 |
| Yang Min-hyuk is seen behind Son Heung-min, who is replaced against Liverpool on the 23rd. Tottenham lost 3-6 on the day with Yang Min-hyuk watching. REUTERS Yonhap News |
|
 |
| SNS |
|
 |
| SNS |
|
 |
| 토트넘 SNS |
|
A familiar face stood out next to the Tottenham bench at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Tottenham and Liverpool were held on the 23rd. It was Yang Min-hyuk, a special rising star who was born in 2006 ahead of joining Tottenham.
Yang Min-hyuk held the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) held on the same day ahead of his official joining of Tottenham on January 1st.
Yang Min-hyuk, who left for London, England, via Incheon International Airport on the 16th, watched the EFL Cup Round of 16 home game against Manchester United from the stands on the 20th and began to build up at the Tottenham training center, watched the match against Liverpool in the 'Bench 1st row' where the players can even hear their breaths.
The result of Tottenham's match, which Yang Min-hyuk would have watched with bated breath, was disastrous. Tottenham suffered a crushing 3-6 defeat by dedicating three goals in the first half and three goals in the second half. Tottenham, which has lost three of its last four league games, ranked 11th with 23 points. Christmas was celebrated in what fans commonly call the `More League.'
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min did not have much influence until he started and replaced Timo Werner in the 36th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min, who scored a picturesque 'corner kick goal' against Manchester United, broke his record in two consecutive games.
What Yang Min-hyuk watched was the light and shadow of Engie Ball.
 |
| 토트넘 SNS |
|
 |
| 출처=토트넘 SNS |
|
 |
| 출처=토트넘 SNS |
|
The weaknesses of Tottenham manager Engie Postecoglou's 'Highline' offensive tactics were revealed. Tottenham has recorded the most goals scored (12 goals in 5 games) in 20 EPL teams since December. The equivalent is 2.4 runs per game. During the period, they drew 1-1 with Fulham, losing to Bournemouth (0–1), Chelsea (3–4) and Liverpool (3–6). Only a scoreless win over Southampton (5-0). Christmas was the worst in 17 games, with only 23 points.
Tottenham allowed the most big chances (25), shots (85) and effective shots (37), and the expected number of goals (13.5 goals) was also 20th. This means that the defense was in a de facto automatic door state, providing the opponent with a lot of space and a comfortable environment to shoot.
Local media find the cause in Engie Postecoglou Tottenham-coached attacking football. Postecoglou, who came to Tottenham from Celtic last summer, wants to raise the final defensive line to near the half-line to stay as long as possible in the opposition and mass-produce points. Southampton, which won 5-0 with this strategy, worked well.
On the other hand, bold attack tactics also have fatal weaknesses like both sides of a coin. They say they are vulnerable to teams that are good at counterattacks. If all the main four-backs are equipped, they will endure with their defensive personal skills, but at the moment when Christian Romero, Mickey van der Penn, and main goalkeeper Guglielo Vicario were injured one after another, backup resources are helplessly penetrated by attacks from Chelsea and Liverpool-class powerhouses.
 |
| APYonhap News |
|
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
Coach Postecoglou insists on Plan A even though the team is closer to the relegation zone than the championship. After a crushing defeat against Liverpool, I will not answer such a question. For the past 18 months, I have continued to answer the same questions here. I really needed patience. If people want to change my approach, it won't. We do so for good reason. I think it will help the team succeed, so doing so..." he fumed.
He said "That's all. I will just focus on making Tottenham the team we want. We have to accept that there will be difficulties in the process."
Postecoglou is running 3/1 in a hard race set by betting company `William Hill' on the 23rd, followed by West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui (6/4). As time goes by, the ranking is getting higher.
Perhaps Yang Min-hyuk, who will officially wear his Tottenham uniform on January 1 next year, will have a new coach and a new challenge. It is not very desirable for a team to face drastic changes.
In an interview in July, when Yang Min-hyuk confirmed his joining of Tottenham, Son Heung-min said, `Even if I can't help like my father, I will try to help Yang Min-hyuk on and off the field.' `I don't want to put much pressure on Yang Min-hyuk, who is now 18 years old. I want to watch quietly."
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
