Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League defeat to AZ Alkmaar in midweek was another reminder of the inconsistency that has plagued them this season.
Lacking intensity and cohesion, they fell to a disappointing loss that leaves their hopes of progression hanging in the balance.
Manager Ange Postecoglou did not hold back in his assessment. “As a collective, we just were not anywhere near the level we needed to be,” he admitted.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League, where Bournemouth arrive in London on Sunday.
Under Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have developed into a front-foot team pushing for a European spot.
Their recent league form has been mixed, with three defeats in their last four games, but they remain a serious threat.
They have scored in 10 consecutive away league matches and will be aiming to complete a first-ever league double over Spurs, having won 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium in December.
Tottenham have won just one of their last nine home games in the league. Their inconsistency has been a major issue, something Postecoglou is well aware of.
“Our best and our worst this year has had too much of a gap,” he added. “We’ve been really good at times, but like last night, we’ve been poor at times, and we’ve paid the price for that.”
Defensive reinforcements could provide a much-needed boost. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were rested against Alkmaar, but both are in contention for Sunday. Ben Davies is also being monitored.
There are questions over the squad’s mentality and their ability to deliver when it matters.
Postecoglou maintains that his players understand the game plan but need belief and conviction. “It means you stay on course, and it’s the only way it works,” he said.
Tottenham’s Europa League ambitions are in jeopardy, but they cannot afford to let that affect their domestic campaign.
The best way to rebuild confidence is with a strong performance against Bournemouth. A win is needed – not just for points but for momentum.
