Damning stat shows why Thomas Frank must fix problem position at Spurs
Spurs’ 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt revealed an issue that Thomas Frank must fix ahead of their trip to Leeds next.
Frank’s side came from two goals down to earn a point at Bodo/Glimt, the side they knocked out of the Europa League last season.
However, Spurs were fortunate not to lose as Kasper Hogh skied a penalty over the bar in a dominant first 45 minutes for the hosts.
Spurs striker Richarlison was criticised for his display and the north London club needed a 89th minute own goal to grab a point to back up their victory over Villarreal on matchday one.
Own goals lead way for Spurs
Four of Spurs’ 18 goals this season have come from the opposition, as own goals are now the club’s top goalscorer.
Richarlison scored twice in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League season, but he has only scored once since.
The Brazilian’s lack of ruthlessness showed at Bodo/Glimt when he missed a golden chance presented to him by Lucas Bergvall.
Dominic Solanke continues to be kept on the sidelines through injury, whilst Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani also missed the trip to Bodo/Glimt with issues.
A lack of goals though may be down to a lack of service, as against Wolves, Spurs only created an xG of 0.87.
James Maddison’s long-term injury, and with Dejan Kulusevski out, moving Xavi Simons into a central position may help create more chances for Richarlison.
Frank though urgently needs to address Spurs’ goal scoring issues ahead of their trip to Leeds.
Leeds’ strong defensive record poses problem for Spurs
Leeds have kept two clean sheets at Elland Road in three games, and the Whites have proven to be strong defensively since their promotion.
Even in conceding two goals against Bournemouth, Leeds only conceded an xG of 0.82 and they should have come away with a point and clean sheet at Fulham had it not been for a Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.
| Expected Goals Conceded | 0.82 |
| Big Chances Conceded | 1 |
| Duels Won | 65 |
| Errors leading to a shot | 0 |
Spurs may therefore not get many clear cut chances at Elland Road, and will need to be clinical when they come around.
However, Richarlison’s current form and a lack of alternatives to choose from leaves Frank with a problem that needs solving.
For Spurs, these are the matches that they need to win if they’re to finish in the top five, and they need to prove that the draw against Wolves was only a blip.