Tottenham's missing puzzle piece and Brennan Johnson and Radu Dragusin's impact

Discussing Tottenham's defeat at Newcastle United and what comes next.

[@MiinMiin19]

Can’t believe Ange’s system took out the assistant referee’s hammy

[@Lebone_Bona-fide]

Has to be that high line

[@weswheel4834]

:D

[@robharwood-stamper9857]

😂😂😂

[@BelgianHotspur]

🤣

[@stevew2016]

​@@Lebone_Bona-fide it's who we are mate

[@jaynepoland4615]

Mr Gold I have to tell you are the only you tube person I watch re Spurs. Win lose or draw. Always level headed a really good take on both pros and cons. No dramatic verbals which drive me mad. Especially the Ange out brigade Can barely believe some of the fans. Of course no one want to lose but for crying out loud. Thanks so much for your honest take.

[@AlasdairGoldjournalist]

Thanks Jayne. Very kind of you.

[@David_Retired]

Would highly recommend @InsideSpurs also…very similar vibe, positivity and level headedness.

[@MrHowsabouthathen]

The "Oh so Spurs" Podcast is also level headed and I listen to a lot of them.

[@rayholmes4694]

If Johnsons brief is to blindly smash the ball across the box every time, then surely the other attacking players should know this and make an effort to be in there

[@Lebone_Bona-fide]

Can't tell whether you're being sarcastic or serious. Seems like a bit of both to me, but I'll go with sarcasm from your end

[@jueja310doyle7]

The rest of the players are apparently too slow to catch up with him.

[@healthymindhealthybody9324]

🤣🤣🤣👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@coolguy9616]

Thank you for having not only the positive opinion but also the rational one. It was so blaringly obvious to me that with our striker, we'd have had an absolutely crushing game against Newcastle. Ange's system looked masterful yesterday. I can't believe how fickle and negative a lot of the fanbase seems to be; especially in regard to the manager. The game was incredibly frustrating based on the circumstances, but that doesn't mean we need to sack the manager.

[@michaelbazzoni7709]

I don’t really get why people are critical of your own players to the point they have to block comments. It literally benefits no one. Also Johnson was one of our better players last season. Either support and back the players or just keep quiet.

[@diggeroldmate8122]

This is not a settled team. It's still changing. No striker yet. Going to take time to gel. Look at Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City. Not too many changes over time. It'll take a bit for us to get into gear. I think it's really positive. Also, we have lots of games to play to build team cohesion.

[@robharwood-stamper9857]

Finally, a lateral thinking positive spurs fan 👍

[@chekroe14]

In all the matches, both practice and real that Ange has managed at Tottenham, only once did he have a decent CF. That was HK and he scored 4.

[@rohank1982]

Lot of faith in our medical staff. The way a minor injury ends up with months out is incredible.

[@adamjmalone]

@@rohank1982 Sack the Tottenham medical team!

[@papertrex3673]

Thanks for a great recap Ali. To me the most frustrating thing was not the result, but that the results feeds into the narrative that Ange is not adaptable or he is not good enough. The squad doesn’t get to be as adaptable as we want to be because the structure is not fully there yet. I don’t understand how there is already a small set of Ange out fans. Spurs cannot be going through the same managerial changes because good things take time. The frustration from the field is within calculation and you can’t have the result perfect always. Even Pep and Man City can’t be perfect always. Us fans need to back the manager. Even the best plan and preparation comes short sometimes because it’s a competition.

[@LuisGonzalez-hy6mz]

absolutely agree, well said

[@McZoltanOnline]

9:50 Not unpopular (or shouldn't be). It is 100% clear that we're building something solid here and need to be patient. We may not be the finished article and could even be 11 starters away from it, but the system is right. The manager is right. It's just going to take time for this to turn into trophies. Unfortunately, there will always be those who can't see that this is a proper build (similar to the builds that successful clubs go through). We must ignore the (loud) noises coming from those fans who inexplicably expect instant success, while also cheering when we lose to Man City.

[@fwof3347]

Patience, I have seen spurs win 3 trophies in 33 years .. his system is poor, even in Australia he was poor once found out he’s got no plan B …

[@daniel-j-harris]

Last 32 games: 13 wins 13 defeats 6 draws That's solid?

[@McZoltanOnline]

@@daniel-j-harris I’m annoyed at myself for not taking my own advice about ignoring certain fans. What part of “building” are you struggling with? Do I need to explain the context or do I need to find a dictionary?

[@daniel-j-harris]

@@McZoltanOnline what part of building for 24 years are you struggling with? Do you need a year-by-year timeline of this exact same process of failure?

[@justjames5698]

​@@fwof3347 Ange has more trophies in 33 years than you. Wind yer neck in.

[@merschavonia4745]

I think many of the frustration come from the fact that we’ve seen games like Sunday’s many times before, especially last season but even the Leicester game. We dominate possession, we win the ball back high up the pitch and create chances but in the end the players on the pitch don’t take their chances and the other team score 2 goals in 2 chances (yes, I’m talking about Arsenal (H)). If our tactics are to outscore the other team or to keep them from scoring by keeping possession, you need quality players that are clinical and ruthless, we had the opportunity to bring such players in during the summer window but we brought in Werner and Odobert, who are the opposite. I think Odobert will become a great player and I like what I’m seeing from him but he’s young and raw. He should’ve been bought instead of Werner and we should’ve gotten another quality RW. I like BJ too and I think he played well on Sunday but he also needs competition and we need proven quality from the RW and mostly better variation (someone that can dribble, cut inside and shoot) too. I think Solanke is a great signing but we needed better wingers too. Also, not getting a LCB/LB is just pure negligence, when VDV is out, our high line is suicidal, Dragu did well and Romero was the defender mostly at fault yesterday but another pacy defender and Udogie backup is needed. I also don’t get why we didn’t get a destroyer 6, that’s also why City can play a high line and have a great defensive record and we can’t. I like Gray a lot and he could be a star 6 but Ange obviously don’t think he’s ready to start important games yet. I’m very disappointed with the window and I can’t call results like the one on Sunday unfair, Barnes, Isak and Gordon are great and clinical, we lacked clinical edge. We had 20 shots and scored from an OG. It’s not good enough.

