Tottenham Hotspur had a massive hold in the front line along the previous season where Ange Postecoglou didn’t replace Harry Kane and made do with an injury-prone Richarlison and a part-time striking option of Heung-Min Son.
However, coming into the brand new season, the Australian head coach wanted to ensure that last campaign woes weren’t repeated, and that compounded into Daniel Levy forking out a mammoth £65 million to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in the recently concluded summer.
Bringing in Solanke is expected to solve the goal-scoring problems as he brings the physical presence complemented by a clinical approach in the front line.
Solanke has endured a tough start to his season representing the Lilywhites, as he missed out on two games early into the new Premier League campaign.
John Wenham believes Dominic Solanke return could transform Tottenham’s derby performance
John Wenham, owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, believes that Spurs start to the season would have been different had the former Cherries striker been available.
The podcast owner goes on to acknowledge that Tottenham would need their marquee signing this weekend when the Lilywhites host Arsenal in the North London Derby.
Solanke suffered an ankle sprain, which has kept him out of the past two games; however, he has returned back to training, and Ange Postecoglou, in his pre-game press conference, suggested that Solanke is in line to be fit for the derby. And Wenham thinks that Spurs would need Solanke when they host Arsenal.
Tottenham’s striking solution?
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Wenham said:
“I genuinely think if Solanke had been playing, we would have a minimum of seven points on the board right now.
“Just having someone at that front post will be key in the game. I think Solanke can play that role, just as Harry Kane used to do. Arsenal scored twice against us from corners in this fixture last season, which was incredibly frustrating.
-> Tottenham’s 5 best PL opening day wins
“Therefore, if Tottenham can
defend corners well this weekend, that would put them in a good position to get a positive outcome from the match.
“As a result, I think Solanke starting is an absolute must, provided he is fit.”
Tottenham have struggled to replicate their start to the season from last time around, and they have picked only four points in the ongoing campaign.
They have seen chances, although converting those has been a problem for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Having Solanke should help the cause.
-> Tottenham Hotspur confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Do you think Ange will start Solanke against Arsenal tomorrow?
