WATCH | El Khannous's goal for Leicester's 2-1 win over Tottenham

The Moroccan attacker turned the game around for the Foxes at Tottenham Stadium. In just a few minutes, Leicester turned the scoreline around as first Jamie Vardy scored the equalizer at the start of the second half and then Moroccan El Khannous popped up with a stunning goal to make it 2-1.

Since Ange Postecoglou took charge of Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024, the club has seen a shift in its philosophy and playing style. Known for his attacking brand of football, Postecoglou has promised a more dynamic and possession-based approach compared to the more pragmatic tactics that dominated under previous managers. However, despite the fresh ideas and optimism surrounding the appointment, Tottenham's journey under the Australian coach has been marked by inconsistency, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team's ability to fully adapt to his methods.

Postecoglou’s arrival was met with hope, especially after his success with Celtic, where he secured multiple league titles and a reputation for producing exciting football. His vision for Tottenham was clear: to implement a high-pressing, attacking style that would see the team dominate possession and create numerous chances. Yet, as the season has progressed, the execution of these ideas has not been as smooth as many had anticipated.

One of the main reasons for Tottenham's irregularity under Postecoglou has been the team’s struggle to find defensive stability. While the attacking football has often been entertaining, there have been numerous occasions when Tottenham has been left exposed at the back. The defensive frailties were apparent from the start of the season, with Tottenham conceding goals in games that they should have been able to control. The backline, often disorganized, has failed to maintain consistency in their performances, leading to dropped points in matches that were deemed winnable. This has been particularly frustrating for Postecoglou, as he has emphasized balance between attacking and defensive responsibilities.

The inconsistency in the team's defense has been further compounded by injuries to key defensive players. The absence of experienced figures in the backline has forced Postecoglou to rotate his defense frequently, which has disrupted the team's ability to build chemistry at the back. Although the manager has repeatedly spoken about the importance of having options in defense, the lack of continuity has made it difficult for Tottenham to establish a reliable and cohesive unit. This has resulted in a team that looks vulnerable when under pressure and prone to making costly mistakes, especially against stronger opposition.

In midfield, Tottenham’s transition under Postecoglou has also been uneven. While players like James Maddison have shown glimpses of brilliance and creativity, there has been a lack of fluidity in the middle of the park. Postecoglou demands a lot of movement and technical precision from his midfielders, but it has been a challenge for some players to adjust to this new system. The high intensity and quick transitions required by Postecoglou often result in moments of indecision or lost possession, especially when the team is under pressure. The midfield has sometimes been unable to assert control over games, which in turn has affected the overall rhythm and attacking flow.

Moreover, Tottenham's reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective cohesion has contributed to their erratic results. While players like Son Heung-min and Richarlison possess the talent to make game-changing contributions, the team has often struggled to sustain attacking momentum as a unit. Postecoglou's philosophy requires all players to be involved in build-up play, with an emphasis on width and constant movement. However, at times, the attack has lacked the necessary fluidity, with players not always being on the same wavelength or failing to execute in crucial moments. This has led to a number of frustrating draws and defeats, where Tottenham was unable to capitalize on their attacking dominance.

The inconsistency of Tottenham's performances has also been reflected in their results. There have been periods where the team has looked impressive, particularly in games against lower-tier opposition, where their high pressing game and quick transitions have paid off. However, in matches against tougher teams, Tottenham has often been found wanting. The team has struggled to adapt to the demands of facing stronger, more organized sides, often being exposed on the counter-attack or failing to break down compact defenses. These inconsistent results have left Tottenham fluctuating in the middle of the table, far from the Champions League spots they aspire to reach.

While the irregularity of Tottenham under Postecoglou cannot be denied, there are still signs of hope. The manager's vision and the attacking intent he instills in the team are clear, and the individual talent within the squad remains undeniable. With more time to integrate his methods and a better understanding of his tactical demands, it is possible that the team will find greater consistency as the season progresses. However, for Tottenham to achieve their goals, Postecoglou will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities and ensure that his players are fully aligned with his tactical philosophy.

In conclusion, while Ange Postecoglou has brought a breath of fresh air to Tottenham with his attacking football and positive outlook, the team's performances have been marked by inconsistency. The struggles in defense, coupled with midfield fluidity and a lack of collective cohesion in attack, have led to a bumpy start to his tenure. Nevertheless, Tottenham’s potential remains high, and if Postecoglou can iron out the issues that have plagued the team so far, they could still find themselves in the hunt for a top-four finish come the end of the season.