Tottenham Hotspur have endured a disastrous start to the Premier League season, leaving Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers with little reason to consider their attacking assets. Despite a record-breaking summer transfer window that saw Spurs spend heavily on players such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have struggled to deliver results, sitting 19th in the league with just three points.
However, while their league position paints a grim picture, a closer look at Tottenham’s performances reveals a more complicated situation. Their problems are not necessarily down to a lack of attacking quality or tactical shortcomings. Instead, a worrying inability to convert chances into goals has become their biggest obstacle, making their midfielders and forwards risky FPL investments for now.
Why Tottenham’s Attacking Performances Are Better Than Results Suggest
Interestingly, Tottenham’s performances in open play under De Zerbi have been impressive in numerous games this season. Their attacking patterns, ability to create opportunities and overall approach suggest that the underlying problem is not necessarily tactical.
Rather, the biggest concern has been their inability to finish the chances they create. Spurs have struggled to turn promising attacking situations into goals, allowing missed opportunities to undermine otherwise encouraging performances.
This distinction is important. A team that cannot create chances presents a fundamental tactical problem, whereas a team that regularly creates opportunities but fails to convert them may eventually improve its results without making significant tactical changes.
However, that potential improvement does not automatically translate into immediate FPL returns. Fantasy managers need consistent attacking output, not simply encouraging passages of play or the promise of better performances in the future.
Tottenham’s Goal-Scoring Problem Could Be Psychological
One possible explanation for Tottenham’s struggles is a growing psychological barrier within the squad. Repeatedly missing chances can affect players’ confidence, creating a cycle in which every subsequent opportunity carries greater pressure.
As that pressure builds, even talented attackers can struggle to finish consistently. The issue can become self-reinforcing, with missed chances increasing anxiety and that anxiety making the next opportunity harder to convert.
If this is indeed the underlying problem, there may be no immediate tactical fix. Tottenham need to start scoring regularly across consecutive matches to rebuild confidence and restore belief within the squad.
De Zerbi’s players should eventually find the net, given the quality available and the promising elements of their open-play performances. The uncertainty is when that improvement will arrive and whether it will lead to sustained attacking returns.
Should FPL Managers Avoid Tottenham Midfielders and Strikers?
For now, avoiding Tottenham’s midfielders and forwards appears to be the sensible FPL strategy. Although an occasional goal or improved individual performance could tempt managers, isolated returns are not enough to establish that the team’s attacking problems have been resolved.
Until Spurs demonstrate that they can convert chances consistently across multiple matches, investing in their attacking assets carries considerable risk. FPL managers can use their budget on players from teams already demonstrating reliable goal-scoring form instead.
Tottenham could eventually become attractive again, particularly if their underlying performances begin producing consistent results. However, managers should wait for clear evidence of improvement rather than attempting to predict when their attacking players will rediscover their confidence.
The verdict: Avoid Tottenham’s midfielders and strikers for the time being. Their attacking potential may be better than their league position suggests, but until the goals start flowing consistently, there are safer and more reliable FPL options available.