Tottenham are still some way off being the free-flowing entertaining side which challenged for the Premier League title twice under Mauricio Pochettino, but there is plenty to be positive about since the Argentine left.
Jose Mourinho’s first match in charge saw the high-intensity style return, playing with pace and desire as the likes of Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli found their best form to hand his team a 3-2 win.
That pair have continued to perform under the Portuguese boss, with the latter turning around his form after previously being criticised by fans for tailing off quite drastically.
Son has two goals and four assists while the England international has four goals under Mourinho, but they seem to be the only creative players performing, and that should be a concern.
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Tottenham were lacklustre despite a win against Brighton due to their slow style of play, and a lack of invention that may have been due to the five-at-the-back system in place, as well as the absence of Son.
Fixing a leaky defence may have been Mourinho’s priority when he arrived, and rightly so, but he has improved players like Serge Aurier and Toby Alderweireld – so it may now be time to turn his focus elsewhere.
Spurs have kept just one clean sheet out of nine games under their new boss, yet have won six of those, which indicates that his pragmatism is already taking effect for the benefit of the team.
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However, Lucas Moura has dropped off recently as it is fair to say he hasn’t contributed enough. Lucas hasn’t achieved a single key pass in his last two outings while most of Christian Eriksen’s minutes have also been confined to the Champions League.
The Dane’s future is still arguably in doubt with that in mind, and that means Mourinho should look to the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela to add a bit of invention.
Both players featured on the bench against the Seagulls and while the latter has shown moments of quality this season with three goals and three assists, Lo Celso is still yet to get going.
Playing him closely to Harry Kane and Alli could allow him to build up an understanding with the duo, and judging by his record last season of 16 goals and six assists he clearly possesses the ability to win games for Spurs if Mourinho can bring it out of him.
Five shots on target in the previous match shows there is plenty of work to do and perhaps more freedom for the players needed, but as Mourinho’s trust in the players grows that should happen, and more convincing results should follow.
Elsewhere, fans have been full of praise for Erik Lamela following his comments on Jose Mourinho.
