Alan Shearer told Match of the Day 2 (22/8, 23:04) that he has been very impressed by how Nuno Espirito Santo has come in and dealt with a difficult situation at Tottenham Hotspur.
Nuno has overseen back-to-back Premier League wins since succeeding Jose Mourinho in north London this summer. With Spurs beating defending champions Manchester City on the opening day, before winning away to his former side Wolves on Sunday.
The Molineux outfit appeared the more vibrant attacking team in the early stages, before Dele Alli scored from the spot. Spurs snatched possession high up the pitch before Sergio Reguilon threatened Wolves with a perfectly weighted delivery. Forcing Jose Sa to rush off his line but only to collect Alli, who wisely sought contact with the goalkeeper.
Shearer praises Nuno for bringing Alli back into the Tottenham fold after rarely featuring in Mourinho’s final season in charge. The Premier League icon also admires how the Spurs boss has dealt with the fallout of Harry Kane’s efforts to leave the club this summer.
“I don’t think you can be anything but impressed with how he’s gone in and handled a very difficult situation,” Shearer said. “We know what’s gone on with Harry Kane, which must be difficult for him and the dressing room. He’s brought a player that was ostracised by the previous manager back into the frame [in Alli].
“They played the champions last week and it was no fluke [that they beat Manchester City], they deserved to win. Gone to his former club today [Sunday] and won. Not conceded a goal, so I think it’s been an excellent start. I’ve been very impressed.”
Alli the phoenix of Nuno’s early Tottenham tenure
Alli has certainly been the phoenix of Nuno’s Tottenham tenure after playing a key role against Manchester City and Wolves. His Molineux goal was his first in the league in 17-months after failing to net in 15 appearances last season.
Nuno has also given Alli a new lease of life by playing the Tottenham midfielder in a deeper role than he often occupied. Yet the change allowed the 25-year-old to have a very influential game against Wolves, and his confidence showed when scoring.
Nuno may not have expected to start his Tottenham tenure with back-to-back league wins, given the difficulties Shearer notes. But certainly now deserves the praise, and more will follow if the Portuguese maintains this form, and potentially with Kane.
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