Trust Roy Keane to throw in a ‘reducer’. The praise of Tottenham’s dominant performance in their 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Sunday was gushing. But Keane is not convinced.
‘They were the better team, but it was a draw. The staff got praised, the bus driver got praise, everybody got praise. It finished 2-2, everybody relax,’ said the United legend in his role as Sky Sports pundit.
Sixty-five percent possession and 19 shots is no mean feat at Old Trafford, albeit against one of the most indifferent United team’s in recent memory.
Not that it carried much weight with Keane. And regardless of what you think about Keane’s reaction, it is a question worth asking: are Tottenham the real deal? On the evidence of the opening six months of Ange Postecoglou’s reign, the simple answer to that question is yes. But, as ever, there are caveats.
Under Australian Postecoglou, Tottenham are attractive again. In more ways than one.
Roy Keane gave a characteristically downbeat assessment of Tottenham after their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford
Spurs were much the better team at Old Trafford as they twice came from behind to earn a point against Man United on Sunday
The high-octane, front foot philosophy implemented by the 58-year-old has energised a fanbase that had become disengaged with their team amid the uninspiring pragmatism of their previous three managers.
The reigns of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte sucked the life out of supporters, who were always one bad result away from mutiny.
That, perhaps, is Postecoglou’s most significant achievement to date: reuniting a group so fed up of the way the club was run on and off the pitch.
His unwavering commitment to attacking football is far more in keeping with the club’s traditions and ethos, and that is at the root of the warm fuzzy feeling that has adorned Tottenham’s promising season so far.
Opposition players are taking notice, too. There was a scepticism from certain players about the Tottenham project last summer.
The club was in a state of flux following the eventual departure of Conte and the appointment of Postecoglou received a lukewarm reception.
In hindsight, the apprehension seems ill-judged given the positive impact he has made.
Equally the reservations were probably warranted given his lack of experience at the very highest level — although he won five trophies in his successful two seasons at Celtic.
Ange Postecoglou has led a remarkable turnaround in north London since joining the club
The departure of Harry Kane added to the uncertainty over Tottenham’s direction. But the tables have now been turned. The same players unsure about joining last year would jump at the chance now.
We’ve already caught a glimpse of Tottenham’s newly-discovered pulling power after they beat Bayern Munich to the signing of Romania defender Radu Dragusin last week.
It is because players see the vision — one that provides a thrilling spectacle, and more pertinently, one that is threatening to incorporate success.
Indeed, tangible success will ultimately determine how we judge Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a trophy, although they remain in the FA Cup and are in fifth place, five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
But finishing in the top four would represent genuine progress and offer a credible rebuttal to the naysayers.
They are within striking distance to do just that. So with that in mind it’s hard to argue against assertions that Postecoglou’s methods are working.
There is a further reason for optimism, too.
James Maddison is among the first choice players to have missed considerable time this term
When considering the merits of Keane’s remarks it is important to point out the number of players Tottenham were missing against United on Sunday.
Postecoglou was without 11 members of his squad; key ones too — Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski and Papa Matar Sarr all likely starters in Tottenham’s first-choice XI.
It has become an increasing problem at Tottenham, and one that may yet define their campaign. But logic tells us that once those players are available, Tottenham’s evolution under Postecoglou will gather even more momentum.
The proof will be in the pudding, of course. Keane, ever the naysayer, is watching closely.
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