Dominic Solanke’s absence loomed large for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham Hotspur struggled to a 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday, a result that underscored the void left by their striker and highlighted deeper concerns for Spurs’ recent form.
The 27-year-old forward, who had traveled with the team to Craven Cottage ahead of their Premier League clash on December 1, was sent home due to an illness, leaving the versatile Son Heung-min to take up the central striker role. Although Brennan Johnson managed to break the deadlock in the 54th minute, giving Tottenham a brief lead, Tom Cairney’s equalizer just 13 minutes later saw the match end in a frustrating stalemate.
Missing Solanke’s Edge
Tottenham’s struggles were evident not only on the scoreboard but also in the underlying numbers. Fulham’s xG (expected goals) of 1.58 dwarfed Tottenham’s meager 0.78, a statistic that painted a clear picture of Spurs’ inability to create high-quality chances in Solanke’s absence. The forward’s ability to hold up play, bring teammates into the game, and create scoring opportunities is central to Postecoglou’s system, and his absence left Tottenham looking uncharacteristically blunt in attack.
In his post-match comments, Postecoglou acknowledged the impact of Solanke’s illness but offered a glimmer of hope for his recovery. “Dom [Solanke] is due to train today, so he is still not 100 percent, but he has definitely improved from the weekend,” he told reporters, as quoted by The Athletic. Despite this update, uncertainty lingers over whether the striker will be fit for Tottenham’s upcoming clash with Bournemouth, a game that takes on added importance following consecutive draws against AS Roma in the Europa League and Fulham in the Premier League.
Solanke’s Irreplaceable Contributions
While Solanke’s goal tally this season may not jump off the page—four goals and two assists in the league—his all-around contributions to Tottenham’s attacking play are invaluable. Against Manchester City in November, during a commanding 4-0 victory, Solanke didn’t find the back of the net but still played a pivotal role. He registered a 100 percent shot accuracy, provided an assist, engaged in nine ground duels, and created two big chances, showcasing his ability to influence the game beyond goals.
His standout performance of the season came in the 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa, where he netted twice with a 75 percent shot accuracy, competed in 10 ground and aerial duels, and even made a defensive contribution by winning a tackle. According to FotMob data, such displays underline Solanke’s value as a multi-dimensional forward capable of adapting to various match scenarios.
Further analytics from FBref show that Solanke ranks in the top 86th percentile for successful take-ons and the top 70th percentile for progressive carries among forwards, emphasizing his importance in advancing play and breaking down opposition defenses. His absence disrupts not just Tottenham’s attacking flow but also their ability to maintain sustained pressure in the final third.
A Growing Concern for Postecoglou
For Postecoglou, the timing of Solanke’s absence couldn’t be worse. Tottenham’s momentum has stalled after a blistering start to the season, and back-to-back draws have raised questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge. The Australian manager, known for his attacking philosophy, will be desperate to have his star forward back on the pitch to restore Spurs’ rhythm.
While Tottenham fans eagerly await Solanke’s return, Postecoglou must navigate this challenging period by finding ways to adapt. The reliance on Son Heung-min, who has admirably stepped up as a central striker, highlights the need for additional attacking depth in the squad.
Spurs Fans and Richard Keys’ Controversy
Amidst the on-pitch struggles, Tottenham fans have also been embroiled in controversy off the field. Pundit Richard Keys recently responded to fan criticisms surrounding his comments about Postecoglou, reigniting debates over the Australian manager’s future. Despite these distractions, Tottenham’s immediate focus must remain on addressing their attacking inefficiencies and ensuring Solanke’s speedy recovery.
As the fixtures pile up, Tottenham’s aspirations for domestic and European success may hinge on Solanke’s fitness. For now, Spurs will have to rely on collective resilience to navigate this challenging period without their indispensable striker.
