Despite making no signings in the summer window, Spurs are off to a winning start in the 2018/19 season with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle. Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring from a corner early on, before Joselu immediately pegged Tottenham back. After a superb cross from Serge Aurier, Dele Alli rose highest to head in what would ultimately be the winning goal. But what did we learn from the opening day win?
What is the difference between a win and a draw?
The margin for victory can often be slight, but never more so than in today’s win. Jan Vertonghen’s was judged to have crossed the line by an eyewatering 9mm. Three cheers for goal line technology. Eriksen’s wicked delivery was flicked on by Davinson Sanchez before Vertonghen directed it powerfully towards goal. Despite the keeper’s best efforts, the ball just crept over the line, sending Spurs into an early lead.
Jan Vertonghen can still score goals!
Super Jan’s 8th minute header marked his first premier league goal since 2013! The Belgian’s last strike came against Swansea in March 2013, ending a run of 161 Premier League appearances without a goal. This seems even more peculiar when you think back to his opening season with the Lilywhites, when he managed to bang 4 goals in just over 30 games. With Alderweireld looking like me may frequent the bench this season, will we be seeing Jan and Davinson in the box more?
Poch has faith in Amos
Young Luke Amos was originally tipped to start today’s game but had to make do with making his debut late into the second half. While we didn’t see enough of the youngster to know whether he’s up to the task of the fast-paced Premier League, it was a statement of intent from Pochettino. While he hasn’t brought any new signings into the club, Poch is clearly willing to use a strong array of youth players to further the cause this year.
No signings is looking pretty good right now
Tottenham broke a Premier League record this summer, becoming the first ever team to not sign a single player in the transfer window. However, with many people mocking such an achievement, the depth in Spurs’ squad is looking even better than last year. With the likes of Amos, Skipp, Walker-Peters and Carter-Vickers coming through from the ever-successful youth system, Pochettino already has more bodies to choose from. Furthermore, Winks is set to make a return to first team action soon, N’Koudou has returned from loan, and Moura is fit and ready to start. Despite making no signings, Pochettino finds himself with a healthy list of new names to choose from, albeit not household names or stars.
Serge Aurier still can’t defend
Maybe I’m being harsh… no, no I’m not. Aurier displayed time and time again today why he should not be Tottenham’s first choice right back, or even second choice for that matter. Constantly diving into challenges, giving away needless fouls, and letting his man go on numerous occasions. Aurier’s defensive work was a hinderance to Spurs all game. His only saving grace was the beauty of a cross to set up Dele Alli’s goal, but is this enough to warrant a walking liability at the back?
How should the right back pecking order go? Tripper, Walker-Peters, Aurier?
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