The Premier League season is well underway, and the performances of top clubs are under scrutiny. Two teams that have been in the spotlight for different reasons are Manchester United and Chelsea. Despite their history and resources, both clubs have struggled to find consistency on the field. However, an unlikely source of pressure has emerged in the form of Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou.
The impressive start to the season by Spurs who currently sit 1st in the Premier League, has raised questions about the excuses that Manchester United and Chelsea can make for their poor performances. Let’s delve into the details and examine why the success of Spurs puts these two clubs under even more pressure.
Ange Postecoglou’s Impact at Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has been nothing short of remarkable. The Australian manager has quickly transformed the team into a force to be reckoned with. Under his guidance, Spurs have embraced an attacking philosophy and have shown great progress in a short period of time.
This time last season, they were playing boring football with a strong squad, yet smart summer recruitment and losing their star man, Harry Kane has proven to be a huge catalyst bheind Ange’s Tottenham revolution. They play more as a team as opposed to relying on Kane and the leadership of Son has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Transformation into Pressing Monsters
One of the most impressive aspects of Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs is the transformation of the team into pressing monsters. Previously, under managers like Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, Tottenham were content to sit back and absorb pressure. However, Postecoglou has instilled a relentless pressing style in his players, forcing mistakes from opponents and creating scoring opportunities.
This has led to Spurs dominating nearly all the pressing stats in the Premier League and also 2nd for most tackles in the league off the back of their high pressing style.
Doing More With Less!
Another credit of Ange and Spurs has been the fact they’ve completly transformed despite losing arguably the best striker in world football, In Harry Kane. They’ve actually become more cohesive as a team and now have a style of play that the fans can be proud of. This element means, that if Ange Postecoglou can come into a Spurs side that had a terrible season last season, make some smart signing and then coach to instill a style of play, then why can’t Ten Hag or Pochettino?
Manchester United & Chelsea’s Struggles
This season, Manchester United and Chelsea have been incredibly underwhelming, after a strong season last season for Manchester United, they’ve gone backwards yet again due to more internal issues, poor signings and a lack of identity. Chelsea on the other hand, have continued their poor form over the last 18 months which was on par with relegation form, this is also off the back of a crazy transfer window where they’ve spent over €467.80 million yet somehow don’t have a complete team.
Ten Hag’s Poor Signings & Internal Dilemma
United added Onana, Mount and Højlund as well as a couple of more additions for over €200m yet arguably didn’t need Onana or Mount. Mount now can’t get into the team and Onana has had a incredibly rocky start to life at United. This combined with the terrible form of Marcus Rashford who is statistically the most wasteful attacker in the Premier League and the fall out with Sancho who is now barred from the first team, Ten Hag is now under pressure due to the double standard management he has imposed by selecting Rashford despite poor from whilst dropping Sancho due to poor form.
Man Utd Scrapping Wins
United currently sit 8th in the league however they’ve been incredibly lucky by scrapping wins against relegation fodder such as Sheffield United and Burnley, they also managed to steal a win against Wolves off the back of a controversial VAR call. This has seen United fans question why they can’t win comfortably and why they don’t have a playing style despite Ten Hag’s signings.
Chelsea’s Wasteful Spending
Chelsea off the back of a €450m transfer window, where they added the most expensive player in Premier League history in Caicedo, they’ve actually gotten worse. They look devoid of an attacking identity and often rely on young players producing magic to get by, this was evident in the 2-0 home loss to Brentford where they came up against a well structured team and the lack of cutting edge yet again caught them out.
Pochettino’s Lack Of Pedigree
The hiring of Pochettino who was rejected by Manchester United, also has Chelsea fans questioning if he is the right man for the job, the media have been very light on him so far however with the money spent and lack of clear coaching or style, questions do need to be asked. It is not okay for Chelsea to be in 11th in the Premier League.
How Ange Has Exposed Ten Hag & Pochettino
So with all points mentioned, the question is, how has Ange gone into a situation at Spurs where they were calling for Levy to leave and the squad in tatters, to having them top of the league after 10 games?… Ten Hag who has made 15 signings since joining United and now has a full season under his belt whilst Pochettino has a squad with a billion pound of talent… How can you ustify both when a manager in his debut season is showing what terrific leadership and coaching can achieve.
The Pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea
As the season progresses, the success of Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou puts added pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea. While both clubs have experienced their own struggles, the impressive start by Spurs raises questions about the excuses they can make for their poor performances. The transformation of Spurs into pressing monsters and their attacking prowess highlight the potential that Manchester United and Chelsea should be striving for.
Accepting Mediocrity
If we were talking 10 years ago or even 5 years ago, Chelsea & Manchester United being mid table was soemthing that would have resulted in the sacking of their manager’s, however over the last 3 years, fans and media have slowly started to accept both clubs underperforming and dropping off big time from the usual high standards which included Premier League & European success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the performances of Manchester United and Chelsea have left much to be desired. The success of Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, has only amplified the pressure on these two clubs. It is clear that excuses for poor performance are no longer acceptable. Both Manchester United and Chelsea need to take a page out of Spurs’ book and strive for improvement. The season is still young, and there is time for these clubs to turn things around, but the time for excuses is over.