[@DL-uc1fj]

Why Romero's fans always throwing other players under the bus to protect him? Watch the games, he switched off, missed his men, jogged on different direction. He should focus more and move as a unit with other backline. No player is free from the criticism.

[@Andy-qo1rb]

The first goal he was no where to be seen and was to blame. Second one I thought he switched off too but after watching more analysis he seemed to be the smart one to set up offside trap just a pity the backline wasn’t well drilled enough. He also cost us Vardy’s goal so yes he is definitely not a world class central defender. Quite overrated too in my view from watching him the past two years..

[@simongustafsson5309]

Well I guess because maby he wasn't the guy to blame for the goals conceded in the match against Newcastle. If u watch it back you'll see.

[@DL-uc1fj]

@@Andy-qo1rbi can send you the link. In BBC Shay Given intensively talked about Romero's mistakes and problem. 😂

[@patricky101]

Yep massively protected by some. They will not hear it.

[@simongustafsson5309]

@@DL-uc1fj kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYqTnKOKlKl3bKssi=WsqZw5Y4ljmNdoQO please do

[@dalebousfield6519]

Big fan of Dragusin. Looking forward to seeing more of him. Also, loving the positive and reasonable video; lots of negativity online but I think people are just frustrated. We played well. COYS

[@healthymindhealthybody9324]

Dragusin looks like a very good player, too good to be a back up central defender, he's got to be desperate to be a consistent starter at Centre Back

[@FOXHOUND1871]

Dragusin was a great signing and people blaming him for the 2nd goal (which came from an almost lucky ball) are doing so because apparently he should have magically transformed into Micky van de Ven.

[@chriswilkes4350]

Agree that we have been playing really very well without getting the job done. The Newcastle game we should have won 3-1. I think we can hold Arsenal to a draw or win the game. There's no point whining and attacking the team if you are a Spurs supporter. It just make team members lose confidence and exacerbates the problem. Critical comments by all means, but with the purpose of making the team better, surely.

[@kernowchris]

Our defensive line is so high, there's inevitably 21 players in one half of the pitch. Is it any wonder that with so many players in such a small area our attacks tend to fizzle out in the last third? It's not so much that we dither on the ball, there's just no space to play with any fluidity. And, as today, we get caught on the hop again. Entertaining and frustrating in equal measure at the moment.

[@mrD66M]

While that's true I feel that when Spurs get a reliable #9 you won't need to have as many players flooding the opposition's box.

[@ianwest7003]

Good point. I can't help to think that the high line needs to flex to allows a set opposition to try to play out & get hit out of position on transition. It's like boxing , allow the opposition to over extend & then punish them. We seem that we are attacking against Floyd Mayweather over & over again. Need to draw them out & then hurt them.

[@theknownguy2221]

The issue here is when we look at it, there is actually no need for the high line, our CBs can be 10 yards back and they can still impact the tactic the same way! It’s not like we are always putting up the offside traps anyway! look at Arne slot, his attacking tactic is like an upgrade version of Angeball!

[@humzachudhary2056]

It was a disappointing result, but this team is crying out for a striker. Solanke or Richarlison start this game and we win. People forget but our best run of form after the Chelsea game last season was when Richarlison was fit and scored 9 goals from 10 starts. When Solanke is fit and gels with the team, and Richarlison too, I guarantee we score goals for fun.

[@ytacc8610]

I understand Odebert is new to the system. But I find Son (as a winger) doesn’t run to back post enough either.

[@chrishalious8194]

Yes that is so TRUE

[@fwof3347]

Odenert, has done well in games why is he being a scape goat … son has been awful needs dropping

[@MaharionPendragon]

100% agreed on Solanke. We are proper cursed to have all 3 strikers out. And if only Richy had left for Saudi. Then Spurs could hv gotten another, non-injury racked striker

[@mikenayler5281]

Richarlison is the new Lo Celso….and he had to go.

[@LugeFish]

As so many have said, Ali, your insight and measured journalism are much appreciated. I come here to enjoy a win or commiserate a poor result and you never disappoint. I feel the need to try and staunch the negativity here. Always exciting to watch, as opposed to excruciating at times before. In terms of losing/drawing games we arguably could win, I'd personally take that over being outplayed. We are playing our own style and other teams are having to cope with that. This is the mentality I want my team to play with. I'd rather we went gung ho and lost to a sucker punch than went out there and got smashed all over the park. The diagnosis is far simpler also - the mistakes are easy to identify and therefore easier to correct. I'd take this set up over any we've had in the last 20 years or so. I think people need to be realistic and leave the entitlement to Chelsea and Arsenal fans.

[@-__ovoxo__-7240]

Poolside, 30 degree heat, 10:45am, beer in hand, Ali gold in my headphones. Life is good 😂🎉

[@spurs752]

In a nutshell- we played well but didn't get the result we should have. If we keep playing like that we will win the vast majority of our games and give a few teams a good hiding along the way. No complaints from me this season (apart from a couple of results).

