No matter the players, Tottenham always seem to have a high level of inconsistency. The “Spursy” term cannot exist because you do not lose a match simply due to your club name, and all teams lose matches. But time and time again Tottenham get a glorious win, and then crumble during the next game against favourable opponents. A few seasons ago Tottenham got a famous win at the Etihad when Harry Kane headed in a last gasp winner in stoppage time, and the following result Spurs lost 1-0 at Burnley where Antonio Conte stormed into the post match press conference blaming the mentality and desire of his squad.
Last week Tottenham got a fantastic 4-0 victory at Villa Park and then crumble in emphatic fashion at Craven Cottage, 3-0 to Fulham to remove the temporary feel good factor that was installed. It was a horrendous performance, and a real lack of quality was shown and we barely got through the stubborn Fulham team. Muniz got the opener and Fulham’s third, with Lukic’s goal sandwiched in-between. It was without doubt, the worst performance of the season because even in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, there was exceptional circumstances and we still could have nicked a result out of it with 9 men that day. Son, Maddison, Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson all struggled to get into the game, and when they got the odd moment they were sloppy. The midfield and defence was all at sea. If if wasn’t for Vicario it could have been much worse.
It was a fantastic opportunity to replace Aston Villa in 4th position, but on the night Tottenham never looked like doing so and the good work from the week before was all undone just like that.
It is not the first time this season that Tottenham have got a positive result against a top side and then lost to an ‘average’ team as they drew 3-3 at the Etihad after Kulusevski shouldered in a 90th minute equaliser. Spurs then lost to West Ham 2-1 at home 4 days later, however these goals were flukey as a double deflection led to a Bowen tap in with Vicario being wrongfooted and a rebound from a scuffed shot. Is this “Spursy”? Does that term exist? You can make your own minds up.
What is usually for sure is Ange Postecoglou’s attacking way. This was not shown on the pitch but our players kept trying risky passes that did not come good, which caused Fulham to gain possession and attack and create good chances against a clueless Tottenham defence. The lack of Micky Van De Ven’s pace in the backline was a loss, however Radu Dragusin should have been a competent enough deputy. It will take time to find the perfect pass, and there will be off days as we find our way in this process. We know that, and it is important to note, but repeatedly losing a ‘simpler’ game straight after winning a difficult game will not help with the labels rival fans like to pin upon us.