5 things we learned about Tottenham in August

Tottenham Hotspur had high hopes of a successful 2024/25 season heading into the new campaign.

And while those hopes haven't been permanently dampened, there's been a little bit of expectation management following three rounds of Premier League fixtures.

Spurs have taken four points from a possible nine, beating Everton but faltering on trips to Leicester City and Newcastle United.

Here's what we learned about the north Londoners from their first three fixtures.

Dominic Solanke's absence highlights his immediate importance

Dominic Solanke, a man who had previously not been sidelined with injury since the invention of the wheel, has so far missed two games for Tottenham through injury.

Spurs' new star striker showed promising signs in his debut away at Leicester and almost certainly would have feasted against Everton, but it was the loss at Newcastle where Ange Postecoglou really missed Solanke.

A lack of a natural striker was a two-fold reason behind Tottenham's inefficiency at times last season, lacking another finisher but also a physical figure to lead the line in Postecoglou's ideal way.

Solanke ticks all the boxes for what Postecoglou and Spurs need. It's been a real source of frustration that he's already had to take a backseat role so early in his north London career.

The glass-half-empty transfer window

On paper, Spurs had a pretty decent transfer window.

They've continued to bring down the average age of the squad and have strengthened in key areas that clearly needed addressing. However, they didn't complete all of the necessary business and there are questions over how young was too young for these incomings.

Left-back Destiny Udogie lacks competition and his performances have dipped since his breakout at the start of last season, while Micky van de Ven is the only centre-back who is truly capable of sweeping up in Postecoglou's high line.

The surprise £25m deal to bring in Wilson Odobert from Burnley could age superbly, with the 19-year-old the perfect fit for Tottenham's system. However, if Spurs are to compete straight away, it's normal to ask whether they should have moved for a more proved and senior option.

Tottenham will probably view this as the second summer out of three or four trying to build a squad in Postecoglou's vision. They may also look back at this as a missed opportunity to improve in the here and now.

Wrapping stars in cotton wool

Tottenham's downfall last season began with an unfortunate spate of injuries, and it's evident they're in no mood to be derailed by such a crisis again.

No chances have been taken over Solanke, Van de Ven or Richarlison after they picked up minor problems in August. With a long season including an extended Europa League campaign ahead, they may thank themselves later for being so cautious.

A stronger rotating cast will help

Alright, four points from three games does not suggest a team has amazing depth, but Postecoglou has far more hands to play than he did last year.

The midfield department is super stacked, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall making such a strong impression over the summer that Spurs decided against adding one more body in that area.

Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin impressed in the absence of Van de Ven, and Brennan Johnson rediscovered his mojo after coming on as a substitute rather than starting.

Even when Tottenham are missing key players, they now have a few different forms they can take on.

Will the real Ange Postecoglou please stand up?

This isn't really an August learning, but one to keep in mind for a few months down the line.

Postecoglou has stressed that his teams play his brand of football because, ultimately, it wins games and titles.

Maybe for the first time in his managerial career, he is facing questions over whether his side can truly succeed when playing such a risky defensive game.

Twice already this season, Tottenham have ceded control in games they were dominant in, and that's not just down to missing their own chances.

If Postecoglou is to deliver tangible success, then he will have to adapt and prove he can find new ways to win.

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