Tottenham Hotspur have been grinding through a punishing schedule with a depleted squad for several months.
With players returning and energy restored, they finally look like a side capable of building something again.
Ange Postecoglou’s side followed up their win over Crystal Palace with a commanding 4-1 victory at Ipswich Town, a performance that was as much about resilience as quality.
“We’ve benefited from a couple of midweeks off,” Postecoglou admitted. “We had to work hard today, but our front-third play was exciting and clinical.”
Heung-min Son was at the heart of it, delivering two assists in an excellent display. His link-up with Brennan Johnson was particularly encouraging.
Johnson’s double showcased his sharp movement and composure, qualities Spurs have lacked in recent months.
For all of Ipswich’s early intensity, Tottenham’s control grew as the game wore on. The difference was execution. While Kieran McKenna’s side threatened sporadically, Spurs punished them ruthlessly.
James Maddison’s quick feet set up Djed Spence for the third before Dejan Kulusevski curled in a fine fourth. The Swede, after months of relentless work in a stretched squad, finally looked refreshed.
This was not a vintage Spurs display, but it was a professional one. There was no dramatic collapse, no late chaos, just a side slowly rediscovering its confidence.
“The lads have got energy again,” Postecoglou added. “They’re recovering, they’re training properly, and they’ve got help now.”
That energy will be needed. A disappointing league campaign may leave little to fight for domestically, but the Europa League remains an opportunity.
AZ Alkmaar awaits, and Spurs look far better equipped for the challenge than they did just weeks ago.
Ipswich face a different reality. For all McKenna’s defiance, their defensive fragility and growing gap to safety suggest an inevitable return to the Championship.
Tottenham’s concerns are more short-term, but they are moving in the right direction for the first time in months.
