Have we become 'Boring Boring Tottenham Hotspur' ?

[THE SPURSBOY]

Yeah ive noticed it now when friends now say we’re shit to watch just like Jose team.

 

[A Bit Much]

Calamitous, lethargic, negative, massive wallies. All phrases I'd use in advance of boring. ?

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

We are very boring this season. Slow, passive, full of mistakes. One of the worst teams to watch in the entire league.

However I do think that for the last 2/3 months of last season we started to play some good football and showed signs of developing a good style (despite not being dominant in possession).

That’s gone this season though, we’ve definitely regressed despite signing some good players.

All we can hope is that some more new signings for the starting 11 at wing back and CB (and attacking depth) will make us play better football sustainably.

 

[Flobadob]

I think the only thing I feel like Conte has got wrong at times this season is some of his tactical decisions and choices of player in the starting 11. If all the players are saying we don’t mean to be playing inside our own half and playing slow and frankly ineffective attacking football then I feel he should have made some changes by now in either the way we are training (increase the tempo and intensity, you play how you train with the ball) or changes in personnel in the starting line up. There are still players playing regularly that have absolutely zero chance of being good enough to help us win trophies.. Emerson, Doherty, Sessegnon, Dier, Davies and unpopular opinion but Hojbjerg goes in this bracket too for me, purely because of the fact he chokes 95% of the time against the very best midfielders, I’ve lost count of how many times he’s been made to look like a fool by the top sides in big games. The only thing I feel could have been done within our squad to help these issues would be to integrate Spence much sooner, he’s got a future, Emerson and Doherty really don’t, I think most fans are happier to show patience when they can see there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of actual talent level. Bissouma probably could have been integrated sooner too, I don’t think he’s shown enough yet to get ahead of Hojbjerg or Bentancur in a 2 but a 3 man midfield more often would have been good, integrated Bissouma, given us a different tactical option and given Hojbjerg/Bentancur a lighter workload and reduced fatigue which is likely to have been an issue this season in particular.

Other than that, Conte needs another window to bring in better players and replace what we have been using in the squad, so yeah patience is definitely needed, he’s a world class manager but he’s not a magician, a lot of these players simply aren’t good enough and it’s going to take time to get in players who are good enough and fit Conte’s system and plans. Having Kulusevski fit is clearly a huge thing going by our recent performances without him, so I’d say getting another creative player in (Maddison!) would be one of my priorities, along with a better RWB and CB to upgrade on Emerson and Dier.

I’m pretty confident if we only got a top RWB this January we would be a lock in for top 4. I do feel like even 1-2 top quality additions this January and keeping key players fit second half of the season would see us become a force again. We really must stop relying on players who are absolutely not good enough though and that’s gonna be down to Levy to supply the money and Paratici/Conte to get the players to change the team for the better

 

[leetotty]

Deffo.
Check the result and read reports to get a general consensus on how the game went. But to waste my time/money on sitting through the games…not anymore.

Not looking for conte to be sacked though, the last thing we want is more uncertainty and large backroom changes.

Unfortunately, I don’t look at other teams with much envy though, our current “style” or type of football is everywhere. We maybe worse than some in recent games but has been punctured at times throughout contes reign with more attacking performances.

Personally, football needs a seismic rule shift like happened with the goalkeeper passback rule in the early 90’s, to encourage more attacking and creative intent.

 

[double0]

I feel we lack the quality players to implement Contes very methodical winning style. Once his allowed to get players better equipped the better.

Note a methodical style isn't a criticism klopp and Pep are very much that.

 

[spursfan1991]

This needs a anonymous poll.

The football has been so bad, so boring that i feel like we are sitting 15th on the table and have crashed out of the champions league by losing all 6 games.

I think Arsenal doing very well has also increased the frustration amongst the fanbase.

 

[Metalhead]

This needs a anonymous poll.

The football has been so bad, so boring that i feel like we are sitting 15th on the table and have crashed out of the champions league by losing all 6 games.

I think Arsenal doing very well has also increased the frustration amongst the fanbase.

What would the poll be? If it's a straight up "are you happy with the football as it is right now" then it's got to be 100% no. The argument after that becomes a little more convoluted.

 

[Cochraam]

I may be of the minority opinion here, but I genuinely haven't found us boring. We're definitely worse than last year which is perplexing and frustrating, but I find that when Conte-ball is working, we can be really exciting to watch. Last May when we beat Leicester 3-1, we only had 40% possession but twice their shots, 3x shots on target, and 3x corners. As in that game, we can look secure in defense and like a coiled spring where we are very direct and threatening every time we get the ball. I find that exciting, although I understand the frustration with low possession, especially against the top teams.

