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Is Tactical imbalance the reason behind Tottenham’s fall?

Tottenham Hotspur continue to struggle for consistency this season, with tactical imbalances and defensive vulnerabilities emerging as key concerns.

By Sohini Bhattacharyya

Apr 14, 2026 01:34 IST

Tottenham’s backline has been a major area of concern, often losing shape during transitions. Players like Cristian Romero have been aggressive in stepping out of the defensive line, but this has sometimes left gaps behind. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven has been forced to cover large spaces, putting him under constant pressure. Full-backs like Pedro Porro often push too high, leaving the flanks exposed during counters.

Midfield struggles to dictate play

The midfield unit has failed to assert control in crucial phases. Yves Bissouma has shown composure at times but has also been caught in possession under high pressure, leading to dangerous turnovers. Pape Matar Sarr, while energetic, occasionally drifts out of position, creating gaps in midfield structure. James Maddison remains key creatively, but when marked tightly, Spurs struggle to progress the ball effectively.

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Heavy dependence on the attacking unit

Tottenham’s attacking play relies heavily on individual brilliance. Son Heung-min often carries the burden of chance creation and finishing. Richarlison has been inconsistent, sometimes losing possession in crucial attacking areas. This makes Spurs predictable when opponents successfully isolate their key forwards.

Missed chances prove costly

Even when the Spurs create opportunities, finishing has been a concern. Players like Dejan Kulusevski have contributed creatively but have also missed key chances in decisive moments. These lapses in front of goal have turned potentially winning situations into dropped points.

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Balancing the missing piece?

Tottenham’s attacking philosophy, largely shaped by Ange Postecoglou, emphasises aggressive forward play. However, this often leads to players being caught out of position. The midfield pushes high, full-backs invert or overlap, and centre-backs are left exposed in one-on-one situations. This imbalance makes the Spurs vulnerable, especially against teams that transition quickly. The core issue for Tottenham lies in achieving balance. With defenders stepping out, midfielders losing possession under pressure, and attackers failing to convert chances consistently, the system appears stretched. Unless these structural and individual issues are addressed, Tottenham Hotspur are likely to remain inconsistent despite their attacking potential.

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