[@Kate-lk6tw]

This! But so many fans - from the home of football, England - don’t see it. I wish I understood why.

[@spurs752]

@@Kate-lk6tw With a lot of fans it's either a famine or a feast. One game you're the greatest team ever and the next you're rubbish and the manager needs to go. Sometimes need to step back and see the general direction things are going and that looks pretty good to me.

[@drtonyfearon7318]

I agree with you 100 percent spurs are moving in the right direction. It took Arteta of Arsenal 6 years to build his team. Give Ange a break. Just relax it's coming together).

[@BeatPoet67]

The sense of entitlement of some Spurs supporters blows my mind. You haven't won anything since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Now 3 games in and some are already grumbling for a new manager despite there being a clear vision of wanting to create a fluent attack minded team. You mostly dominate games. Newcastle away is a hard gig. They defended really well but you still had good chances and shots were saved. Fine margins. Sure, there's some risk in Angeball but ffs people. Get some perspective. Or therapy. Or both.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

From your comment to God’s ears. I fell utterly in love with Spurs in 2001 when I came to graduate school in England. In 23 years I’ve only just twigged that spursyness is actually the behaviour of a toxic 12th man. I come from Melbourne, I went to the same school as Ange and my Melbourne team is the rivalry hated partner with his South Melbourne Hellas. His first trophy as manager was against my team, and we were 2:0 up in ordinary time (1991), and they came back. To find myself in this situation is so surreal!

[@Punslinger1005]

I always think it’s interesting when I hear other Spurs fans talk about the “one common factor” that hasn’t changed during our period without “success”. I hate to point out that there are 2 common factors. The second is actually the fans. So if we’re looking to point the finger at Levy et al, we should be a little bit careful about implicating ourselves in the negative periods.

[@Punslinger1005]

Further to my last: Tottenham Home win percentage with fans: 5/10, 50% Home win percentage without fans: 6/10, 60% Away win percentage with fans: 3/9, 33.3% Away win percentage without fans: 5/9, 55.6%

[@mikenayler5281]

I just wish we could play all3 at the back., especially for away games such as Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool for example.

[@raynman9574]

Thanks for the injection of sanity amongst the hyperbole of Spurs - shock horror - not winning every single game despite playing well. Just one addendum on set pieces: I was also really encouraged when I got a close up view at WHL v Everton not just by their organisation but also by the sheer dogged and ruthless determination to stop that ball going in the net. COYS

[@samflude7426]

The squad looks very similar to early poch days. They look raw, but the profile is one that will only grow each season. You would think now the squad is refreshed, we'd be in a position going forward to only add 2-3 quality additions in the transfer window rather than a complete revamp

[@janesandra6645]

Thanks Ali appreciate your videos especially after a defeat like that

[@DonalH-co1yr]

Shipped 6 two years ago, 4 last year and 2 this year. Next years clean sheet is going to be amazing

[@andykyriakides2144]

The most worrying thing about the 3 games so far , is that when Spurs lose posession , the opponents are through on our goal after one pass .

[@shepnic]

I’m excited to see the League Cup lineup. I reckon this competition and Europe will showcase Bergvall and Grey to the fans.

[@GavinPasco]

What better way for Solanke to announce himself to Spurs fans than scoring in a North London derby win? Thanks again Alasdair.😊

[@andykyriakides2144]

Agree with AG , it's a lot harder to explain how we didn't win that game , as opposed to explaining how the hell we lost it .

[@poorknight123]

Great video! Second half of last season, we had the following issues (possession without threat, very vulnerable to counter attacks where every time opponent got the ball they looked threatening, bad set piece defence, lack of awareness and marking around our goal). First two games this season we looked better in almost all these areas. Given level of competition, I considered Newcastle away to be a great test to see whether we had really improved and - aside from the lack of marking in our goal square - we actually have!!! Of course goals are critical but those who say goals scored is the only important stat misses the point. You cant control goals scored but if you do everything else right, the goals will come. We’ve been quite unlucky so far this season. We just have to keep building on our clear improvement. I agree Solanke will be a huge factor when he returns. If I am Arsenal I am NOT looking forward to playing this Spurs team in Tottenham stadium and with Solanke back.

[@MathewBall]

120 plus million pounds on those strikers!! That's one of the issues.

[@LeeMcL2105]

You deserve a medal Ali. To be optimistic against the reality of the absolutely ridiculous tactics on display is quite an achievement. And to be without a striker is not unlucky, it’s unprofessional. And cheap too

[@Klinsmann1985]

@@LeeMcL2105 our two strikers cost 120 million, how is that cheap? And how is it unprofessional to not forsee all 3 senior strikers getting injured at the same time?

[@lovesmusic5504]

Now is NOT the time to panic!!!! Stick to the process and this WILL come right!!! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@barryduncan]

It's so good to listen to someone that has watched the game and gives you a honest opinion on the game and players without calling players shit or rubbish or not fit for spurs I have read all those comments from so called supporters, great to listen to thanks

[@cambonator808]

Always a good listen for some rational thought after a disappointing result. I think some of the people losing their heads on social media should look at how much time and money it took other projects (Pep, Arteta, Klopp, etc.) to get to where they are and what their results looked like in the interim. We tend to miss that historical perspective and just compare teams as they are today - in very different stages of their projects with different amounts of money spent. Also the same people saying Ange's tactics are naive will be singing his praises after some good results. Some people are going to give themselves whiplash from overreacting to every win and loss (granted this seems to happen in every sport and fan base).

