Aaron Lennon believes Tottenham's players are unable to implement Ange Postecoglou's high-tempo philosophy.
Last night's 2-1 defeat in the north London derby to Arsenal means Tottenham have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches.
They sit 13th in the table with the pressure starting to mount on them Postecoglou, who himself described their appearance as “unacceptable”.
Angie's reaction after the match 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/O4sTtWyOra
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
The Australian has said he will not change his approach despite a hampering injury list but Lennon says there is something he has to give.
“It's a big problem, I think the team looked really sad (against Arsenal),” the former Tottenham winger told Football Daily Podcast. The team is exhausted due to injuries, but it is a big problem.
“His style is a fast pace for 95 minutes, (but) the Spurs players don't seem to be able to maintain that pace. It's a big problem, one win in nine, that's not good enough at all.
“I think Arsenal were the better team. I don't think it was action packed, but Arsenal absolutely deserved to win. But it puts a lot of turmoil in the camp now. If they're not in the UEFA Cup semi-final, I think there will be big problems.”
Lennon calls on Tottenham to strengthen
Lennon believes injuries have derailed Tottenham's season and says they must strengthen their ranks in January to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.
“(Injuries) have been a huge factor, 100 percent,” he added. You're not talking about one or two fringe players, you're talking about the core players here. You're talking about your number one goalkeeper, you're talking about your two central midfielders, (Destiny) Udoji is out, and three of your four defensive linemen are out, including your goalkeeper.
“That would affect any team, and the players who came in were fantastic. (Good) Spence has looked really good, and I'm surprised he hasn't played more football considering how good he has been the last few weeks. The interesting thing to see now is Whether Tottenham will look to strengthen their squad in the current January window remains to be seen.
“They need cover at the back, they showed they don't have cover there. Archie Gray has been filling in, he's not a midfielder, not even a right-back. I think they will look to cover the midfield and maybe even another striker.
“They showed during the season that the team needs to be strengthened.”
Next up for Tottenham is a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.
