Are Tottenham the ultimate fair-weather team?
Great when everything clicks and the opposition are vulnerable but, when the opposition are in control, unable to dig in or make small tactical changes for a short period to regain control of the game?
The discussion on the BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club came following Spurs’ 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Sunday in which they capitulated in the second half.
“That could describe a lot of the teams who are just below the elite,” said New York Times journalist Rory Smith.
“Everything has to click in order for them to be at their best potential. That could also be said for Chelsea or Aston Villa.
“I get what Ange Postecoglou is doing and why he sticks so resolutely to his football. I don’t think it is out of stubbornness, it is just because he thinks it is the best way to get results.
“But as a football fan there are times when I think they just need to dig in for a quarter of an hour regardless of what the vision is. It is about keeping things compact and tight and making the game boring.
“That feels like an important trait to have and Spurs don’t seem to have it.”
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given added: “Postecoglou wears his heart on his sleeve. He wants his football to be entertaining, free flowing and to score lots of goals.
“I love that but sometimes you have to shut up shop.”