[@itsadamski]

Today I will be Ali Gold's TLDR and summary bot :) TLDR - Seeing a lot of positives in the first three games, despite the scorelines. Better things will come once we have a FIT dedicated striker back on the pitch. General squad fitness should improve after international break. Favorite quote of the video - "Need to turn domination into obliteration". 0:00 - Some general comments about the outcome of the game. Irritated about the result rather than angry and embarrassed. "Football is weird!" Lots of positives, but also some negatives. 2:00 - "Solanke would have finished that off". Alasdair is certain that having a striker we would have finished all the chances created in the box. Reviews Solanke stats. Goes over the drilling that Spurs have been going through where we "don't even look up and ping the ball across the edge of the 6 yard box", and a striker should be there. 6:00 - Review of current injuries of Spurs strikers and general uptick in hamstring injuries. Also, apparently Richy didn't have many injures while at Everton. Only missed 15 games over 4 years. Lankshear expected to be back by the international break. 9:30 - Unpopular opinion - Gold has seen "more positives things in the first 3 matches of the season" than he's seen across the entire second half of last season. 12:00 - Review of game. Performance was light years better than previous trips to SJP. Newcastle might be in a weird place, but having the 12th player at home helped. Spurs 66% possession, 415 passes to Newcastle's 180, 20 shots to 9. Unfortunately, all we will remember is the scoreline. Gold has happy to see Spurs "have a shot" when we couldn't find a way through the low block. 19:20 - Defense. Prep seemed to revolve around turning as a group and dealing with high balls. Set pieces are getting better. Montgomery having a positive impact. Weaker in the air players are picking up midfielders. Big guys are marking big guys. Dragusin height helped in the air. 24:00 - Dragusin. Really good game. Remember his age (22), still a lot of time to improve. Also, he chose Spurs over the likes of Bayern Munich and whatnot. Two great slide tackles in the game, although one could have been a penalty. 4 clearances, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 1 blocked shot. 86% pass success rate from 44 attempts. Good passing efforts in general. Ange thought he did well and stayed concentrated. Romero on the left not as good as when on the right. 29:00 - Romero still looks like a player that got to training late. He's still not as sharp as he could be. His decision making looks a bit tired. 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 1 blocked shot. Romero's movement on the second goal seemed a bit desynched. Not sure if he was trying to play the offsides. Romero unfortunately involved in all goals scored against Spurs this season. He needs to show more consistency, but international break should be good for him if he doesn't get injured. 33:50 - Midfield - Above average. Biss looked pretty good. Maybe a little tired towards the end of the game. Still building up his fitness. Angeball system requires good fitness. Madisson looked pretty good form most of the game. Had some great chances, looking more like the Madisson of start of last season. 38:30 - Porro and Udogie - Porro was very busy. 4 tackles, 2 interceptions 2 clearances. Porro had a great preseason and looks to be in good fitness. Udogie looks not as sharp as he should be. Still recovering from the injury (mentally and physically). As our defense's fitness improves, we should see great improvement in conceding less goals. 43:30 - Brennan Johnson. Feels sorry for him because he seems to have become the scapegoat. His 50m price tag at 22 weighs a lot on him. However, he is delivering exactly what Ange is asking, but occasionally needs a bit of a kick or some time on the bench. Social media criticism has been pretty bad, and he has limited his use of it. Ali thinks that Johnson needs some more confidence, and the social media isn't helping. Johnson always looks strong when he comes back from the bench. Ali believes that Johnson will become the chief creator for Solanke, will be a key player. 54:00 - Attackers had a good game, although Son's position was a bit undefined - really belongs more on the left. Talked about a heatmap from previous games where none of our front players really showed up in the opposition box. Odobert needs to get used to the new system. Kulu had good stats as well, but the attackers just need a striker in the middle. This would change the entire dynamic of the game. 57:00 - "Need to turn domination into obliteration". Lots of games coming after international break, lots of opportunities to score and win games. "It will come". Ali expected this season to be the reverse of last season in terms of performance. Feels the squad IS stronger than last year. 1:02:00 - Few more outgoings expected because other leagues are still in their transfer windows. Sergio Reguilon not a part of Ange’s plan. 1:04:30 - Not a lot of players left at the training ground during international break. Ange needs to register Europa League squad by Sept 3rd. Current numbers dictate that Reguillon + one other can't be included. Ali thinks it's Forrester. 1:07:15 - NLD coming up. Gooners without Rice is a help. We should hopefully have Richy and Solanke back by then. Toughest game all season. If we get a good result, this could be a great kick off point to a great season. If it's a loss, it will be tough. 1:10:00 - Ali sees more good in the first three games this season than in all the second half of last season. We need at least one striker to be fit. Spurs need to continue to back Ange. Ange oversees one of our biggest rebuilds in a long time. Every job Ange has been in there have been bumps along the way, but he's steered them in the right direction. That's part of the process. Let's stick to it and back the manager. 1:18:30 - "It's time for dinner." :). International break sucks.

[@GeX2X]

Frustrating, hurt harder than other losses for me... so so disappointing because the output was spot on except for that other part, ya know that part where the ball goes into the back of the net... However, we see where this game style is going and when it converts and the results start rolling in the tastes of victory will be oh so much sweeter... Its definitely not a case of if any more, but when 😊❤

[@bohdan2084]

I think it was our typical game. Same as Leicester, same as many games last season. Yes, we had lots of chances but a good goalkeeper had to save all of them. Even the goal we scored was gifted by Burn. Newcastle only had a couple of chances but they were much better chances. The XG stats prove that. Ange's high line basically negates all the good things we do up front and kills the team's morale.

