After a tough draw at Stamford Bridge last week, Tottenham Hotspur returned home to face off against a Wolves side that caused them some trouble last season. It was an unconvincing performance, particularly in the first half, but Tottenham dug deep and improved in the second 45.
Harry Kane became the player with the most goals in the Premier League for a club in that game. He headed home from a close-range corner kick in the second half, having previously hit the bar and delivering Tottenham’s only first-half shot. Spurs put in a strong defensive display and although Wolves had a number of dangerous opportunities, none of them tested Hugo Lloris too much. Kane’s 250th career goal was enough as Spurs took full points 1-0 today.
Here are my match reactions.
reactions
- A somewhat unconvincing win but still a very good three points. This was a game that Spurs lost last season, so I won’t argue too much.
- I was wondering why we didn’t see Conte’s 5-3-2, but it wasn’t very good in the first half. Spurs midfielders weren’t delivering balls up front and it seems like they could benefit from someone who can ping long balls from deep. (Hello Clement.)
- Pretty boring first half. Spurs seemed content to be patient and just wait for opportunities to come their way. Wolves had 12 shots, but many of those were low-percentage shots from long range. But Spurs never tested Sa either. A shot in this half from a Kane header that just isn’t good enough against a team like Wolves.
- There was clearly a referee’s order to let more potential fouls go, but I don’t think that benefits a team like Spurs who can use free-kicks to disrupt defensive patterns. Remarkably, wolves would fall over at the slightest touch.
- I had almost forgotten how boring the Sanchez-Royal combo on the right can be and I’m not looking forward to seeing it again.
- Spurs’ goal was a nice piece of set-piece design. Fantastic shot by Perisic at the back post and Kane was wide open. Well done Mr. Vio for the set-play design. Just a very well crafted target.
- I was a little disappointed with Hojbjerg’s game today and was surprised he wasn’t substituted, especially after he was booked early. This map offered at least one scenario where a tactical foul could have prevented Wolves from having a chance, but General Ho couldn’t because he would have been sent off.
- I saw Ryan Sessegnon in that Adama Traore match with his straight body and I think I’ve reached nirvana.
- Pretty impressed again by Richarlison from the bench. Had some nice dribbles, beat his man a couple of times and should have gotten a penalty after being brought down in the box.
- Another bad match for Son. But he’s always been a mixed bag and you kind of have to let him play through and come out the other side.
- One of Spurs’ hallmarks under Conte is that when they score, they do a good job. The xG card is honestly better than I expected. Look at all those little squares outside of Wolves range!
- Next game: away to Forest. Might be a deceptively tricky one.