Towards the end of Jose and then under Nuno, I felt everything was just stale. We kept failing the same way (take a 1-0 lead, then sit deeper and deeper and deeper until we concede after a bit of poor defending from the usual suspects). I was ready to scrap everything for a fresh start and even if it meant we were worse, it would mean we were worse in a new and novel way! The last few weeks have been hard because it feels like those old problems rearing their heads again. But, I also have faith in Conte and Paratici and feel like I understand the process of how we get to be good. So, for me, I've found this period under Conte to be one where I'm reengaging with the team and getting excited again.

 

[spursfan1991]

What would the poll be? If it's a straight up "are you happy with the football as it is right now" then it's got to be 100% no. The argument after that becomes a little more convoluted.

1) Spurs are boring, i wont be watching again until i hear performances have improved.

2) i dont understand what the fuss is, we have qualified for next round of CL and are in good position in the league. Need to be patient.

3) Sack conte, only hire managers going forward that want to play on the front foot, put pressure on the opponent and dominate possesion.

 

[Metalhead]

1) Spurs are boring, i wont be watching again until i hear performances have improved.

2) i dont understand what the fuss is, we have qualified for next round of CL and are in good position in the league. Need to be patient.

3) Sack conte, only hire managers going forward that want to play on the front foot, put pressure on the opponent and dominate possesion.

I'd have 2. more like: I can understand the frustration but I see it as a project and I am happy to be patient and at least see what progress we are making later in the season.

 

[Hakkz]

I may be of the minority opinion here, but I genuinely haven't found us boring. We're definitely worse than last year which is perplexing and frustrating, but I find that when Conte-ball is working, we can be really exciting to watch. Last May when we beat Leicester 3-1, we only had 40% possession but twice their shots, 3x shots on target, and 3x corners. As in that game, we can look secure in defense and like a coiled spring where we are very direct and threatening every time we get the ball. I find that exciting, although I understand the frustration with low possession, especially against the top teams.

Towards the end of Jose and then under Nuno, I felt everything was just stale. We kept failing the same way (take a 1-0 lead, then sit deeper and deeper and deeper until we concede after a bit of poor defending from the usual suspects). I was ready to scrap everything for a fresh start and even if it meant we were worse, it would mean we were worse in a new and novel way! The last few weeks have been hard because it feels like those old problems rearing their heads again. But, I also have faith in Conte and Paratici and feel like I understand the process of how we get to be good. So, for me, I've found this period under Conte to be one where I'm reengaging with the team and getting excited again.

Last season we were a good watch, but this season we have been nothing but crap.

 

[Trent Crimm]

This needs a anonymous poll.

The football has been so bad, so boring that i feel like we are sitting 15th on the table and have crashed out of the champions league by losing all 6 games.

I think Arsenal doing very well has also increased the frustration amongst the fanbase.

Why anonymous?

I keep seeing this “because Arsenal etc” narrative. It’s just not true. I seriously doubt most of the fans gauge their opinion on how Arsenal are doing in relation to how we are doing. I don’t. I couldn’t give a shit to be honest. Maybe you should do a poll on that ?

Small minded in my opinion, but hey ho, if it floats your boat?

 

[double0]

Why anonymous?

I keep seeing this “because Arsenal etc” narrative. It’s just not true. I seriously doubt most of the fans gauge their opinion on how Arsenal are doing in relation to how we are doing. I don’t. I couldn’t give a shit to be honest. Maybe you should do a poll on that ?

Small minded in my opinion, but hey ho, if it floats your boat?

I don't get this media narrative also. We've had many exciting games under Conte and some not so great basically playing every 3-4 days isnt easy. I am convinced once Levy loosens the finances for Paratici to get players suitable to Conte he will get us winning trophies.

 

[easley91]

I'd have 2. more like: I can understand the frustration but I see it as a project and I am happy to be patient and at least see what progress we are making later in the season.

This would get my vote, but with the added: "I also understand due to lack of quality options, injuries and a packed schedule that it hasn't been easy. Also the club lost a huge part of everyone's life not so long ago and they're human beings.".

 

[Metalhead]

This would get my vote, but with the added: "I also understand due to lack of quality options, injuries and a packed schedule that it hasn't been easy. Also the club lost a huge part of everyone's life not so long ago and they're human beings.".

Although we do overcomplicate football, there is also a tendency to look for simple answers to more convoluted situations as your post underlines.

