Tottenham Hotspur faced another disappointing defeat in the Premier League during their clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Despite arriving at Selhurst Park with a wave of confidence from back-to-back victories in all competitions, Spurs could not capitalize on the opportunity to further inflict damage on an Eagles side struggling in the relegation zone.
From the outset, Tottenham’s performance was lackluster, and a crucial defensive mistake by Micky van de Ven allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta to score the opening goal for Palace in the 31st minute. This goal marked a significant moment for Palace, giving them their first win of the season in the top flight. Unfortunately for Spurs, Van de Ven’s dismal outing reflected a broader issue within the team, particularly in the midfield where Dejan Kulusevski also struggled to make an impact.
Kulusevski’s performance was particularly disappointing, as he failed to impose himself from a midfield role. He missed a significant chance in front of goal during his 62 minutes on the pitch, recording only 16 accurate passes and winning just 2 of the 9 duels he contested. Additionally, he committed four fouls, which led to his substitution shortly after the hour mark—a decision that came as no surprise given his lackluster display.
The tactical decision to play Kulusevski in midfield to accommodate Brennan Johnson on the right wing has not produced the desired results. Although the Swedish international has had moments of brilliance this season, he has struggled to offer the control and creativity that Spurs need in the center of the park. Pape Matar Sarr, another option for the midfield, has been pressing for a more regular starting position and could provide a more balanced approach.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has implemented a front-foot, attacking philosophy at Spurs, but this strategy has backfired, with the team suffering defeats in nearly half of their matches this season. As the team continues to falter, it may be time for Postecoglou to reconsider Kulusevski’s role within the squad. Kulusevski is primarily a right-sided player and has shown difficulty operating effectively on the left wing, particularly in the absence of Heung-min Son, who has been a vital contributor to the team’s attacking efforts.
The upcoming match against Manchester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup presents a critical opportunity for Spurs to turn their fortunes around. With the competition potentially offering the best chance to end their 16-year trophy drought, it is imperative that Postecoglou finds the right balance in his lineup. Given Kulusevski’s recent struggles, it might be prudent for the manager to consider alternative options that could inject fresh energy and creativity into the team.
As Spurs look to regroup and refocus ahead of the encounter with City, the pressure is on Postecoglou to make effective adjustments. If he can find a way to optimize the squad’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses, there is still hope for Tottenham to achieve success in the cup competition and potentially salvage their season.
In summary, while Kulusevski has had his share of impactful performances this season, the time may have come for a change in strategy. With a pivotal cup match on the horizon, it’s crucial for Spurs to make the necessary adjustments to build momentum and restore confidence in the squad.