Tottenham Hotspur’s forward line can be one of the most exciting attacking arrays in Europe. But, without Harry Kane, their goal output drops. Spurs have a number of talents they can call on, but most of them cannot maintain any long periods of form.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Forward Line Failing to Reach Potential
West Bromwich Albion Victory Sees Normal Service Resumed as Kane and Son Grab Goals
A formation change against West Brom meant that Spurs abandoned five at the back, and fielded Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura.
In the first half, Spurs looked a different side to the one that fell to Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea. Chances were flowing, and each player in the front four was involved.
Inevitably Kane got his goal. Son followed suit, thanks to a lung-busting run and unselfish pass from Moura. Once again the goals were concentrated in that magnificent pairing.
Spurs Strikeforce Wane in Harry Kane’s Absence
Prior to the West Bromwich Albion encounter, Spurs had lost three league matches in a row, scoring only one goal. In those matches, they created very few chances.
Harry Kane’s injury hit Spurs hard. The argument that any team would miss its best player rings true. But Tottenham have a wealth of attacking options across the attacking line.
It is hard to pinpoint why exactly the other players are not performing as well as they can across the season.
Mourinho’s style of play undoubtedly plays a large part in throttling the number of chances that Spurs create. Instead, Tottenham have been tighter, defending deeper and capitalising on any mistakes made by the opposition.
But with Kane’s injury, the recent form was dire and the attacking performances on the pitch were even worse.
Tottenham Hotspur’s forward line is particularly lacking in the Premier League. Kane and Son have a telepathic connection and their partnership is outstanding. But the likes of Lamela and Moura have just two goals between them.
When Kane and Son are scoring freely, it is easy to overlook the rest of the field’s contributions to the goal tally. But even with Kane’s short term injury, it reveals the weakness in the side.
This weakness is two-fold. Kane is both a great creator of chances and a goalscorer. Without his presence as a number ten, Spurs looked bereft of ideas going forward.
Spurs do have some players capable of supplying the forwards, but none as influential as Christian Eriksen was.
Kane, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele have the best eyes for a pass going forward. But it still is noticeable that sometimes Spurs attack with blunt edges, without those incisive passes that create goals.
Bale and Bergwijn
Gareth Bale and Steven Bergwijn are two players who capable of scoring goals from wide positions. But both have been largely ineffectual, especially in the Premier League.
In Bale’s case, injuries have really hampered his return to Spurs. His first 90-minute match was more promising, with a goal to his name. The Welshman is slowly easing himself back but has a long way to go. Bale may never reach those glorious heights again, but he surely has more give Spurs this season.
Bergwijn is another player who has suffered with injuries and lack of fitness. He is also a player that has failed to really make a major impact in terms of goals and assists in the league.
The Dutchman has played significantly more minutes than any of the Kane and Son back-up brigade, yet has little to show for it in terms of goals scored.
Instead, the likes of Bergwijn, Moura and Lamela can only chip in with assists. If they could start scoring more goals, especially in the absence of Kane or Son, then it would be a sign of Spurs having a much healthier squad and attacking line.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Forward Line in the Premier League
1. Harry Kane: 13 goals in 19 appearances.
2.Son Heung-Min: 12 goals in 21 appearances.
3. Steven Bergwijn: 0 goals in 16 appearances.
4. Erik Lamela: 1 goal in 11 appearances.
5. Lucas Moura: 1 goal in 17 appearances.
6.Gareth Bale: 1 goal in 6 appearances.
7. Carlos Vinicius: 0 goals in 6 appearances.
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