 

[SUIYHA]

From Feb to May last season we played some brilliant football:

Leicester 2-3 Spurs
Man City 2-3 Spurs
Leeds 0-4 Spurs
Spurs 5-0 Everton
Spurs 3-1 West Ham
Spurs 5-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs
Spurs 3-1 Leicester
Spurs 3-0 Arsenal
Norwich 0-5 Spurs

It wasn't just clinical finishing - we were carving out good chances and playing some attractive stuff - the best of the last decade other than the absolute peaks of the Pochettino era.

Even this season at times we've looked good when we've wanted to. Most of the time it's been in the second half and I am genuinely convinced Conte has told the players with the fixture pile up to conserve energy by easing into the game and then coming on stronger and faster in the second half when the opposition are beginning to tire themselves and have already been through their half time team talk. In some instances it's worked - we've turned games around and finished with a flourish. But the problem is that yes, that first half is usually awful to watch, and if we end up leaving ourselves with too much to do (eg - last two games) so that if we lose AND play shit football then fans understandably start calling for blood.

Of course, any manager at any point in football history would always be able to do better and play nicer football with better players. And there are plenty in our squad that are clearly nowhere near good enough on the ball - there is a significant drop in the quality of our football whenever any of Kane, Son, Kulusevski, Bentancur or Romero aren't on the pitch - quite telling that that run above came straight after we signed the two Juve players. If we keep that core fit, make some quality technical additions in January and ideally aren't playing every 3 days, then I'd expect us to start looking good again.

But also ask yourselves - if we'd hired Klopp or Guardiola this time last year and Conte had gone to their respective side, would we be playing better football with the same set of players we have now? You know the answer is yes, likewise you know their teams wouldn't be as good to watch.

 

[Beni]

Have we been boring, yes most definitely. Has it all been boring, no in my opinion not.

Thing is, Conte is probably just as frustrated and bored of our performances but has countless said he needs time and we need to be patience. You watch any of his previous successful teams, and they were never boring to watch. Tactically rigid, structured and dogged in everyone’s roles, but never boring.

When we click and get it right (last season, majority of second halves this season) we are certainly not boring. So we need to understand those reasons.

1. Last season we only had one game per week, so more time to spend on tactics for specific opposition and had a first 11 fit to deal with 1 game a week as opposed to multiple.

2. Player Quality is still not at the level to play 3 games per week. Players like Lloris, Dier, Sessegnon, Emerson, Doherty, Sanchez, Davies, Tanganga etc who do not have the quality or mentality levels to deal with a big game or game after game schedules. That’s 90%+ of our defence, where if you over analysed all our goals conceded, majority would be because of a mistake from one of them players listed. Yes these players may give you one or two games of quality, but when under pressure mentally, physically, or just their ability wise, will always revert to type.

3. Player Form, Son our most influential player for numerous seasons has scored just 3 prem goals. Defensive minded players like Hojbjerg and Bentancur aren’t far behind him. Kanes form is not great either. Yes, he has scored a lot this season, but his and Sons ability to hold up the ball and their overall play, has resulted in giving away possession continuously, and a key aspect as to why we struggle to keep hold of the ball and it invites constant pressure onto us.

We have also new players trying to acclimatise to a new team, system etc and slowly getting them into form. Some take quicker to others.

4. Our opponents. The premier league is most difficult league in the world, no team is a walk over. Yes we can invest, and we are starting to efficiently compared to past years, but others do aswell.
Arsenal continue to spend vast amounts, City do, Newcastle are doing now, Utd continue to do. Even teams that are not top 6 are spending lots of money and wisely with good purchases. So no game is a given and especially more difficult when we come up against teams that either are rested with 1 game a week and not many injuries or their investment over the years means they have a fuller and better quality squad to deal with the schedules and injuries they have.

5. Injuries and WC Schedule. The schedule is crazy and our squad is not good enough to cope with it. Obviously we have had a number of injuries particularly in our front line and to our most important defender in my opinion. Our investment has been a good start but still not enough to fix all of our short falls and squad deficiencies to cover injuries or to rotate fatigue and not having too much of a performance drop off. I don’t know if it’s a myth, fact or not, but I’m not sure if players are saving themselves for being fit and avoiding injuries before the World Cup or they believe this is not the case but psychologically they are and unaware they are.

