Former Tottenham star says 'fragile' Spurs to blame for Dominic Solanke form

Tottenham have had a hugely frustrating season on the whole, still yet to surpass their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League this season, still needing eight points to surpass that tally. The Europa League remains a route to next season’s Champions League, with Tottenham in the semi-finals and in with a chance of going all the way.

But even winning the Europa League likely won’t be enough to mask what has happened in the Premier League this season, and even with silverware, Ange Postecoglou may struggle to keep his job beyond this season.

It hasn’t all been up to Postecoglou, though. Beyond injuries, a number of players have been far from their best, and that can certainly been said of Dominic Solanke, who joined from AFC Bournemouth last season on a deal worth £55million upfront and with a potential further £10million in add-ons.

Solanke has struggled with injuries at times in his first season, and he has managed 12 goals and eight assists across all competitions, but he hasn’t shown the sort of goal-scoring consistency that Spurs were looking for, producing only seven Premier League goals and only once scoring in back-to-back league games this season.

Former Spurs striker Louis Saha was asked about Solanke’s form and whether the step up has been too much for him this season or if it’s the Spurs system that has hampered him. Saha told Mega Dice: “A bit of both, but I say that I've seen that Solanke has been injured. He’s been adapting, and he didn't maybe score as much this season. Tottenham is a big club with big expectations. I think the team didn't play well or didn't perform. They were fragile. That's why they are well down the table, though they did perform in the Europa League.

“There have been some good performances, but it’s pretty much similar to Manchester United. At some moments, you don't understand why Tottenham are losing those games. They are in control and from one minute to another, something happens. So, sometimes the tactic works, other times they struggle.

“I’m sure Postecoglou knows he needs to change, regardless of the injury crisis. Some players haven’t performed, and at times Brennan Johnson’s scoring gave Solanke time to adapt. I think the team is still in transition, still trying to find this kind of confidence. It would be amazing for the manager to actually win a trophy after a season like this where he's started by saying that in his second season he's going to win something.”

Speaking earlier of the season, Solanke spoke about why he felt Postecoglou and his style would be a good fit. He said: “He’s a great manager. He’s one of the reasons why I was so keen to join Tottenham.

“The way he plays definitely suits my style as well, so it’s like for like. Obviously, you see, the way he plays is very aggressive, on the front foot, very high, which I enjoy doing. I enjoy pressing, so like he said, it’s a great fit.”

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