Tottenham Seeks 'Nasty Streak' Amid Promising Season

Roberto De Zerbi has urged his Tottenham players to develop a more 'nasty streak,' particularly in attack, as the team looks to build on recent momentum and solidify a promising season. The reminder came after Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, a win that, despite its favorable outcome, highlighted persistent issues with finishing.

"If we want to follow perfection, we have to be more nasty, no?" De Zerbi stated, emphasizing that the need for a more clinical edge extends beyond individual players. While the team's creativity was evident in their 34 shots compared to Palace's two, the goals were scored by defenders, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jan Paul van Hecke. This performance underlined De Zerbi's concern about the team's ability to convert chances.

The victory over Crystal Palace marked Tottenham's third consecutive win, a feat not achieved in two years. This streak follows a period where the team found themselves at the bottom of the table just two weeks prior, before a win against Coventry. De Zerbi reminded his players of this precarious position to temper complacency, despite the growing excitement around the club.

Attacking and Midfield Improvements

De Zerbi specifically pointed to the need for forwards like Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush to increase their goal output. While acknowledging that Palace's deep defense after Mateta's early red card limited space, he noted that one goal apiece for the season is insufficient. Solanke, in particular, was identified as needing to better anticipate the play of his teammates.

Marmoush's role remains a point of tactical consideration. Having been deployed in multiple positions, including attacking midfield and up front, his best fit is still being determined. De Zerbi suggested that a sustained run in one position might be beneficial, while also noting Marmoush's effectiveness in a two-striker system, which differs from his current tactical approach.

A significant improvement has been observed in Tottenham's midfield, particularly the partnership between Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Despite initial impatience with their impact following costly acquisitions, the duo has recently demonstrated a clearer understanding of De Zerbi's complex system. Tonali has emerged as the team's tempo-setter, contributing significantly to both offense and defense. Against Palace, he covered 12.3km, won all three of his tackles, and maintained a 93% pass completion rate. Fernandes also put in a strong performance, covering 11.6km and providing the assist for Van Hecke's goal, playing a key role in the team's pressing game.

Team Cohesion and Future Prospects

De Zerbi also noted a positive shift in the team's cohesiveness. He contrasted the current dynamic with the period before the international break, where the team played more like a collection of good individual players rather than a unified unit. This improved team spirit is crucial as Tottenham navigates a schedule that includes several winnable fixtures before a more challenging festive period. The team's ability to adapt to less space against defensive sides, as seen against Palace, remains an area for development, with De Zerbi anticipating improvement in this aspect over the next few months.