[@BelgianHotspur]

The social media bullying of players is disgraceful! Like you say it has zero positive impact. It’s also just cowards bullying young PEOPLE and therefore wrong 😑 the end !

[@jamiem8680]

Doesn’t say much for Son as captain that he has to ask the manager what to do at a free kick !!

[@john51devaney]

Minus Man City and Liverpool, we’ve played the best football of any club so far through three matches. The football is fun to watch again, and there’s a clear plan in place. We’re in a great spot whether people believe it or not ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@DarrellGregory]

Spurs are making progress, we are still only 1 year into a rebuild. Man Utd are 3 years into their project and still don't look like they are getting any better.

[@mikespurs3203]

Hi Alistair enjoyed your podcast again but please don't back Salanski to be great in a Spurs shirt because we know what happens next he'll flop😅. And I can't believe that there are Spurs fans on Facebook wanting to sack big Ange, who are they kidding, the best football we've seen when under Nuno, Mouriniho, and Conte and they want him sacked, yes we want to win but it's more annoying and disappointing than a stackable offence is it and apart from putting the ball into the net himself there is not a lot he could do at that time.

[@dimitarrusinov8947]

About Solanke ( I believe that is how his name is spelled) if he flops, Lankshear will get an opportunity Remember Soldado/ Kane?

[@mikespurs3203]

@dimitarrusinov8947 sorry your right 👍

[@LouieJoe944]

Hopefully Solanke & VDV are back for Woolwich & then we can see exactly whereabouts we are COYS thanks for the video 👍

[@amrikcrow3573]

On the injury piece, I don’t think we can blame Ange’s tactics. We’ve seen this pattern for far too long, under multiple man shares and tactics. There is something seriously wrong with the club’s athletic training staff philosophy. It’s past bad luck at this point.

[@adamjmalone]

@@amrikcrow3573 Sack the Tottenham Medical Team! We do it with managers... why not these guys? Properly over cautious and restrictive to the success of the playing staff and managers at Spurs

[@jasonkellard2935]

Very frustrating....but a great performance...We are building something special...keep the faith...!!

[@sydneyduke428]

Very few teams will go to Newcastle and dominate the game like Spurs did, and even fewer will get a result without their 2 CFs. The over reaction to the result is ridiculous.

[@beyond72deepsoulfulhousemixes]

I agree but it's not based on this one game. I didn't blame Ange for the result, he set them up to create all those chances. Think we needed more proven quality as ALWAYS.

[@mexrider1]

I know some fans can't handle the honest truth but reality is what it is. So here goes with some truth. The squad is extremely weak for the requirements that Ange needs to play the style he wants. You can't play a high line with that midfield. You won't win games with that quality on the bench.. There was NO clear cut chances created. The team can't handle not having VDV in defence. This is the truth you're not being told. Remember Spurs hasn't on won 1 game against a top 10 team in months.. Current form including last season is 12th in the league.. Thats the honest reality.

[@enetaokenabirhie2931]

REALLY....? WOW...... I have been happy clapping everything Ange does...thanks for opening my eyes

[@benume8578]

Ali, thank you so much for the warm cup of cocoa video. Loved the look you gave while shuddering at the thought of the derby. You are a good person. Shines through in your videos. Sounded like you came round mine to talk about spurs. Thank you again.

[@joeevaz]

Ali,as ever thanks for the balanced and informed update. Whilst I broadly agree with your analysis, are we not a touch too naive and too open to decent teams who can operate low to mid blocks and hit us on the break? Joe

[@justjames5698]

If you look at the Newcastle game, we pressed so well and from the front. I think the high line will become a moot point in the not too distant future. We've seen how effective getting the ball back is. It's a disappointing loss, but we played better at St James's than we have in the last couple of seasons. It's still going forward.

[@Qlicky]

@@justjames5698 Tottenham are just very easy to play against. Just soak the pressure and hit them on the break. And breaking is not difficult because a good pass takes their whole defence out.

[@jasoncanavan5237]

Thanks Ali again. I personally not convinced on anges system in its current format I think the formation needs tweeking. Were too open. There was too much congestion in the middle especially with the inverted fullbacks our build up play is very slow and I know what your saying if we had a striker but I'm not sure. Most teams can sit in and know that we leak chances. Hopefully ange proofs me wrong

[@Terry-mp3wl]

Thanks Ali! Level headed and sports fans don't go well together. We are on the right path, but we are chasing teams years into their programs and with the title clout to recruit 4 deep in a role without players turning away. There is no fast, and that is why we've failed the last few managers. Everyone wants a trophy and we haven't even started all competitions yet. Thank you for the calm response.

[@rayholmes4694]

We are more open at the back than a hospital gown 😂

[@chrishalious8194]

NO we are not! Are you a regular exaggerator

[@Klinsmann1985]

​@@chrishalious8194 he just heard this phrase from Expressions and obviously wants to pass it off as his own. He probably didn't even watch the game

[@billparry7058]

We were better than Newcastle for huge periods of the game. We tried to walk the ball in the net because we didn't have a CF and eventually lost to a brilliant pass from Joelinton and defenders switching off momentarily. It happens people get some perspective for crying out loud.

[@Kakao936]

Not a day without dreaming what could have been if Kane played with this team 😢

[@TheBushRanger.]

