Takeaways from Turf Moor as Tottenham Hotspur draw vs Burnley
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur have now taken just one point from three Premier League games since the winter break. Spurs were put to the test by a determined Burnley side that are currently in a good vein of form.
Chris Wood pounced on a Hugo Lloris mistake to put the Clarets ahead before Dele Alli punished Ben Mee’s mistake by equalizing from the spot in the second half.
Giovani Lo Celso led from the front as Spurs looked for a winner. It was not to be while Tottenham had to weather a late onslaught by Burnley to come away with a point.
With fellow top-four rivals Manchester United and Chelsea both winning their respective fixtures, we have fallen further behind in the race for fourth place.
We take a look at what we learnt in the draw at Turf Moor
1. A tale of two signings
After the Champions League defeat against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur went big on both Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso in midfield. It wouldn’t be amiss to say that things could not have worked out different for the duo. Both struggled initially with both form and injuries but that is where the similarity ends.
Lo Celso has gone on to establish himself as a vital cog in Tottenham’s attack while Ndombele looks out of touch and out of shape.
The match against Burnley was a case study of the scenario as both midfielders played a half each with a clear contrast in their effectiveness.
Ndombele looked weary and lost while Lo Celso helped win the penalty to draw Spurs level within minutes of coming on. The Argentine then lead from the front as he showed drive and desire to push Tottenham to a winner.
The difference in the way the midfield functioned was scarily different as Spurs were a much more menacing and motivated in the absence of Ndombele. The difference was not lost on Mourinho, who did not hold back in his criticism of the Frenchman.
Ndombele is a talented player who has loads of potential. Spurs have invested a fortune and he will need to start repaying the club for their faith in him. If he keeps performing like he did at Turf Moor, his days in North London could be numbered.
2. Goalkeeping woes
Different goalkeeper, same problem.
Michel Vorm was lambasted by a section of the fan base following his error against Norwich City in the FA Cup tie. The returning Hugo Lloris was at fault this time as he failed to hold onto Jay Rodriguez’s shot which then kindly fell to Chris Wood.
In fairness, Burnley were the better team in the first half and deserved to go in front at the break. It does not, however, excuse the error which is becoming somewhat of a trend now irrespective of who is in goal.
Spurs have played three different keepers this season and neither of them has shown themselves to be dependable on a consistent basis.
Lloris has been a loyal servant of the club and deserves to be celebrated as one of our finest ever. He will be 34 this year and it is high time that the club looked for a successor.
Ironically, Liverpool showcased to us the difference that the right goalkeeper can have. Alisson Becker has helped transform their side from a fearful opposition to a formidable rival. There is no reason why Spurs shouldn’t do the same this summer.
But for now, Lloris represents our best option and will have to return to his best in the Champions League tie against Leipzig. He was a one-man army in the first leg and single-handedly kept us in the tie. Hopefully, his form continues in Germany.
3. Mourinho’s tactical acumen to the rescue
With the side struggling in the first half, Jose Mourinho took immediate action at the break and revamped the Tottenham system and personnel going into the second half.
The change was instantaneous as every player on the pitch suddenly looked better. Jan Vertonghen and Japhet Tanganga, both of who struggled in the first half, suddenly looked better in a back four while the excellent Erik Lamela suddenly found help in the attack.
Steven Bergwijn came to life while the tireless Dele Alli too played some of the best football he has done in recent times.
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Within the blink of an eye, Tottenham went from being the hunted to the hunter, and turned the tables on Burnley. Mourinho also showed good man-management in taking off Steven Bergwijn.
The Dutch international is not used to games coming thick and fast and risks being burnt out. By taking him off, Mourinho helped the player gain extra time to recover.
