Tottenham Hotspur’s recent defensive struggles have been starkly highlighted in their latest fixtures, particularly in the heavy 6-3 defeat to Liverpool on December 22, 2024. This loss has intensified scrutiny on manager Ange Postecoglou, with some fans labeling him as Tottenham’s worst-ever manager. The team’s defensive frailties were evident as they conceded six goals, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz each scoring twice. This defeat has left Spurs in 11th place in the Premier League, with fans expressing their frustration through protests against chairman Daniel Levy during the match. Postecoglou acknowledged the challenges, stating that there is no quick fix for the team’s issues, especially given the injuries to key defensive players. These recent performances underscore the need for tactical adjustments and potential reinforcements to address the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Tottenham in recent matches.

Here are five shocking stats that highlight the extent of their defensive issues:

1. Most Goals Conceded in the Premier League

With 12 goals conceded, Spurs rank 20th in the league for defensive solidity. This statistic underscores their inability to stop opposition attacks, as injuries to key defenders and tactical risks have left them exposed.

2. Bombarded with Shots

Spurs faced a staggering 85 shots in December, the most in the league. This highlights a lack of control in midfield and poor defensive organization, allowing opponents to dominate their penalty area repeatedly.

3. Shots on Target Faced: 37

Out of the 85 shots faced, 37 were on target, meaning nearly every other attempt from opponents required a save or resulted in a goal. This not only puts immense pressure on their goalkeeper but also signals that Spurs are struggling to limit high-quality chances.

4. Highest Expected Goals Against (xGA): 13.5

Spurs have an xGA of 13.5, again the worst in the league. This metric reflects the quality of chances created by their opponents, indicating that Tottenham’s defensive setup is allowing teams to create dangerous opportunities with ease.

5. Big Chances Faced: 25

The team has faced 25 big chances, tied for the worst in the league. These are clear goal-scoring opportunities, often resulting from defensive lapses, poor positioning, or tactical missteps.

What’s Going Wrong?

A combination of factors has contributed to these alarming numbers:

• Injuries to Key Players: The absence of Cristian Romero and others has left the backline vulnerable.
• Postecoglou’s High Line: While effective in attack, the high defensive line is leaving too much space for opponents to exploit.
• Midfield Control: The inability to dominate the midfield allows teams to pile pressure on Spurs’ defense.

Can Ange Fix This?

Ange Postecoglou must address these defensive woes quickly. Whether it’s adjusting tactics, shoring up midfield, or bringing reinforcements in the January transfer window, Spurs must act fast to turn their season around.

For now, Tottenham’s defensive struggles remain a glaring issue, and these stats only emphasize the scale of the problem.