Saturday’s emphatic win for Tottenham Hotspur will have put many fans at ease following what was far from an ideal start to the season.
The 4-0 victory against Everton, secured at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, not only provided three crucial points but also served as a much-needed confidence boost for both the players and supporters.
Under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs enjoyed a strong summer, with the team impressing during their pre-season friendlies. The promise of a new era under the Australian manager brought hope to the fanbase, eager to see a rejuvenated squad challenge for silverware. However, the optimism was somewhat dampened after Tottenham’s Premier League opener, where they managed only a 1-1 draw against Leicester City. It wasn’t just the dropped points that concerned the fans; the game also saw key players Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke pick up injuries that sidelined them for Saturday’s clash.
The disappointment of that draw could have easily set a negative tone for the early part of the season. But Postecoglou’s side responded in style, with a commanding performance against Everton that highlighted the attacking potential within the squad. The victory was exactly what everyone connected with the club needed, as it restored faith in the team’s ability to compete at a high level.
One of the standout performers in the match was Wilson Odobert, whose display seriously impressed the Tottenham faithful. The young winger, who was a summer signing, showcased his potential with a lively performance that included a goal and an assist. Odobert’s ability to stretch the opposition’s defense with his pace and trickery added a new dimension to Spurs’ attack, and his contribution did not go unnoticed by the fans or the manager.
However, despite the impressive result and the positive performances, not everything is smooth sailing at Tottenham. There is still one player in north London who finds himself on thin ice, even after the comprehensive win, and that player is Yves Bissouma. The £35 million signing from Brighton & Hove Albion has had a rocky time since joining Spurs two years ago, and it appears he has tested the patience of his manager.
Reports suggest that Bissouma recently annoyed Postecoglou due to an off-field incident, and the manager has made it clear that the Mali international is on his final warning. Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge revealed that Postecoglou was left angry by Bissouma’s behavior and has given him one last chance to prove his worth.
“He’s put Bissouma back in, he’s learned his lesson, and believe me, that’s his last chance because they won’t do second or third chances,” Bridge stated. “He wasn’t happy, Ange Postecoglou wasn’t happy at all. And he [Bissouma] needs to knuckle down now. So, simple as that, you’ve got to knuckle down, you can’t be doing stuff like that, you’re a role model. So, I think he’s learned. And that was an excellent goal yesterday. But Yves Bissouma, if you’re watching, keep it up.”
The off-field issues aside, Bissouma’s performance against Everton was indeed impressive. He controlled the midfield with authority, breaking up play and driving the team forward. His goal, a well-taken strike from outside the box, was a testament to his technical ability and composure under pressure. Postecoglou acknowledged the quality of Bissouma’s display but emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency if the midfielder is to be a mainstay in the starting XI.
“Yeah, Biss was good and we know Biss is a good footballer,” Postecoglou told football.london. “It’s about him being the best version of himself and he will only get there if, as we’ve spoken a few times, discipline is a big thing for him and I thought it was a disciplined performance for him today, you know. Not just the goal he scored, but he had a really important job for us.”
Bissouma’s time at Tottenham has been anything but smooth. When he arrived from Brighton, there were high expectations that he would bring his dynamic style of play to Spurs’ midfield. However, injuries, inconsistency, and now off-field issues have plagued his tenure at the club. For a player who was once regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising midfield talents, the last two years have been a major disappointment.
Now, with Postecoglou at the helm, Bissouma has an opportunity to revive his career and fulfill the potential that made Tottenham spend a significant fee on him. The Australian manager has already shown a willingness to give players a fresh start, but he has also made it clear that there will be no room for complacency or indiscipline.
The competition for places in Tottenham’s midfield is fierce, with the likes of Archie Gray, a promising young talent, eagerly waiting for his chance to break into the first team. Gray’s presence on the bench serves as a reminder to Bissouma that he cannot afford to let his standards slip. One bad performance, or another off-field misstep, and he could find himself out of the team – and potentially out of the club.
Tottenham have been specific in the players they have signed this summer, aiming to build a squad that fits Postecoglou’s philosophy. However, there are still a few players who could depart before the transfer window closes, and Bissouma’s future could be in doubt if he does not show the required commitment.
Rumors have linked Sergio Reguilon with a move to Besiktas, and it’s possible that Bissouma could also find himself on the trade pile in the coming months if he doesn’t sort out his act. The clock is ticking for the Mali international, and the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining his future at Tottenham Hotspur.
So, while Saturday’s win provided a much-needed boost for Tottenham, the spotlight remains on Yves Bissouma. The midfielder has the talent to be a key player for Spurs, but only if he can maintain the discipline and consistency that Postecoglou demands. With competition for places intense and the manager’s patience wearing thin, Bissouma must seize this last chance to prove his worth at the club.
