Photo credit: www.theguardian.com

Tottenham’s Struggles Continue with Late Draw Against Wolves

A home matchup against a side struggling to avoid relegation typically brings optimism for Tottenham Hotspur. However, a sense of apprehension loomed large before and during the game, reflective of the ongoing challenges faced by manager Ange Postecoglou and his squad.

The match started with a setback for Spurs as Hwang Hee-chan, making his first Premier League start for Wolverhampton Wanderers since August, found the net early. Tottenham responded with an equalizer from Rodrigo Bentancur, but their momentum faltered when Son Heung-min missed a penalty. Brennan Johnson’s goal did briefly shift the narrative, putting Spurs ahead before halftime. Despite more opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, the tension remained palpable in the stands.

A sense of dread hung over the match, especially considering Wolves’ recent resurgence under new management. Since Vitor Pereira took over from Gary O’Neil, Wolves had recorded significant victories, leading many to suspect that trouble was brewing for Spurs.

This theory was validated when Rayan Aït-Nouri’s clever pass found substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper José Sá and equalized late in the game, leaving the home crowd in discontent.

Frustration was audible as Spurs fans expressed their disappointment at the final whistle, reflecting a series of lackluster performances with only one victory in their last seven league outings. Postecoglou’s squad is at a crossroads, and while he might not have cared about how the result came, the disappointment was evident.

Wolves have emerged as a challenging opponent for Spurs, having secured three wins in their last five visits to North London. Fans acknowledged Pereira’s positive impact with chants ringing out both before and during the game as they celebrated their team’s early advantage.

The match was marked by moments that exposed Spurs’ vulnerabilities. The early goal by Hwang Hee-chan illustrated a lack of urgency in the Spurs defense, particularly after a short free-kick caught them off guard. Hwang’s finish was a reminder of the attacking flair Wolves possess when given space and time.

Tottenham’s equalizer came from Bentancur, who met a Pedro Porro corner with a superb header. As the half progressed, Spurs appeared to gain control, yet defensive lapses persisted, with awkward encounters in the Wolves box highlighting their fragility. An incident involving Dominic Solanke and Bentancur added to the chaotic atmosphere, as both players collided while vying for a shot.

Despite some promising chances, Tottenham’s attack lacked precision. Radu Dragusin narrowly missed with a header, while Yves Bissouma and Son both failed to convert opportunities—Son’s penalty miss particularly underscored his ongoing struggle, as fans were left lamenting an opportunity for a much-needed lead.

Complicating matters, Wolves faced their own challenges when Matheus Cunha did not return for the second half due to a knee injury. His absence was palpable, given his early contributions and confidence on the ball. Spurs also had to adapt their lineup after Destiny Udogie limped off with a hamstring issue, introducing Sergio Reguilón into the mix.

The second half was rather disappointing, with Son visibly dejected as he was substituted, signaling the gravity of the moment for Spurs. They had opportunities to seal the game, but a series of near-misses prevented them from exploiting Wolves’ weaknesses effectively.

Late Drama and Missed Opportunities

Wolves, while creating limited chances, remained alert to the prospect of snatching a point. This tension bore fruit when Aït-Nouri set up Strand Larsen for the equalizer, putting Spurs’ defensive frailty back into sharp focus.

In the dying moments, Spurs thought they might find a way to win, but Bentancur’s crude challenge on Wolves’ substitute Rodrigo Gomes earned him a yellow card, further complicating matters for the beleaguered side.

The match encapsulated the current climate surrounding Tottenham—a blend of potential and frustration, with the team needing to find a way out of this rut to regain both confidence and form.

Source
www.theguardian.com