglou was picked as a real change of pace from Antonio Conte, bringing an exceptionally attacking approach to Tottenham.
There have been highs and lows along the way and that defeat at Newcastle has resulted in some calling for Postecoglou to tweak his approach a little.
No matter the opponent, no matter the occasion, Tottenham go for the win – and whilst that brings excitement, it does leave Spurs quite open too.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has now shared his verdict on Tottenham’s season and seems to have been impressed with what he saw.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Klopp admitted that he feels Tottenham have clearly taken the ‘next step’ under Postecoglou.
Tottenham finished eighth last season and now sit fifth, so it’s clear that Postecoglou has moved things along well after a disappointing campaign under Conte.
“As a club like Liverpool, before the season it’s clear, to get all the things going… we didn’t qualify for the Champions League last year, that’s financially a real problem for a football club [like Liverpool]. That’s how it is,” said Klopp. “No.1, we have to make sure – and that’s how you build a squad – that we can fight for the Champions League again. In a league where you have six, seven teams: obviously now Arsenal, [Manchester] City, us, Aston Villa, it was clear they will be around, 100 per cent clear. Tottenham obviously made the next step, was clear. And then not really involved for whatever reason, and you cannot imagine that before the season, United and Chelsea. They are usually there as well,” he added.
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How can Tottenham go up another level?
Tottenham may have taken a step forward from last season but it may still not be enough for the top four.
So what exactly can Tottenham do to progress again next season?
We would love to see a number six arrive, a real defensive midfielder who can protect the Tottenham back four and provide a strong base in the engine room.
Yves Bissouma started the season well but his indifferent performances of late mean a proper holding midfielder should be on the radar.
Adding depth in both full back positions would be ideal for Tottenham whilst another playmaker to offer support for James Maddison should be a focus.
Then we come to another striker; Tottenham didn’t replace Harry Kane with a centre forward last summer and Spurs must consider a striker this summer.
Richarlison may not be the man for Tottenham to count on every week and loanee Timo Werner has mostly been used on the left wing.
There have been positive signs this season; Tottenham have taken to Postecoglou’s style of play well and there is a strong core of young, promising players at the club.
We have only seen two transfer windows in the Postecoglou era and more additions this summer may just help Tottenham close the gap to clubs like Liverpool next season – especially with Klopp set to leave this summer.
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