Premier League: Tottenham Thriving under Ange Postecoglou as Arsenal Struggles to Impress

Arsenal yet to show growth from last season

In order for Arsenal to surpass their performance from last season and secure their first Premier League title in two decades, Mikel Arteta must address the vulnerabilities in his defensive line, particularly at the Emirates Stadium.

In 2023, the Gunners have conceded within the first minute at home on three occasions in nine Premier League matches. This has proven costly in both their draw against Southampton and their match against Fulham. Interestingly, Fulham is the only top-flight team with fewer home clean sheets than the Gunners since last season.

Arteta's collection of innovative midfielders and adaptable forwards once again rescued their teammates from a difficult situation on Saturday. However, the defense once again faltered.

Although it is still early, Arsenal has yet to provide evidence that they are a more well-rounded team compared to last season. This also questions their credibility as serious contenders for the title.

Spurs revitalised but do they need another striker?

Frustrating Afternoon for Richarlison as Tottenham Continue Unbeaten Start

Despite Tottenham's 2-0 victory against Bournemouth, Richarlison, the Spurs striker, had a challenging day on the south coast. He missed a clear opportunity to score in the first half, received a needless booking in the second, and endured mockery from the home fans before ultimately being substituted in the 60th minute.

It is an unattainable task to replace Harry Kane, and the 26-year-old Brazil international cannot be expected to match his former teammate's level. However, he appears to be lacking confidence and is in poor form.

To fill the void left by Kane, Ange Postecoglou has attempted to make Tottenham's attack more flexible and versatile. Richarlison, Heung-Min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski have been granted the freedom to switch positions, and they have combined effectively at times this season. While they may not individually match Kane's goal tally throughout the campaign, the team has scored six goals in three games and the addition of James Maddison as a skilled playmaker suggests that Spurs' new style is proving successful.

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Tottenham striker Richarlison had a frustrating afternoon, receiving a booking and being substituted just six minutes later against Bournemouth. Despite this, there is speculation about whether a new striker would elevate Tottenham to the next level. Postecoglou expressed confidence in Richarlison's ability to start scoring during his post-match press conference at Bournemouth. However, with the transfer window closing on Friday, there is a question of whether Tottenham will be enticed to invest some of the money received for Kane on a forward. The challenge lies in identifying a realistic and available option.

Pochettino liberating Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino reminisced this week about one of his initial matches as the manager of Espanyol. In that eventful game, he led his team to the Nou Camp where they achieved a remarkable triumph against Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. This victory played a crucial role in their path towards securing survival in LaLiga under his astute guidance.

Pochettino's arrival as a coach was announced with a 2-1 win in February 2009, where midfielder Ivan de la Pena scored two goals for Espanyol. This victory ended a 27-year wait for a win at the home of their city rivals and served as a springboard for lifting his team out of the relegation zone to safety. On Friday, Chelsea showed no complacency as they polishedly overcame Luton.

Pochettino acknowledged that if a deal to sell Romelu Lukaku is not reached before the end of the window, the possibility of his future at Stamford Bridge being entirely closed may not be guaranteed. However, it is unlikely that Lukaku will be the solution to the team's goalscoring problems unless his relationship with the club improves, as he is eager to leave.

The head coach mentioned that the club is still looking for another attacking option, but only if a player with a similar profile becomes available. This indicates that progress is being made, and despite the current absence of some key players, there are positive signs in these early weeks that suggest the team is moving in the right direction under Pochettino.

Man Utd win but vulnerability obvious

Manchester United should be commended for successfully navigating such a challenging predicament, and it is reasonable for Erik ten Hag to prioritize highlighting the resilience and determination of his players. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes, the hero of the match, speaks of a team with immense potential to achieve remarkable feats.

The overriding emotion when watching United's chaotic performances this season is not a positive one. Despite being lucky against Wolves and facing consequences against Tottenham, there seems to be no sign that these warnings were taken seriously in terms of team organization or sense of urgency.

After the game, Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the team's comeback. He praised the leadership, composure, and adherence to the game plan and belief, which ultimately led to a turnaround. The team played exceptionally well, following their strategy and principles, resulting in impressive goals.

When asked about his team's weaknesses, he responded by acknowledging that every team has room for improvement, including his own. However, he highlighted the strong character and personality of his team, emphasizing the positive spirit and energy they possess. He also mentioned their ability to find ways to win.

According to expected-goals data, United ranks among the teams that have conceded the most chances this season, alongside Fulham, Luton, Bournemouth, Everton, and Wolves. Despite this, United has managed to earn six points out of nine so far. However, this defensive vulnerability is not sustainable for a team with their aspirations.

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Iraola's exciting Bournemouth may need to adapt

Despite the frustrating afternoon for Tottenham striker Richarlison, being booked and then substituted six minutes later against Bournemouth, Cherries fans need not be concerned - yet. Andoni Iraola, who took over as Bournemouth head coach in the summer, is still in search of his first win since replacing Gary O'Neil.

Despite their mixed results in the opening games, Bournemouth has demonstrated the impact that Iraola will have on the team. Iraola is a forward-thinking manager who aims to implement an exciting and high-intensity style of play. He has a successful track record, leading his former club Rayo Vallecano to promotion and achieving consecutive mid-table finishes. He even defeated top teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona last season. Iraola's football philosophy is not only entertaining but also shows his capability to outmaneuver some of Europe's strongest opponents.

However, there is a pressing matter that he must attend to promptly. The Spaniard's teams have not been able to maintain a clean sheet in any of the last 17 matches across all competitions (14 with Rayo Vallecano, three with Bournemouth). This represents the longest streak of this kind in his managerial career.

The initial stages of his tenure on the south coast have provided a clear indication of what lies ahead. The Premier League is ruthless and while Iraola's approach is captivating, he may need to make adjustments to his tactics in order to yield positive outcomes.

Brentford and Palace could do with late striker gift

When Kevin Schade scored an impressive curling goal to give Brentford a 1-0 lead against Crystal Palace, their need for a late-window striker was diminishing. However, as the game progressed and with only Kean Lewis-Potter available as a substitute to make an impact, it became apparent why Brentford has recently made club-record bids for players like Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest and Nicolas Gonzalez from Fiorentina. Ultimately, the match ended in a draw for the Bees.

Frank expressed his desire for an additional offensive option during the post-match interview, as he observed Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo's inability to generate or capitalize on opportunities against Palace.

A similar sentiment can be applied to Crystal Palace's attacking line. Even before the Brentford match, Roy Hodgson acknowledged their need for alternative options. The Eagles have only managed to score twice in three games, without any contributions from Odsonne Edouard.

Both teams currently find themselves in a mid-table position, not quite aiming for the top seven but also not in danger of relegation. The fate of their striker department in the remaining days of the summer transfer window may determine the direction of their progress this season. Sam Blitz

Stay tuned for further updates.