New year, same old Spurs: What lessons can Tottenham learn from the Leicester match?

The 2024/25 season began with a familiar sense of optimism for Tottenham Hotspur fans. A new campaign always brings hope, especially with Ange Postecoglou at the helm, who promised to inject a more exciting and attacking brand of football into the team. Pre-season performances and new signings had created a buzz around the club, suggesting that this could be the year Spurs finally break their long-standing trophy drought. However, the opening game against Leicester City has thrown up some early concerns that need addressing if Tottenham are to make good on their ambitions this season.

The 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium was far from the worst result, but it was the manner of the performance that will have disappointed fans and raised questions about whether the team has truly turned a corner. Pedro Porro’s early goal was a bright start, but the subsequent 57th-minute equaliser from Jamie Vardy, following a lapse in concentration from Cristian Romero, highlighted some familiar flaws. It wasn’t just the result that frustrated, but also the way Tottenham managed—or rather, mismanaged—the game.

For all the talk of a new era under Postecoglou, there were shades of the old Spurs in this performance: a team that creates plenty of chances but fails to capitalise, a midfield that struggles under pressure, and a defence that is vulnerable to quick transitions. If Spurs are to make a serious challenge for the top four this season, or even push for silverware, these are the five key areas where they must improve immediately.

1. Taking chances when they come

One of the most frustrating aspects of Tottenham’s draw with Leicester was their inability to convert chances into goals. Pedro Porro’s well-taken strike in the 29th minute was a moment of quality, but it should have been the first of many. Tottenham created several clear-cut opportunities throughout the match but failed to find the back of the net again. This wastefulness in front of goal is something that has plagued Spurs in the past, and it reared its ugly head once more on the opening day.

Captain Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson had golden opportunities to double the lead before Leicester’s equaliser but fluffed their lines. In the Premier League, these missed chances can be the difference between three points and one. Postecoglou’s system is designed to create plenty of scoring opportunities, but if Spurs continue to be wasteful in front of goal, it could undermine all the positive work done in other areas of the pitch.

The team must develop a ruthless streak if they are to turn these draws into wins and make a serious challenge for the top spots. Maybe it is just the first-game nerves. Let’s just hope that this is not a trend. We rightly expect more from this talented squad. On the other hand, new recruit Dominic Solanke was quite impressive.

2. Shoring up the midfield

Tottenham’s midfield looked composed and controlled in the first half, with James Maddison pulling the strings against his former club. However, as the game progressed and Leicester began to press higher up the pitch, the midfield began to falter.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr struggled to maintain their influence, and Leicester’s increased pressure exposed some worrying vulnerabilities. The lack of a strong holding presence allowed Leicester to dominate the central areas in the second half, leading to sustained pressure on the Spurs backline. The Uruguayan also came off the pitch injured, so that’s that. Hopefully, not a serious issue.

This lack of midfield solidity is a concern that needs quick addressing. None of our midfielders have yet proven themselves as a consistent anchor in the middle of the park. Postecoglou might need to consider adjusting his formation or personnel to ensure the midfield remains robust, especially in the latter stages of games when the opposition is pushing for a goal. Without a stable midfield, Spurs will continue to see themselves exposed to counter-attacks and may struggle to control games as they should.

3. Balancing the full-backs

Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro were two of Tottenham’s standout performers last season, and their attacking prowess from full-back positions is a key component of Postecoglou’s tactical setup. However, in the match against Leicester, their aggressive positioning left Tottenham dangerously exposed at the back. Both full-backs were frequently found high up the pitch, contributing to attacks, but this often left Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero isolated against Leicester’s forwards.

This over-commitment in attack can be a double-edged sword. While it provides Spurs with width and additional attacking options, it also means that any turnover in possession can lead to the opposition exploiting the space left behind. Against Leicester, this imbalance was evident, particularly in the second half when the Foxes started to gain more control.

The defensive duo of Van de Ven and Romero often saw themselves left to deal with Leicester’s attacks on their own, which eventually led to Vardy’s equaliser. Spurs must find a better balance in their full-back play to avoid a catch in defensive transition.

4. Defensive awareness

Cristian Romero has been a crucial figure in Tottenham’s defence since his arrival, known for his tenacity and aggressive style of play. However, his lapse in concentration against Leicester cost Spurs dearly. Romero saw himself caught out of position as Jamie Vardy made his run for the equaliser, failing to track the striker properly and allowing him to get the better of him in a critical moment. This is surely not the first time Romero’s defensive awareness has been questioned. It’s an area that needs improvement if Spurs are to keep clean sheets regularly.

Romero’s natural aggression can sometimes lead to moments of rashness, and while his ability to make crucial tackles and interceptions is valuable, he needs to work on his positional discipline. In a backline that often finds itself under pressure due to the advanced positioning of the full-backs, Romero’s role as a leader in defence is vital.

He must ensure that he’s always aware of his surroundings and maintain concentration throughout the 90 minutes to prevent lapses that can cost the team.

5. Tactical Flexibility

One of the most glaring issues in the draw against Leicester was Postecoglou’s reluctance to make timely substitutions. As Leicester grew into the game and started to apply more pressure, it became evident that fresh legs were needed to shore up the midfield and defence. However, Postecoglou waited too long to make changes. By the time substitutions came in, Leicester had already gained momentum and equalised. This hesitancy to adapt in-game is something that Postecoglou needs to address if Spurs are to navigate the challenges of a long Premier League season.

The Premier League is unforgiving, and being able to adapt tactically during games is crucial. Postecoglou’s philosophy is to stick with his Plan A, but there are times when a different approach is needed to see out a game.

The lack of a Plan B was evident against Leicester, and it’s something that needs to be developed moving forward. Whether it’s bringing on a more defensive midfielder to protect a lead or switching to a different formation, Postecoglou must show that he can be flexible in his approach to ensure that Spurs don’t drop points unnecessarily. We even covered an article about the same.

All in all, the draw should serve as a wake-up call for Tottenham Hotspur. While there were positive aspects to the performance, the same old issues that have plagued the team in recent seasons were once again on display. If Spurs are to achieve their goals this season, they must address these problems head-on.