Aaron Lennon believes Tottenham’s players are unable to execute Ange Postecoglou’s high-tempo philosophy.
Last night’s 2-1 North London derby defeat by Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games.
They sit 13th in the table with the pressure starting to mount Postecoglou, who called their form “unacceptable”.
Ange’s reaction after the match 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/O4sTtWyOra
— Tottenham (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
The Australian has said he will not change his style despite his 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 very sad (against Arsenal). The team is stretched with injuries, but it is a big problem.
“His style is fast for 95 minutes, (but) the Spurs players don’t look like they can keep up that pace. It’s a huge 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 any weight to it, but Arsenal thoroughly deserved the win. But it’s causing a lot of upset in the camp now, if it wasn’t for the EFL Cup semi-finals I think there would be big problems.”
Lennon calls on Spurs to strengthen
Lennon believes injuries have derailed Spurs’ season and says they must strengthen in January to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
He added: “Injuries were 100 per cent a huge factor. You’re not talking about one or two fringe players, you’re talking about your core players here. You talk about your number one goalkeeper, you talk about your two centre-backs, (Destiny) Udogie out, three of the four backs are out, including your goalkeeper.
“That would affect any team, the lads that came in were outstanding. (Djed) Spence looked really good, I’m surprised he didn’t play more football looking at how good he’s been these past few weeks. The interesting thing we see now is that Spurs will look to strengthen 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 filled in, he’s not a centre-half, he’s not even a right-back. I think they will look to cover the central midfielder and possibly even another striker.
“They have shown during the season that the team needs strengthening.”
Next up for Tottenham is a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.