The service from Johnson and Oderebet would have been dog shit anyway

[@alankiy2054]

Got to agree this high line with all ten players pressing in opposition half ridiculous in my view, we need two defenders at least sitting back to prevent making it too easy for oppo break away when high press breaks down and defenders then caught out position and saunter back occurred both goals yesterday. Lack energy levels for high press maybe.

[@mrjames7246]

Nice to see Spurs back to the team i grew up with. Good to watch but fundamentally weak. Also beginning to think the manager has no plan b. Both goals and the high line are risky at best. At this rate we'll need to scors at least twice every game to get a draw.

[@clubgel]

Not sustainable. As fergie said defences win leagues. Do city and arsenal leak this many

[@leecormack2413]

Buy a striker who gets injured. Can't take chances. Waiting on injuries to key players. I think I've seen this all before.

[@adamjmalone]

@@leecormack2413 Like Conte said... our medical team have it too easy. Zero scrutiny... too much influence on the team. We lost to Newcastle because of our over-cautious medical team not allowing either of our two strikers on the pitch! Can't think of a cool chant for Medical Team Out... but we should have one! Getting very very tedious now

[@fwof3347]

Solanke iis an awful waste of money

[@adamjmalone]

@@fwof3347 Way too early to say that. Played one game!

[@Kate-lk6tw]

Yes, he’s human. Eric Haaland got injured last year. You’re a douche.

[@Kate-lk6tw]

@@fwof3347let’s bookmark this and see how it ages.

[@joemac5598]

Projects do take time. This is the first time I've had to take a break from X. I'm genuinely bemused by how many fans are already having meltdowns after 3 GAMES! Anyway thanks for the video Ali. I'm still really happy with Ange and can see so many improvements. Onwards and upwards.

[@sof5930]

It's not just 3 games. Other than the first 10. Ange has only beat a top 10 side once. 10 men Aston Villa. His win percentage is now lower than Jose and Conte. He spent 40m on Gray, yet deemed him not suitable to make an impact when Spurs were losing v Newcastle. How about spend 40m on a player that can change a game? Fans have the right to question the manager. Fans that hated Conte and Jose didn't wait this long to show their discontent.

[@JackBrohamer-oc6jr]

@@sof5930Ange has a 51% win record with Spurs in the PL. Jose had a 46% win rate with Spurs in PL.

[@sof5930]

​@JackBrohamer-oc6jr ange basically has only managed PL games. He went out of the League Cup after 1 game and the FA after 2. Jose got to the league cup final. So Jose's cup record is better 😂

[@JackBrohamer-oc6jr]

@@sof5930 I agree with you on that!

[@Kate-lk6tw]

@@sof5930Fans also have responsibilities and until they are met, the rights can go out the window. Making the questions basics informed would help, too.

[@williamgannaway8183]

I'd be interested to see Dragusin and VDV given a run together. Romero hasn't started the season brilliantly, and he shouldn't be viewed as undroppable.

[@Veaseify]

Newcastle supporter lurking here..I know a win is a win but it's embarrassing to take the points like that, playing at home. Spurs were tremendous up to the final third but a bit naive to play that high line against us when pace in transition is our trademark. Its going to be a bit of a rollercoaster for you this season but you have an exciting, entertaining team that were just very unlucky on the day. A lot of the comments I have seen are 'well, it's still better than the football that Conte and Mourinho played' followed by a torrent of 'it doesn't matter, we just have to win games'. Newcastle and Spurs fans have the same DNA when it comes to those arguments.....

[@bernardreeves3382]

Nice comment, mate. Even with your absences to Botman and Schar, it would have been a huge statement to win that game. As it is, you guys got to make the statement. We should have nine points and you guys might have four or even 3 after the Bournemouth match, but that’s how the lucky goes sometimes. I think these will be a crucial three points at the end of the season. Good luck for it

[@Veaseify]

@@bernardreeves3382 They are very similar cllubs in a lot of ways. We are basically going to be rolling out the same team as last season with the exception of Tonali replacing Longstaff.

[@AlasdairGoldjournalist]

Thanks for that. Great to hear it from the other side.

[@mariocy]

I admire & respect Alistair's positivity and analysis of these games and our team in general, but inevitably there are no real excuses here. The club is run solely to make money and not for footballing reasons. Making money is of course fundamental and we as fans are not that naive, but what about ambition? Ange, bless him seems like a top gent; but he is not a Klopp, or even an Arne Slot and I am not surprised that Slot did't come to us. Still; we are all mostly deluded and long time disspointed Spuds and we always hope for better. COYS!

[@peterturner1052]

I've pretty much fallen off the train now. I admire those keeping positive but no matter how people dress up how we played, it's the SAME issues that surface again and again. I just have no connection with this manager or squad of players. A quote from a Swedish author has summarised it perfectly. “If you support Tottenham you always give more love than you get back... Tottenham is the worst kind of bad team, because they're almost good. They always promise that they're going to be fantastic. They make you hope. So you go on loving them and they carry on finding more and more innovative ways of disappointing you”

[@bingle01]

Have you been watching games?? This group provides tons of excitement even in defeat

[@peterturner1052]

​@@bingle01I absolutely watch them. More often than not it's boring. Run up the pitch, come back, pass sideways. The second a team sets up to defend which more teams than ever do now, we struggle. Naturally when you play such an all out style, you'll get games where you smash the opponent but more often than not against defensive teams, it's BORING. It's direct and one dimensional.

[@JJJ-bs8sm]

I think Spurs fans are the most volatile, short term thinkers in the PL, living off the past in their heyday. Just need to be pragmatic and process driven like Ange. He is the messiah.

