Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League struggles continued with a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium as their inability to convert dominance into goals again cost them valuable points.
Despite controlling 66% of possession, Spurs were outplayed at key moments, recording a paltry 0.87 expected goals (xG) compared to Bournemouth’s 3.71.
The game started with promise for Spurs as Dominic Solanke spurned an early chance to score against his former club.
However, it was Bournemouth who took the lead when young defender Huijsen rose to meet Tavernier’s corner and give the Cherries an early lead.
The Cherries continued to threaten, seeing two goals disallowed by VAR, while Spurs struggled to find cohesion in the final third.
A disallowed goal from Heung-min Son late in the game summed up a lackluster attacking display as the Lilywhites failed to test Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in any meaningful way.
Heung-min Son was not happy with his teammates after the game
After the game, Captain Son’s frustration was evident. A clip circulating on social networks showed the opposite of South Korea with his teammates to show no interest in going to the supporting fans, and could be seen urging his teammates, including Radu Dragusin and Destiny Udogie, to join him to apologize/applaud the traveling supporters.
Heung-min Son seemed frustrated with some of his own #THFC teammates to not go over to applaud the fans after tonight’s game.
(??: @s_on_hm7)pic.twitter.com/TsJbxcpIpl
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) December 6, 2024
Tottenham’s poor form continues
This latest setback leaves Tottenham 10th in the league table with 20 points from 14 games, a worrying position for a club with ambitions to compete at the top.
The Lilywhites have managed just two wins in their last five league games, increasing the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou to improve the team’s form. The ongoing injury crisis hasn’t helped either with several key players out, including Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Ben Davies, who had stepped up to fill the role in the absence of the preferred centre-back duo, has also picked up a hamstring injury.
Despite the poor form, a recent report has claimed that the club do there are no plans to part ways with the Australian coach as yet
Tottenham’s next challenge comes against second-placed Chelsea, a clash that will require marked improvement to avoid further setbacks. With their London rivals in fine form, Spurs face an uphill battle as they look to regain momentum.