The short answer to my post, is the squad quality, and depth is not what it should be to be a consistent dominating title contender. You cannot address this is just the 2 transfer windows Conte has had. As he has said, he needs time and by time, transfer windows to rebuild and create a squad. That is this January the summer and probably still we maybe 1,2 or 3 short but certainly puts us in better position to address and deal with points 1-5 as contributing factors to our performances this season. Do this, and I truly believe that the elite manager he is our performances, results and satisfaction in where we are heading drastically improves.

He has only been here a year, he is not a magician and can turn things around that quickly for a team that has needed surgery and been unsuccessful for years. Yes if he went to City, Chelsea, Utd, and maybe now Newcastle, where they can click their fingers and buy him a full rebuild in one window then yes he could do something in 12 months, but not for a club like ours.

 

[Sophos151]

I wouldn't put Redknapp and Sherwood so closely together, mate. Watching Redknapp's team was one of the most exciting and enjoyable of my time supporting Spurs. Had a lot of great results under him as well - he broke through a lot of barriers for us.

Controversial I know, but Sherwood’s Spurs was a lot of fun. We all knew he was gone at the end of the season, there wasn’t much pressure, we just got to see the team score a lot of goals, see players like Bentaleb and Kane breaking throu, etc.

 

[TPdYID]

Have we been boring, yes most definitely. Has it all been boring, no in my opinion not.

Thing is, Conte is probably just as frustrated and bored of our performances but has countless said he needs time and we need to be patience. You watch any of his previous successful teams, and they were never boring to watch. Tactically rigid, structured and dogged in everyone’s roles, but never boring.

When we click and get it right (last season, majority of second halves this season) we are certainly not boring. So we need to understand those reasons.

1. Last season we only had one game per week, so more time to spend on tactics for specific opposition and had a first 11 fit to deal with 1 game a week as opposed to multiple.

2. Player Quality is still not at the level to play 3 games per week. Players like Lloris, Dier, Sessegnon, Emerson, Doherty, Sanchez, Davies, Tanganga etc who do not have the quality or mentality levels to deal with a big game or game after game schedules. That’s 90%+ of our defence, where if you over analysed all our goals conceded, majority would be because of a mistake from one of them players listed. Yes these players may give you one or two games of quality, but when under pressure mentally, physically, or just their ability wise, will always revert to type.

3. Player Form, Son our most influential player for numerous seasons has scored 2 goals, yes 2 goals. Defensive minded players like Hojbjerg and Bentancur have as many. Kanes form is not great either. Yes, he has scored a lot this season, but his and Sons ability to hold up the ball and their overall play, has resulted in giving away possession continuously, and a key aspect as to why we struggle to keep hold of the ball and it invites constant pressure onto us.

We have also new players trying to acclimatise to a new team, system etc and slowly getting them into form. Some take quicker to others.

4. Our opponents. The premier league is most difficult league in the world, no team is a walk over. Yes we can invest, and we are starting to efficiently compared to past years, but others do aswell.
Arsenal continue to spend vast amounts, City do, Newcastle are doing now, Utd continue to do. Even teams that are not top 6 are spending lots of money and wisely with good purchases. So no game is a given and especially more difficult when we come up against teams that either are rested with 1 game a week and not many injuries or their investment over the years means they have a fuller and better quality squad to deal with the schedules and injuries they have.

5. Injuries and WC Schedule. The schedule is crazy and our squad is not good enough to cope with it. Obviously we have had a number of injuries particularly in our front line and to our most important defender in my opinion. Our investment has been a good start but still not enough to fix all of our short falls and squad deficiencies to cover injuries or to rotate fatigue and not having too much of a performance drop off. I don’t know if it’s a myth, fact or not, but I’m not sure if players are saving themselves for being fit and avoiding injuries before the World Cup or they believe this is not the case but psychologically they are and unaware they are.

The short answer to my post, is the squad quality, and depth is not what it should be to be a consistent dominating title contender. You cannot address this is just the 2 transfer windows Conte has had. As he has said, he needs time and by time, transfer windows to rebuild and create a squad. That is this January the summer and probably still we maybe 1,2 or 3 short but certainly puts us in better position to address and deal with points 1-5 as contributing factors to our performances this season. Do this, and I truly believe that the elite manager he is our performances, results and satisfaction in where we are heading drastically improves.

He has only been here a year, he is not a magician and can turn things around that quickly for a team that has needed surgery and been unsuccessful for years. Yes if he went to City, Chelsea, Utd, and maybe now Newcastle, where they can click their fingers and buy him a full rebuild in one window then yes he could do something in 12 months, but not for a club like ours.

Point 3. Didn’t Sonny score a hatrick a few weeks back?