[@peterturner1052]

@@JJJ-bs8sm I'm 40, I have no memory of success with this club. I'm living off of nothing. That's the problem.

[@jikamos]

You lost in space mate. Stay silent please!

[@Whiffybumpatter]

I know Ange employs a high line but surely the old rule of "no pressure on the ball = defence needs to drop" applies? Mental that we one pass from central midfield bypassed the entire back 4, because they stayed static and high. Big Romero fan but he has had an extremely poor start to the season as our senior player in the back 4. Needs to get up to speed quick. Really hope you're right about Big Dom!

[@pauljohnware]

Fair point. I don't know why no-one is talking about this but their winning goal was on Madders. He forget his job, hesitated and pressed too late, got beaten - and then everything was wide open. Everyone was in the correct position for him doing his job properly. There is some discussion to be had on whether or not Romero should have recognised this and acted accordingly, but still, most of that is on Madders.

[@Whiffybumpatter]

@pauljohnware agreed. Press was poor from Maddison and you're right should be highlighted more. I guess it's the classic thing where when goals are conceded people tend to look at the defence. I think my point is more around the general rule of dropping when there is no real pressure on the ball and as a defender you expect the worst from your team mates. For an experienced defender to be completely square on seems mad to me.

[@andykyriakides2144]

VDV would've stopped Newcastle's winner , and i'd like Odobert to explain his reason for jumping 4 feet in the air to meet a cross with his knee , as opposed to nodding it in with his head .

[@ivanharlokin]

Thanks for the video, Ali. Maybe I've missed something but, why isn't there more frustration at the VDV situation? He hyperextended his knee against Everton, and he was allowed to play 45 minutes of football afterwards, even though we were 2:0 up and we had RD ready? It feels stupidly negligent.

[@iu2]

53:00 Ali: Could you please ask Ange why Son is not taking the free kicks? Only Son should be taking them, since he's the only one with success with them (Spurs and national team). If anything, Pedro Porro shouldn't be anywhere close to one.

[@thedislikebutton163]

Porro and Madders are better

[@Kate-lk6tw]

You might want to look at some statistical analysis on that.

[@FluffiestWalrus]

The second Romero goal issue: couldn’t you make the case that the other defenders should have been level with him?

[@beyond72deepsoulfulhousemixes]

Don't know how people are blaming the defence, how many mistakes did the attacking players make over the 95 mins ???

[@LeighRichards27]

1) Our form since we beat villa away last season has fallen thru the floor. 2) The summer was the perfect opportunity to give our squad more strength in depth but we failed to do so. 3) when things go wrong on the field at this club - and theyve been going wrong since we won at villa in march - the manager soon pays the price. So lets drop all this nonsense we hear about ' a project' - if we carry on the form of the last 6 months Ange will be gone before the season is out (and we all know it).

[@matthewtibbles7774]

Second half was really good. Won the ball back in Newcastles half so many times and really should’ve come away with the points but against decent sides we need a proper focal point up top and didn’t even have one on the bench. COYS

[@anthonyhagen5028]

Don't be weak punters, keep the faith, eventually we will be an unstoppable force, we are close. BELIEVE

[@stuartmunro7095]

Struggling to see the bigger picture after the result. We were the better team. I always say to myself “as long as we play well”… But it will become increasingly difficult to defend Ange and our style of play if we continue to have the upper hand and not put these chances away. Let’s hope we all turn up for the derby.

[@dimitarrusinov8947]

Seeing lots of negative comments that Ange is going to be sacked by Christmas. This happened everywhere he was and ha always proved doubters wrong. I can’t wait to see Moore and Lankshear given a chance. And btw Europa League squad deadline is tonight September 4th at midnight CET

[@rickinrio]

100%. Arguably the element that has developed the least is the fanbase. Fickle from ‘we play the way we want to’ to ‘we doubt ourselves even with you’ in the space of 10-games after 10-games of brilliance. That’s the difference between real fans and instagram I suppose 🤷‍♂️

[@orinorio1]

Another Mr Gold video. Spurs played well. The missing piece thankfully is injured. If Solanke was on the pitch Spurs would have won the game by a big margin. Spurs played Ange ball just lacked the striker. Also finally the players are taking shots outside the box. Radu was great. Covered well. Think him and VDV would make a great partnership. BJ is doing what he is meant to do. He will get lots of assist. He plays how Ange wants. Think Kulu showed he is never a no 9 or 10. He is more an 8. The NLD is next will be a real good match. The set piece defending has improved. Its diff been worked on.

[@Emtottech-o7b]

Both goals not completely Romero’s fault rather a lack of fitness to get back for both. Reason why he tries to hold line for 2nd goal than trying to get back. Udogie and Dragusin not playing much affects them as the principles of Ange would have kicked in if they had played more that being holding the line. 1st goal Romero gets team out of box quickly and pressures man on ball(nothing bad there). Then he sees Sarr, attempts to run back, although appears lethargic and slow partly due to fitness. Should have been covered by others which he was but if communication was better (which would have been helped if Romero was there defending) and there would be better marking on Barnes because we had 4 free players in the box not marking anyone. Both goals more on communication and understanding teammates actions like marking or holding defensive line for 1st and 2nd goal respectively and partly fitness that didn’t allow players to get back in time or recover in the case of Udogie and not major individual mistakes.

[@pauljohnware]

Second goal was more on Madders than anyone else.

[@RyanNeeson]

The result is a gut punch (again) but I can't be mad at the 3 performances on the whole. Very confident we're going to have a good season

[@carlosfandango6255]

Really? Everton, bottom of the league, Leicester relegation candidates and Newcastle. Since the first Chelsea game the teams form has nose dived. Angela is naive and his Sunday Morning tactics are easy meat for better teams.

