And so Tottenham Hotspur are not there yet. This much we can tell.
Residual problems from the dysfunction of the Ange Postecoglou era were always going to creep into the new campaign, but there’s an undeniable air of frustration as Aston Villa grew into the game on Sunday afternoon and left Spurs’ ground with all the spoils, having fallen behind early in the first half thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur’s strike.
Tottenham have enjoyed a steady start to Thomas Frank’s tenure, but one win from four in the Premier League of late has emphasised the scale of the task.
Creatively, Tottenham weren’t at their sharpest on Sunday, and this played into Villa’s hands as the hosts retreated, pulled deeper as they sought to group and defend their advantage.
They succumbed to the pressure, and questions were asked post-game of Xavi Simons, whose duty as playmaker-in-chief was left unfulfilled against Unai Emery’s side.
Xavi Simons still leaving something to be desired
At the base of midfield, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur did a fine job of protecting the Tottenham backline, winning between them 19 duels on the afternoon, as per Sofascore.
But Villa finished the match having won 53% of the duels, speaking of issues from other areas of the field.
And there’s no denying Simons struggled. Signed from RB Leipzig for £51m this summer, the diminutive creator has yet to get going in the Premier League, with Villa’s assured build-up and robustness in the challenge reducing Simons to an inconsequential display.
The 22-year-old has arrived in a new environment and is hardly getting the best service at this early stage of his Tottenham career, but neither is he covering himself in glory with impactful performances. Both things can be true.
Minutes played
79′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
36
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
Accurate passes
20/24 (83%)
Chances created
1
Dribbles
0/1
Recoveries
3
Tackles won
2/4
Duels won
5/14
Frank discussed after the defeat his side’s issues in creating chances, and despite retaining the majority of possession – as is typically the case when Tottenham play at home – there was little of impetus and authority from the talented number ten, and though he dropped deep to contribute more, there has hardly been enough on show throughout these opening months.
In fact, football.london branded the Dutchman with a 5/10 match rating, writing about his work rate and willingness to get stuck in but also acknowledging his lack of attacking flair and impact.
There is anticipation and expectation, however, that Simons will grow into his skin and thrive in the Premier League. However, he’s not the only summer signing who’s struggling to bring it all together so far, with Randal Kolo Muani still to announce himself.
Randal Kolo Muani may be wasted money
From an attacking standpoint, centre-forward remains a problem for Tottenham Hotspur. It’s an age-old problem, for the scale of Harry Kane’s brilliance means that his departure only two years ago very much feels a lifetime ago.
Quite simply, Spurs are not creating anywhere near enough chances, and though they sit sixth in the standings, two points behind second-placed Manchester City, more offensive influence and cohesion is required if Spurs are to finish strongly in the Premier League and challenge for silverware once again.
(1) Crystal Palace
12
17.1
(2) Man United
11
14.9
(3) Man City
17
14.4
(4) Arsenal
15
13.6
(5) Liverpool
14
13.6
(14) Tottenham
14
8.3
Kolo Muani certainly has the talent and goalscoring ability to contribute toward that goal, but injuries have limited him to a bit-part role so far.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward arrived in north London on a one-year loan deal on transfer deadline day, arriving with a weight of expectation after reviving his career on loan with Juventus last year, scoring ten goals and providing three assists across 22 matches for the Italians, demonstrating sharp and athletic movements and ranking among the top 7% of Serie A forwards for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.
Once hailed as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, the 26-year-old has what it takes to be a star at Tottenham, but injuries have limited him to just two outings so far this season, and though he only featured briefly against Aston Villa, he did indeed leave much to be desired.
Football.london saw it fit to brand Kolo Muani with a 5/10 match rating in spite of his brief cameo, and that’s because he missed a sitter late on, fluffing his lines during a goalmouth scramble with only moments left on the clock.
It was an “incredible” miss, as former Premier League goalkeeper Rob Green put it, and one which might have served as a springboard for the France international’s career in London, but it wasn’t to be. Moreover, he lost both of his contested ground duels, and will need to be more convincing in the challenge going forward.
Though there’s plenty of time to right the wrongs and nail down a starting spot at number nine this season, Kolo Muani is pitted against thick competition at the front of the ship, and if Dominic Solanke clicks into gear, he might have a tough task ousting the Englishman.
For now, we must reserve judgement on a player who has suffered an injury-hit start to his Tottenham career, and who has a proven pedigree that suggests he could be the man Frank and Spurs are searching for.
But if he doesn’t take the chances that fall his way, especially with Tottenham lacking creativity and the fitness of two linchpins in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, then it could be a long and difficult campaign for the Les Bleus star.
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