In the early days of Greek Australian Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, there was a sense of cautious optimism, tempered by the knowledge that a visit to arch-rivals Arsenal would provide a litmus test for the team's progress.
Historically, Spurs had struggled away at Arsenal, winning only twice in the Premier League over three decades. This fixture was always approached with trepidation, even more so after the departure of Harry Kane, their prolific goal scorer.
While it may not have been the ultimate test of Spurs' aspirations under the Australian manager, everyone associated with the club understood that this trip into enemy territory would be their sternest examination to date.
Despite not having won at Arsenal in the league for nearly 13 years, the reaction of players, manager, and supporters at the end of a thrilling 2-2 draw confirmed the early signs that Spurs, under Postecoglou, were on the path to something exciting.
It's important to remember that this season is still in its early stages, but Spurs demonstrated significant progress under Postecoglou, and it was evident at Emirates Stadium.
Spurs, as expected, faced pressure from Arsenal and their enthusiastic fans, who relished this fixture. The game's turning point arguably came when Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus missed a clear-cut chance, squandering a golden opportunity created by Spurs' commitment to playing out from the back, a risk that Postecoglou was willing to take for the potential rewards.
With Harry Kane's departure, Spurs had to find new avenues for creativity to compensate for his goal-scoring prowess. The partnership between James Maddison and Son Heung-min showed promise, with Maddison providing an assist for Son's equalizer.
While it's early days for the Maddison-Son partnership, it's clear that Spurs are evolving under Postecoglou. The team didn't just adhere to his attacking principles but also displayed grit and determination when needed, qualities often lacking in recent seasons.
Postecoglou's impact is not limited to the attacking players; he has also rejuvenated midfielders like Yves Bissouma, who had struggled under previous management. Additionally, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, signed by Serie A side Empoli, has proven to be a reliable addition.
Despite the talk of attacking progress, Spurs' resilience when Arsenal pushed for a late winner was equally impressive. The team defended resolutely, and there was a sense of composure even in the face of late pressure.
Postecoglou may still be finding his way at Spurs, but this performance, despite not resulting in a win, suggests he is steering the club in the right direction. The fans' response and the manager's satisfaction at the final whistle reflected the belief that Spurs were on a positive trajectory after a period of uncertainty.
