Ahead of Saturday night’s trip to North London, Jack Johnson speaks to Tottenham fan Matt Hayes to get a Spurs perspective on their form, their new manager and what to expect once the ball is kicked.
Sitting 3rd in the Premier League after five games is a great start to the season. What have you made of your opening results under Thomas Frank?
It’s been a positive start to life under the new manager. It’s not been perfect, but we’ve seen some really impressive performances and results just eight games in. The defeat to Bournemouth and the narrow win over Villarreal stand out as the only poor performances so far this season, yet we conceded just one goal in those two games combined. This represents a key improvement Frank has made – our defensive solidity has been the main focus. Five clean sheets already this season, including a win at the Etihad Stadium, is very encouraging. Our fluidity in the final third still needs work. Mohammed Kudus has been a revelation, Xavi Simons is still settling.
The sacking of Ange Postecoglou seemed divisive at the time, especially after ending the 17-year trophy drought. What were your thoughts when the news came out initially, and do you still feel that way now?
I was heartbroken, but I was always aware that my heart was ruling my head. If anyone deserved the chance to forget a domestic season had even happened, it was the guy who won our first major trophy in 17 years and our first European trophy in 41 years. Postecoglou claims to have given up on the Premier League in January, and while I believe there did come a point where league results waned in significance, I’m skeptical about it being that early in the season. We’ve been craving a gaffer who could instil a winning mentality in our squad, and rid us of the ‘Spursy’ tag for too long – it felt harsh to remove the man who did it. But, obviously, I understand why.
Wolves haven’t managed to pick up a single point in the league so far but showed good promise in a mid-week cup victory over Everton. Which player in the Wolves squad do you feel would be the biggest threat to a Spurs win?
It may seem like the obvious answer but it’s Jørgen Strand Larsen. We are lucky to have two immensely talented centre-backs in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven but we have to admit their limitations in aerial defending. It’s part of the reason why we have been so vulnerable at set pieces in recent seasons. Tolu Arokodare could also find some joy if Wolves can get some decent crosses into the box.
The statement signings of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus are without a doubt the ‘biggest’ Spurs signings, but of the list of players brought in over the summer, who is the standout for you?
Xavi. Xavi. And Xavi again. This deal represented a huge shift in the trajectory of Tottenham. To sign a player of this calibre and one who had this level of interest from other top clubs is so unlike our club. To commit £125M in transfer fee and wages over his 7-year contract is a huge investment. He has proven end product in a top European League, and while Bundesliga brilliance doesn’t always translate to the Premier League, the raw talent is undeniable and world class stature debatable. The transfer made a lot more sense when Daniel Levy left the club one week later.
Special mention to João Palhinha. You’ll already struggle to find a Tottenham fan who doesn’t want to make the move permanent next summer.
Wolves have had the better of Spurs over the last few seasons, most recently in a 4-2 victory at Molineux in April this year. How vastly different can Wolves expect this Spurs side to be, as opposed to the one they beat last season?
We can defend now. It was a rotated defence that went to Molineux last season, with Archie Gray at right-back and Ben Davies in the middle. But personnel and tactics will be much more stubborn this time around. As I mentioned earlier, Frank has made our resilience his #1 focus since his appointment. While that may lead to a behind-schedule fluency in our attack, it was a much-needed change from last season. If we keep a clean sheet on Saturday, we will equal last season’s tally for home clean sheets in the league – two.
What is your predicted lineup for Spurs?
You wouldn’t think this would be the case with how injuries impacted last season, but we are spoiled for choice across the pitch.
Vicario.
Porro – Romero – Van de Ven – Udogie. (Spence has been superb at left-back but his attacking influence is limited as he is heavily right-footed).
Bergvall – Xavi – Bentancur. (Xavi has predominantly featured on the left so far but is clearly more suited to the central role. Bergvall is a cheat code when on form. Bentancur over Sarr, only because the latter has been mysteriously absent from our last two games).
Kudus – Richarlison – Odobert. (We have so many choices up top that I often forget one or two when I try to recall them from memory. Not many of them are in form though).
And finally, what is your predicted scoreline for Saturday’s fixture?
I have been supporting this club and doing opposition previews for long enough to know that confidence always comes back to bite me. But I am quite confident about this one. 3-0 Spurs win.