[@Punslinger1005]

Romero didn’t have a great game. But Dragu was playing in his regular position and Romero played in VDV’s position. So it’s not a surprise that, out of the two, Dragu was more comfortable

[@vazthespursguy]

Hi Ali, I found this comment you might find interesting. This is a quote from a 2017 Australia vs Thailand game where Ange was manager. They had 45 shots on goal and scored 2. "The Socceroos have absolutely battered Thailand and could have won by more - yet is anyone entirely surprised by the result? They've played well on many occasions over the last few months but they struggle to put teams away. A tight win was always on the cards - and for a couple of minutes it seriously looked like it could have been worse. Is it the coach at fault, or are the Socceroos just short of a truly top-class finisher?

[@mikenayler5281]

When I see us playing good attacking football, it makes me feel positive for this season. I think Lankshear should be the main backup for Solanke. Richy has had enough chances now.

[@asalouros]

The soothing balm after a frustrating defeat. We were lucky enough to have an "early" game here in Australia (22:30 kickoff). Thank you Ali for providing some comfort for the sleep deprived fans. Your views are always logical and measured. 🙏

[@robindhondt8655]

Perhaps with Ange being an idealist and not a pragmatist we should admire Sonny even more, we aren't actively trying to play to his strengths or build the team around him yet he sacrifices himself every game. Personally I think he performs well at LW and at ST but different oppositions sometimes require different solutions which is why Ange using Son as the pressing forward against Pickford was refreshing. Ange is strange , there are tweaks that he makes and tactical changes. But it seems that he values cultural change and prioritizes foundations more. He just has to make sure that he can keep his head above the water in the most difficult league in the world.

[@neilcalton]

Thanks Alasdair for the video and trying to find the positives in that display at Newcastle. I hope you are right about Solanke really making a difference when fit. Having 3 strikers injured only a couple of weeks into the season is incredibly disappointing and for me raises questions about the coaching and medical staff. However, putting aside the lack of a recognised striker on Sunday there were plenty of other players who should have been stepping up and getting some goals. In the past Spurs could rely on goals coming from players like Eriksen and Dele but at the moment no one seems to be able to make the difference. Q&A - Do you think Spurs should have tried to get Tomey or Sterling or both at the end of the transfer window, especially as their combined price was less than the fee for Solanke?

[@philcornwell5104]

Thank you Alli, I’m happy…we played really well, unfortunate result, with a striker on the pitch we win 🤷‍♂️ can’t wait to smash the gooners 💪

[@luketarinimclean7958]

I agree with you, Ali. Set pieces are basically fixed. We need to work on finishing and keeping fit. Results are coming!

[@deanglover2612]

Wen u play a high line the whole game players get tired and make dumb mistakes u have to adapt to the players u have dragusin brilliant game but wen romero screws up u have VDV to sweep up Radu can't as well so u adapt u drop the line back 5 yards that isn't going against his beliefs it's making his belief better, wat is the point dying on ur sword? Adapt survive come back stronger?

[@Cadders633]

All throughout the 2nd half, all I could think was we needed a striker to brung on, and unfortunately, we had none available. Even Lankshear is injured. Fingers crossed all will be fit for the Arsenal game

[@MathewBall]

Ange said he only wants younger, lesser players over quality experienced players because they are easier to coach! There is way too much pressure on those young players from Ange to perform above their current level! Youth coming through the academy isn't an issue, that's great! The issue is, that we are signing youth players for big money who aren't ready or proven instead of signing quality experienced players, we need a mixture of both just more experienced than young! This will more than likely cost Ange his job in the future!

[@simongustafsson5309]

Maddison was involved in all 3 goals. On the first goal he's making a sliding tackle when he should have been standing upp to protect the pass. (even then we were 4 against 2 in the box and should gone man man ). 2 goal he did test Pope whit a good shot and BJ got the last of it.(helped by Burns) 3 goal horrific presssing on joelinton and left the whole midfield open. Then as a senior cb Romero stays but the more unproven defender start running and the offside trap fails. I still think we will be good this year ,coys coys coys!

[@andykyriakides2144]

If Ange persists with this inverted full back , high pressing system , he has to compromise and play 3 at the back , making us more solid defensively .

[@BelgianHotspur]

Hey 👋 Ali, Finally someone speaking about the same game I saw! I mean just like Leicester we should have easily should have way out of site. Also people are saying Ange was trying to put a positive spin on the game. No he was just saying it how it is. That’s football sometimes. I look at the performances which have been excellent !!! EHHYYYYY 👍

[@andykyriakides2144]

I think Porro was responsible for picking up Vardy for Leicester's goal , not Romero imo .

[@JamesRiddett]

Ali, imo it's definitely one of those unwritten rules of football. That if an attacking player gets a shot away, he can be absolutely clattered by a defender with no consequence. It's like, "doesn't matter, you got your shot away, all good" 😂. You very rarely see those given in my experience.

[@JamesRiddett]

Not that Dragusin clattered him, just making the broader point.

[@sethcanner4508]

Last week’s Johnson haters setting the table for him this week 👀

[@michaelwarmington8092]

Easily the best analysis I have heard on the Newcastle game and on Ange aswell, absolute gold. Again. #enterthesolanke

[@AlasdairGoldjournalist]

Thank you sir.

[@Punslinger1005]

GOLD …. You’re spot on. We are going to have a great season 😉