Son under fire as Tottenham's captain struggles for form

In recent matches, Tottenham Hotspur has been facing significant difficulties in performance, culminating in only one win out of the last seven league games. This poor run has led to a disappointing position in the Premier League standings, placing them 11th as of December 30, 2024. Players, including captain Son Heung-min, have been criticized for underperforming, which has caused rising tensions among fans and analysts alike. Son has struggled with his form, scoring only five goals in his 16 appearances this season, and his effectiveness has been further questioned after being substituted against Wolverhampton Wanderers while the game remained competitive. Tensions increased further with concerns regarding the team’s depth, particularly in the left-sided defender position and the need for quality goalkeeper cover. The club actively considers options regarding Ange Postecoglou's future amidst these struggles. The first half of the current season has been particularly challenging, as Spurs have failed to secure victory in five consecutive home matches, repeating a trend not seen since October of a previous campaign. In response to the recent results, manager Postecoglou decided to allow the team a break, granting them time off to recuperate and reassess before their upcoming fixtures. This was intended to alleviate the pressure and encourage recovery among a squad that has been heavily utilized during a congested festive schedule, having played 11 games in just 36 days. Players like Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski have been notable for their consistent workload, and injuries have hindered the contributions from others, such as Wilson Odobert and Richarlison. The narrative surrounding Son raises questions about his suitability for the current tactical setup under Postecoglou, as many supporters express a mix of disappointment and understanding regarding his recent performances. His shooting statistics indicate a drop in efficiency compared to last season, signaling a potential misalignment with the team’s attacking strategy. Despite these challenges, the club aims to leverage their available resources, planning to trigger Son's contract option while searching for necessary reinforcements in the January transfer window to end their downward trend before it further escalates.