Aaron Lennon believes Tottenham’s players are unable to execute Ange Postecoglou’s high-tempo philosophy.
Last night’s 2-1 defeat in the North London derby to Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games.
They sit 13th in the table with pressure starting to mount on Postecoglou, who himself described their form as “not acceptable”.
Ange’s post-match reaction 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/O4sTtWyOra
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
The Australian has said he will not change his style despite a crippling injury list but Lennon says something has to give.
The former Spurs winger told the Football Daily Podcast: “It’s a big problem, I think the team looked really sad [against Arsenal]. The team is stretched with the injuries, but it is a big problem.
“His way is fast tempo for 95 minutes, [but] the Spurs players don’t look like they can keep up this pace. It’s a massive problem, one win in nine, it’s just not good enough at all.
“I think Arsenal were the better team. I don’t think there was loads in it, but Arsenal fully deserved to win. But this puts a lot of unrest in the camp now, if they weren’t in the EFL Cup semi-finals, I think there would be big problems.”
Lennon calls on Spurs to strengthen
Lennon thinks the injuries have derailed Spurs’ season and says they must strengthen in January to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
He added: “It [the injuries] has 100 per cent been a massive factor. You’re not talking about one or two fringe players, you’re talking about your key players here. You’re talking about your number one goalkeeper, you’re talking about your two centre-halves, [Destiny] Udogie out, three of your back four are out, including your goalkeeper.
“That would affect any team, the boys that have come in have been brilliant. [Djed] Spence has looked really good, I’m surprised he’s not played more football looking at how good he’s been in these past few weeks. The interesting thing to see now is will Spurs look to bolster their squad in this January window.
“They need the cover at the back, they’ve shown they don’t have the cover there. Archie Gray has been filling in, he’s not a centre-half, he’s not even a right-back. I think they’ll be looking to cover centre-half and possibly maybe even another striker.
“They’ve shown over the season that the squad needs strengthening.”
Next up for Tottenham is a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.