Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham started the game strongly, with Harry Kane scoring the opening goal. However, after Ivan Cavaleiro headed the equaliser for Fulham. At full-time Jose Mourinho was a frustrated figure.
The Portuguese manager was quick to question the individual ability of his players in his post-match interview. In theory, when several key opportunities were missed to double their lead. The Tottenham manager had a right to cast doubt.
After Fulham’s goal, the game slowly fizzled out. While Tottenham showed a lack of intensity for a team losing their grip on the Champions League places.
Jose Mourinho’s Spurs Failing to Progress
Tottenham Starting to Lose Ground on League Leaders
Recent performances suggest that Tottenham are grinding to a halt. The ability to secure a result in a close game is a trait common with Mourinho’s teams. Although Spurs have now become a well-disciplined unit, they are suffering a similar fate to many teams this season.
At times, clean sheets have been hard to come by, while this Premier League campaign has seen an unusual amount of high scoring games.
However, Tottenham is following a trend that has resulted in several uninspiring 1-1 draw. It’s typical that Kane and Son Heung-min will collaborate to score a first-half goal.
Tottenham set the narrative when they fail to add to the tally. As the second half progresses, Tottenham naturally gets deeper, inviting the opposition towards their goal.
While in the first half of games, teams are warier of Tottenham’s counterattack. By the end of the second half, opposition teams are confident they can snatch a point.
The pressure is increased until the opposition creates the prime chance. The ball sails into the back of the net, leaving Hugo Lloris flapping desperately.
Tottenham Keep Dropping Leads
Collectively Tottenham’s players look around in despair, as they realise, they’ve thrown away yet another 1-0 lead late on.
While Tottenham’s 3-3 draw with West Ham is firmly remembered. Perhaps more appalling is the fact that Tottenham has drawn with a score of 1-1 four times this season, all from winning positions.
With only two 1-0 wins in this Premier League season, it seems the writing is on the wall for this Tottenham team if they fail to score a second goal.
A simple fix would be to score more goals and become more ambitious. The attacking talent is available for Mourinho to win a large portion of games before half time.
Squad Fatigue
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham is a team that plays with a well-drilled system. This has resulted in Moussa Sissoko playing as an effective ball carrier through the middle of the pitch, in many games.
However, Sissoko played as a right midfielder against West Brom. This has no doubt caused frustrations for many Tottenham fans when they see their attacking talent on the bench.
Gareth Bale has largely featured in Europa League matches, while most recently coming off the bench against non-league opposition Marine in the FA Cup.
Admittingly, the Welshman is not expected to contribute as he did before his Real Madrid move. However, the Welshman’s loan move is starting to look disappointing, with an alarming lack of Premier League game time.
While Mourinho might remain stubborn in his acknowledgement towards Bale. With Tottenham’s counterattacking style, a player of Bale’s quality could bring fresh legs to the attack in a critical stage of the game.
Lucas Moura is another forward player who is struggling for Premier League game time, With Mourinho favouring Steven Bergwijn.
Tottenham’s list of attacking options means they could outscore most Premier League opposition. However, Mourinho’s structured approach has led them to fall short on several occasions.
If Tottenham continues to play negatively and fail to earn results, then frustrations around the club will mount. Leaving Tottenham with no choice, but to depart with Mourinho sooner than expected.