The whole point of hanging on through last spring, then experiencing a summer transfer window like never before, was to head into the new season with fresh optimism and excitement. Sure, nothing was expected to be perfect right away, but the bar was so low that pretty much anything was going to be an improvement over the past two domestic campaigns.
Well…I guess “pretty much anything” does not include a 0-2-3 start with 80 percent of the matches ending without a single Tottenham Hotspur goal. The
most recent contest did finally feature a pair of goals (after the verdict was essentially decided), but Spurs then had three weeks to sit on yet another defeat. To say patience is wearing thin even this early is an understatement.
Misery loves company, though, and Manchester United is experiencing plenty of its own misery. A lone win over Ipswich is about the only positive to grasp, with just two points coming from the other four matches. Both sides could really use victory coming out of the break, but surely both fanbases are expecting the worst. Welcome back!
Match Details
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 12:30 pm ET, 5:30 pm UK
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
TV: NBC (US), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
2024/25 was as good as it gets in this — or any — fixture, with Spurs winning both home and away in the Premier League, advancing from the League Cup Quarterfinals after a wild 4-3 affair, and of course hoisting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao. Last season was quite the opposite, with a 2-2 draw in North London and a 0-2 loss at Old Trafford in February.
Optimistically refreshed
The international break was not halting any momentum, so the only way to interpret the reset is beneficially, right? The biggest storyline is obviously the lack of scoring, but theoretically just about all of the attacking options should be available, including Mohammad Kudus and James Maddison to go along with Dominic Solanke and still-fairly-new Savio and Omar Marmoush.
United is about average in goals conceded thus far, though has played well in its own penalty area, while often controlling the majority of the possession. For the visitors, the test will be figuring out the spacing and making those incisive passes in the box which continue to really elude this team. Perhaps some transition play either by breaking the press or forcing turnovers could make the chances come a little easier.
Ultimately, it feels like at some point the goals will just have to come. There is too much talent in the attacking band to consistently end scoreless, and there are wingers in place who will look to take on defenders and drive the channels. This is not the easiest fixture by any means, but does feel like the sort of opposition that actually could yield some good opportunities for those willing to be aggressive.
Pessimistically remembering where we are
The most likely outcome from all of this is that Spurs still struggle to score, while the defense makes a few too many more mistakes than necessary. Bruno Fernandes is a real pest, and time after time the midfield has been sliced apart too easily, allowing for a high quality look on net. Add in poor spacing from the fullbacks, especially as possession turns over, and good attackers will feast every time.
Of course, United has also been shut out twice and scored just once in its last two league matches before the break. There is certainly a world where this contest gets chopped up by both midfields, though that puts the impetus on which frontline wants to be the difference. For United, the strategy seems pretty clear on both ends of the pitch when the ball gets to the final third.
No team has taken more shots in the league than United this season, though almost everyone is more accurate with their shooting. Meanwhile, the defense is allowing the second-fewest shots, but over 43 percent of them are on target. Owning the shot volume on both ends has not really worked out yet for Michael Carrick, but it is not like Spurs have a magical formula either.
Realistically appreciative for the break
The new extended international window looked ridiculous upon announcement, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It feels like ages ago since vibes were remotely positive around this club, and that three-week hiatus at least allowed things to settle down temporarily (and focus on City instead!). The first five matchweeks were tough, but it does now feel like a bit of a blank canvas.
Desperation will not be enough to claim three points Saturday, as United is equally unhappy with its own start. However, the fact that this match is away might be the benefit Tottenham needs, with the supporters angsty with the opposition instead, and opportunities to counterattack instead of dictating play potentially the spark this squad needs. Fool me thirty seven thousand times, shame on me, I guess.
