Tottenham’s impressive performance in attacking areas against Manchester City will have given the Spurs boss food for thought.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min celebrates after the game
Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking performance against Manchester City last weekend was arguably the club’s best this season, as the North Londoners got within one point of the team leading the Premier League with an impressive 2-0 win that could have been more.
But the starting lineup was noticeable in that it saw specialised striker Vincent Janssen relegated to the bench to allow Heung-Min Son to operate in a more central attacking position.
No one would argue with Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to pick the in form South Korean star over the new signing from AZ, but it will not have been good for Janssen’s confidence.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli celebrates scoring their second goal
There were of course tactical reasons why Pochettino went with Son, whose mobility caused problems for the City back line and also allowed for the likes of Dele Alli to push forward when Son drifted wide.
But there is no chance Pochettino would have done the same were Harry Kane fit, even though the Spurs favourite boasts a similar level of mobility to the Dutchman.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min celebrates scoring their first goal against Middlesbrough with Vincent Janssen
Although Janssen’s sole goal came from the penalty spot in a 5-0 win over Gillingham, it is too easy to say he is struggling in English football. The 22-year-old has demonstrated a great work ethic and impressive link-up play when on the pitch, even if he is looking a little short of confidence when it comes to his attempts to find the net. But that confidence will only come with more game time and a run of goals.
The Spurs boss will now have to decide to go with the same attacking system against West Brom after the international break, risking a bigger blow to Janssen’s confidence, or bring the Netherlands man back into the fold, with Son moving back to the wing.
His decision may end up resting on how he wants his side to tackle the Baggies midfield and defence, but it would not be a surprise to see the same attacking options that started the game against City take to the pitch at the Hawthorns, depending on what happens in the international break.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane scores against Sunderland
This problem of course also depends on how long Harry Kane takes to return from injury. Varying accounts from Pochettino in press conferences have indicated that the England man could be out for only a couple of weeks more or until late November. Then the Argentine will be left with the entirely new problem of bringing Kane back into the team, whether it is Son or Janssen who are playing well.
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