'Spurs' showed character to survive

In what has been a very hectic week in the life of Tottenham Hotspur football club; stadium sorrow, pitch complaints, and pundit criticism aside, Pochettino's men showed character and resolve to walk away from Molineux with a hard earned victory.

The announcement that the new stadium opening would be delayed once more irked the 'Spurs' fans further, and to compound their misery they had to watch what should have been an excellent match against two top teams, be ruined by the torrid playing surface at their temporary home of Wembley.

'Spurs' would go on to lose the match against champions Manchester City by a narrow scoreline of 1-0, which prompted widespread criticism of their performance, most notably from pundit Gary Neville, who called the 'Lilywhites' "spinless and flaky".

However in spite of all these probelms in the past week, Pochettino's side were ready to stand up and be counted against Wolves on Saturday. Tottenham battled in a fiercely contested encounter, while managing to secure a valuable victory away from home. 

According to 'Sky Sports' Adam Bate, who was at the match at Molineux, 'Mauricio Pochettino's team showed character' in overcoming the adversity that they have faced since the very start of the season, to continue the clubs best ever opening to a top flight campaign.

With an ever-growing injury list, Tottenham boss Pochettino would be forgiven if he had been feeling a little apprehensive ahead of a trip to face a lively and free playing Wolves side. Furthermore, when Moussa Dembele was injured minutes into the game, Pochettino would have been understood if he had opted to bring on a defender to sit in the holding midfield role.

 

November 3, 2018

However the Argentine faced the problem head on, adapted his formation to a more attacking style, and introduced Heung-min Son into the action. This proved to be pivotal, as 'Spurs' unleashed a clinical display for the remainder of the first period,  as they led 2-0 at the interval.

Harry Kane would add a third on the hour mark to all but seal the points. Yes Tottenham had to see off a Wolves revival, but they did so in a measured manner, insuring that they walked away with the spoils after a tough afternoon in the midlands.

In his post match press conference, Pochettino spoke of the decision to adapt his team's tactics so early in the game, saying:"The plan was to go for the game and to put Moussa Sissoko with Harry Winks like a midfielder. We knew that we were going to take risks but I think the team adapted very well." 

Pochettino also noted the determination of his side to pick up from Monday's defeat to Manchester City, saying: "We can win or we can lose but we are so intense and today the effort was great. We came from Manchester City where we ran more than 120 kilometres and West Ham similar. Now the same. That means and shows that the team have a very strong character."

With the win against Wolves, Tottenham leapfrog North London rivals Arsenal into 4th place in the table, three behind leaders Liverpool as it stands, with Manchester City set to play Southampton on Sunday, by the end of which the gap could be 5 points.

Meanwhile Wolves slip to 11th place, having now suffered 4 defeats in their opening 11 fixtures in their return campaign to the top flight. Yet they are 9 points clear of the relegation zone, and at least for now, do not seem to be heading for trouble.