End Game: EPL Round-Up for Game Week 6

ThinkSpurs End-Game: Weekly Round-Up, , ,

And then there were two.

After six gameweeks of this year’s Premier League season, only Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City remain unbeaten. Now the two in-form teams are on a collision course to meet next weekend. In this weekend’s action, Pochettino’s men rose to second place in the table after another convincing win, this time away to Middlesborough. So what conclusions can we draw from this weekend’s action?

Empire of the Son

Where else could we begin but with the star of the show? Son showed glimpses of his ability last season, but overall struggled to adapt quickly to life in London. A move for a Korean, from Germany to England would be extremely difficult for any 24-year-old and Tottenham’s leadership were wise not to pull the plug on the Son experiment when attractive bids came in over summer. Son has rewarded this faith with stellar form this season as he has stolen the show every time his number has been called. On Saturday Heung Min Son was a menace across the attacking midfield. He was a ball of energy and gave the Middlesborough defence headaches all afternoon. His first goal was an ice cool finish after some perfect ‘number 9’ hold up play from Vincent Janssen. His second goal however was a thing of beauty. He refused to give up on a lost ball on the far side of the box before chasing away from would-be tacklers and bending the ball into the far top corner. It’s foolish to make season-long predictions after just 6 games but there is no doubt that Son’s current form is that of a Premier League Player of the Season. Many may laugh that statement off considering we’re not yet out of September, but think back to last year, when the unheralded Riyad Mahrez exploded in similar fashion. Could be worth a fiver punt?

A Case for the Defence

This site has oft been vocal in our praise for Toby Alderweireld (who recently ranked number one in our early season Tottenham Power Rankings). In a world where John Stones and David Luiz move for more than £30million, the £12million acquisition of Alderweireld last term seems like witchcraft. The Belgian colossus has continued to excel at the heart of the defence but in light of our recent form, I want to also shine the light on the other key components who have given Tottenham the Premier League’s meanest defence so far this season.

Jan Vertonghen has come under scrutiny from some fans in recent years for his perceived lack of effort when things were going poorly. However, when these complaints were rising, Jan was struggling through a defensive mess, where he was joined by a new defensive partner (Kaboul, Chiriches, Dawson) seemingly every week. Ever since Vertonghen has been combined with his compatriot Toby, his form and attitude have been nothing short of impeccable. Aside from this, this season more than ever, Vertonghen has emerged as a key leader in the group: He has been extremely vocal in his praise of the club’s vision and of many of his teammates.

With just 3 goals conceded after 6 games so far, much credit must go to the above mentioned pair, Mauricio Pochettino, and our other defensive players for turning Tottenham’s defence from a leaky fence to a brick wall.

Striking Images

Last week was the first of what will apparently be many weeks where Tottenham take the field without talisman Harry Kane. On Saturday Tottenham didn’t appear to be too disheartened by the absence of their key goalscorer as the likes of Dele Alli and Heung Min Son provided the attacking impetus in his stead.

New signing Vincent Janssen was the immediate replacement for Kane, and the Dutchman will have loved scoring his first Spurs goal in last week’s league cup win. On Saturday, Janssen couldn’t find a breakthrough, but exhibited promising signs in his play, particularly in his crisp link up play with Heung Min Son for the opening goal.

Tottenham lined up with Christian Eriksen in his preferred Number 10 position on Saturday and the Dane has thrived in recent weeks. On Saturday as Tottenham expect the challenging visit of league-leaders Man City, expect Eriksen to keep his position in the playmaker slot, but numerous changes could occur around him. If fit, Moussa Dembele is a certainty to start in the centre of midfield, and either of Victor Wanyama or Eric Dier could partner him to provide the cover. Up front, I feel Pochettino may prefer the energy and guile of Heung Min Son as opposed to Vincent Janssen who may be introduced in the second half. On either side of Eriksen, I expect Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko to start the game, with Sissoko providing a direct, pacey threat and Lamela looking to improved his good form from previous meetings against Manchester City. This of course leaves Dele Alli as the odd one out, but the prodigious English talent could be the perfect weapon to spring from the bench to decide the game.

And… The Rest of the League

  • Fans of all Premier League title chasers aside from Man United sighed in disappointment, as it was announced that Wayne Rooney would be absent from the United team. The captain’s poor form had been a key contribution to United’s poor form, and his presence in the side meant that other threats remained on the bench. Unfortunately, in Rooney’s absence, United thrived and finished their three game losing streak. Does Mourinho leave out his skipper long term now?

  • Before the season, I must admit I expected Mourinho and Guardiola to be shocked by the tasks they faced this season, but I assumed the cool customer Antonio Conte would have fewer problems reviving a stifled Chelsea side. However, Conte’s last three results have been Lose-Lose-Draw, and if that trend continues, it won’t be long before Abramovich’s hand starts hovering over the red button.

  • Man City continued their perfect start to the season with their 6th win in as many games. Raheem Sterling has continued to thrive under Pep’s tutelage and Sergio Aguero has continued to be Sergio Aguero. If Tottenham’s watertight defence can shut down those two weapons this weekend, I feel that the creativity in our attacking quartet will be able to create chances against Otamendi and John Stones. Looking forward to a cracker next weekend!

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