From City Highs to Bournemouth Blues
Just a week after an admirable performance against Manchester City, Tottenham's swagger crumbled against a resolute Bournemouth - a sobering reminder that the road to consistency is long and unforgiving. With the exact same team chosen to face Manchester City, Thomas Frank's side failed to replicate the hunger, solidity, and fluidity on this occasion, ultimately leading to their opponents taking the crown. Bournemouth prevailed in all aspects except for possession compared to Spurs, ending the game with a total of 20 shots towards the home team’s goal.
Tottenham failed to register a shot on goal up until Lucas Bergvall's drive in the 67th minute, emphasising the Cherries defiant defensive performance. Tottenham’s setback against Bournemouth served as a wake-up call, reinforcing the need for greater consistency and cohesion if they are to mount a serious challenge in 25/26.
A Blunt Blade Up Front
The Tottenham attack on the day lacked its usual cutting edge sharpness, hindered by underwhelming performances from the starting front 3. Richarlison was a ghost in attack, bullied off the ball and offering little more than a frustrated shrug as Bournemouth’s backline bossed him. Johnson drifted through the game like a shadow, offering little end product and wasting rare moments in space. Only Kudus looked capable of breaking through, driving forward with intent, but ultimately he was let down by a lack of movement around him.
Barring Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie, substitutions in the second half failed to shift momentum or add any real threat in the closing minutes. Tel and Odobert provided a much needed fresh pair of legs for Tottenham, but little else.
Life Without Maddison
The absence of James Maddison loomed large once again. Normally a focal point of Tottenham's attack, Maddison's long-term injury has left a gaping hole in midfield creativity.
Against Bournemouth, the lack of a proper number 10 to unlock the tight defensive line was glaring. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie showed flashes, but without Maddison’s guile, Spurs were predictable and easy to contain.
Xavi Simons: The Spark Spurs Needed
The club was well aware of the significant creative void left in midfield by Maddison's long-term injury in pre-season. In response, the club's recent acquisition of Xavi Simons signalled clear intent to address the issue, strengthening both creativity and depth ahead of a congested fixture list.
Simons is the kind of player Spurs fans have been dreaming of — fearless, inventive, and able to conjure a pass when others see only a dead end. In Maddison’s absence, Tottenham have lacked that creative spark in the midfield - the flair, versatility, and technical finesse that unlocks tight defences.
Simons doesn't just pass - he glides, he unlocks, he creates. His vision under pressure could be the key to breaking down the walls that have frustrated Spurs. Traditionally an out-and-out number 10, Simons can also operate effectively as a left winger, providing Frank with more options should Johnson and Tel continue to falter.
Kolo Muani Brings Bite
In addition to Xavi, the deadline day loan signing from PSG of Randal Kolo Muani offers a dynamic alternative to both Solanke and Richarlison. Solanke’s form since joining Spurs has been inconsistent, while Richarlison has been hampered by injuries. In contrast, Kolo Muani offers a more reliable goal-scoring record, combined with intelligent movement in the box and strong link-up play. As well as this, the Frenchman’s injury record is almost non-existent. His presence further adds competition within the frontline and elevates Tottenham's attacking ceiling. The addition is depth with bite - a new spearhead ready to convert opportunities and keep defenders on edge.
The Road Ahead
With domestic fixtures arriving fast and the Champions League on the horizon, the summer additions will be proved as essential pieces to Frank's puzzle. Tottenham's squad is beginning to take the shape of a side built for deep runs across all competitions.
Once key players like Solanke, Maddison, and Kulusevski return from injury, the strength of the squad overall will be significantly elevated. This will give Frank firepower and greater tactical flexibility to aim for success and silverware.
With the array of competitions Spurs are in this season, the chance for game time will be available as squad rotation will be vital. But the onus is also on youth. Players like Odobert and Tel must now step up with consistency. If Frank can develop this next generation while integrating his new stars, Spurs won’t just compete this season — they’ll terrify their rivals.
