Spurs took Brighton to school last Sunday as a sensational first-half performance saw them lead 2-0 at half time at the Amex.
Yet, the Lilywhites returned home empty-handed, having allowed the Seagulls to score three without reply in the second half.
That said, their first half still warranted praise and offered an insight into what they should build upon going forward.
Alasdair Gold praises Tottenham’s first-half display against Brighton despite defeat
After Tottenham’s defeat to Brighton, the club’s correspondent for Football London, Alasdair Gold, praised Ange Postecoglou and his men for their performance in the first half, even though they let Brighton come back into the game in the second half.
“Let’s dive into a performance that was just beautiful for long periods, and then that horrible halftime thing came along and it was horrendous.
“Tottenham played brilliantly in the first half, high intensity, great pressing, and their attack was just on fire. They could have scored more than two. Tottenham tore Brighton apart again and again, Brennan Johnson and Pedro Porro were constantly getting past their fullbacks. [James] Maddison was pulling the strings, and Dominic Solanke played a nostalgic Harry Kane-like role.
“Danny Welbeck, from a Brighton perspective, called the first half embarrassing. Spurs were all over them, aggressive in the press, winning the ball back high up the pitch. It was a pleasure to watch Spurs in that first half. Some of the football was incredible, especially the link-up play.”
Gold, via his own YouTube channel.
Indeed, the first half saw Brennan Johnson and James Maddison take their recent sensational form to the international break as they scored a goal apiece.
The Welshman now has six goals in ten games this season across all competitions. The 27-year-old Englishman, on the other hand, has two goals and three assists from nine games across all competitions.
Spurs face West Ham at home next in the Premier League on the other side of the ongoing international break.
Last season in a microcosm
Started brilliantly and fizzled out as time went on—sounds familiar?
Spurs’ performance against Brighton was in a microcosm an embodiment of their performance throughout last season, and it looks like they may be in for another similar year this time round.
Under Postecoglou, Spurs are turning out to be sprinters trying to run a marathon, and unfortunately their manager is not inclined at all to tweak his formula. This story is bound to go only one way.
