‘Good squad but not a great squad' – Robbie Savage pinpoints where Tottenham are falling short

Seb Sternik
27 November 2023

Tottenham’s recent slump in form has been down to key players in key positions being out of action according to former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage.

Spurs endured their third straight league defeat on Sunday after falling to a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa.

Giovani Lo Celso gave the hosts an early lead following a frantic start to the match in London. However, Unai Emery’s men battled back and secured all three points courtesy of goals from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins.

“You’ve got to look at the injuries,” Savage exclusively told Planet Sport when asked why Spurs have experienced their dip in results.

As things stand, Ivan Perisic, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Richarlison and Pape Sarr are on the sidelines. Cristian Romero and Yves Bissouma also missed the match due to suspensions.

To make matters worse, Rodrigo Bentancur was taken off against Villa following a nasty challenge from Matty Cash.

Savage added: “The way they started the season, they’ve been fantastic, the way they play. I think the Spurs fans are happy with the exuberant free flowing attacking football.

“I just think the centre-halves… those two being out. Romero was suspended, Van de Ven with his injury.

“The way Ange Postecoglou wants to play depends on the centre-halves and Van de Ven’s pace is key because they play a high line, they like to press. If you’ve got a quick centre-half, you can do that.

“I think they’ve missed those two centre-halves massively. Also, James Maddison being out. Key players in key positions missing for Spurs.”

With small margins separating the top five clubs in the Premier League, Spurs have promptly dropped from the top of the table to fifth.

What’s more, they face a daunting trip to the Etihad stadium next weekend.

When asked how manager Ange Postecoglou can overcome the current slump, Savage pointed to the strength of his squad.

Dipping into the January transfer market is one way forward according to the ex-Wales international.

He said: “I think they will have to invest in January. The philosophy that Big Ange has of that fast, high-press attacking football, I think you need the players to do that.

“The strength in depth for me, they haven’t got ideal replacements. They’ve got a good squad but not a great squad.

“I just think that the two centre-halves being out, one with pace, alters the way that Spurs can play that high-line. I think that might be something they’ll look at in January to invest in another centre-half.”