Tottenham showed resilience and character to salvage a point against Bournemouth, but their performance raised more questions than answers. Son Heung-min’s 84th-minute penalty ensured Spurs avoided defeat, yet their display was far from convincing.
With the arrival of spring, there was a sense of optimism around the club. Injuries are easing, and after three consecutive league wins, there was hope that a corner had been turned. Even a recent loss to Manchester City didn’t entirely dampen spirits. However, a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday highlighted ongoing issues, and this latest erratic performance only added to the concern.
Manager Ange Postecoglou admitted the game was chaotic and criticized his team’s lack of control. Tottenham’s careless passing played into Bournemouth’s hands, making the match more frantic than they would have liked. Anxiety and nervousness were evident, but the players at least showed a stronger mentality than in previous outings. That fighting spirit had been missing in earlier matches, where narrow defeats cost them valuable points in the league.
Bournemouth took the lead just before halftime. Milos Kerkez intercepted a pass in Tottenham’s half and surged forward before crossing to Marcus Tavernier, who finished with a composed volley. Although Bournemouth had struggled in recent weeks, losing three of their last four league games, this goal showed their efficiency in punishing mistakes. With the race for European places intensifying, frustration among Tottenham fans continues to grow, as their team remains outside the top five.
Without Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham lacked creativity. The midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur was meant to provide stability, but it failed to do so. The introduction of Lucas Bergvall and Son at halftime, followed by James Maddison on the hour, added attacking intent but left Spurs more vulnerable to counterattacks.
Bournemouth took advantage of that openness. Justin Kluivert had a goal disallowed for offside before Kevin Danso was outmaneuvered, allowing Evanilson to double the visitors’ lead with a composed finish past Guglielmo Vicario.
Sarr pulled one back almost immediately, albeit fortuitously, as his mis-hit cross looped in off the far post. Spurs pressed for an equalizer, with Bergvall hitting the post and Kluivert striking the woodwork at the other end. The match became increasingly frantic, and it was fitting that a reckless moment ultimately decided the outcome. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s unnecessary lunge on Son gifted Tottenham a penalty, which the South Korean converted to rescue a point.
While some of the chaos may be a natural byproduct of Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, Spurs’ current trajectory is concerning. Their form at home has been poor, with just six points from their last nine league matches in front of their own fans. Whether that is enough to keep the manager in his job remains to be seen, but with a crucial Europa League second leg looming, the club faces a defining moment in their season.
