Glenn Murray thinks Tottenham Hotspur are ‘under-performing’ for the level of player Antonio Conte has at his disposal this season, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former Premier League striker added that he ‘expects better performances’ from Spurs, but understands that there is a ‘real art’ to not performing so well, yet still being able to secure the points.
Regardless of performances, the key thing so far for Conte and his players is that they are unbeaten in all competitions.
Now, that record will go sooner rather than later, but it’s something everyone in Tottenham colours would have accepted at this stage of the season.
The key thing is that their unbeaten start can continue when they take on Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday night, before a home clash against rock-bottom Leicester City at the weekend.
Either way, this is what Murray had to say about what Tottenham are producing during these early weeks and how they want to ‘hit their groove’ in March.
“I expect better performances,” said Murray. “Out of their last five games, they have drawn two and won three. But they have won two of them by the odd goal.
“However, with the firepower they have got, it just doesn’t feel they have quite hit the heights. Going back to not playing well and winning. That’s a real art. And they will hit their groove at some point, then they could be really dangerous.
“I personally think they are underperforming for the level of their players and what Conte expects. But, as a manager, he will be delighted, at the moment. The season has just started. They are grinding through and getting enough points to get close in the Premier League.
“They are doing well in Europe. Now is not the time to hit the groove, the time to do that is in March and April. But I just want to see better performances from a brilliant group of players Conte has put together.”
NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT FOR TOTTENHAM
What also needs to be remembered is that Conte is now rotating his squad, so that won’t help when it comes to rhythm.
Yes, Spurs can put their foot on the pedal a little bit more, but the likes of Richarlison, despite his great start, is still settling into his new environment.
Once the likes of Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet, and even someone as experienced as Ivan Perisic, can get comfortable in their new colours, then they can help their team hit an even higher level.
Until then, it’s about maintaining their unbeaten start, putting down the points early in the Champions League and getting closer to the top as possible in the Premier League.
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