Tottenham Hotspur rescued a point against Manchester United on Sunday, with Dominic Solanke bagging a stoppage-time equaliser, and Roberto De Zerbi was left impressed by his side’s performance.
Although Tottenham are still yet to get a win on the board in the Premier League this season, De Zerbi believes their most recent display gives. them something to build on, saying: “I think we are playing well, not [just] today, also the other games before Manchester, but today has been the game where for the first time in this season we showed to be a team.
“I think we are playing well, not [just] today, also the other games before Manchester, but today has been the game where for the first time in this season we showed to be a team.”
However, a record of three draws and three defeats in six matches is still concerning, especially considering ENIC spent big in the summer, securing the statement signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to bolster the midfield.
Spurs also opted to improve their options at the back, bringing in centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Dutchman has started every game in the Premier League, scoring his first goal for the club in the 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa prior to the international break.
However, Jamie O’Hara took aim at the 26-year-old for his performance against Man United, while also criticising his former club’s overall performance.
Jamie O’Hara hits out at Jan Paul van Hecke
Speaking on talkSPORT after the match (via TEAMtalk), O’Hara said: “Van Hecke, what is he doing? Cement in his feet, cement. He has got cement in his boots. This team is beyond a joke.
“I am sick of it, I am sick of it, I am sick of it, I am sick of it. Who signed Van Hecke, who? He needs sacking, he needs sacking. Brighton have had our absolute pants down; they have had our pants down. Who signed him? Donkey.”
It is still early days for the former Brighton man, but his performance against United is likely to be concerning for De Zerbi, considering he lost the vast majority of the duels he contested.
|
Jan Paul van Hecke’s stats vs Man Utd |
Number completed |
|
Duels (won) |
12 (4) |
|
Passes completed |
59/71 (83%) |
|
Interceptions |
4 |
|
Dribbled past |
2 |
|
Tackles won |
1 |
However, while Spurs have struggled from an attacking point of view, scoring just three goals, they have kept two clean sheets in their opening six matches, and they did well to grind out a point at United, after being reduced to 10 men following Rodrigo Bentancur’s dismissal.
The result may stave off some of the pressure on De Zerbi for the time being, but Tottenham will be expected to win their next match, as they are taking on newly-promoted Coventry City at home on Monday.
