Set-Piece Troubles Persist as Spurs Fall to
Bayern Munich in Pre-Season
Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season clash against
Bayern Munich offered a familiar narrative as set-piece vulnerabilities, which have haunted Spurs in recent seasons, reappeared during their 3-2 defeat. While pre-season results are often inconsequential, the encounter highlighted areas of concern for manager Ange Postecoglou, despite the absence of several first-choice defenders.
Early Promise and Swift Response
Spurs began the match in electrifying fashion, with Dejan Kulusevski netting within 30 seconds of kick-off. The Swedish international launched a swift counter-attack, linking up with Brennan Johnson. Although Johnson’s return pass wasn’t perfect, a fortunate deflection saw the ball fall kindly back to Kulusevski, who calmly slotted it past Bayern’s Manuel Neuer. The early strike ignited hopes of a strong showing from the North London side. Heung-min Son and Yves Bissouma both made promising runs into Bayern’s box, threatening to double Spurs’ lead. However, despite their aggressive start, Tottenham could not capitalise further, allowing
Bayern to regroup.
Set-Piece Struggles Resurface
Bayern Munich, shaken but not deterred by the early setback, quickly found their rhythm. Within 15 minutes, Dayot Upamecano equalised after Guglielmo Vicario, Spurs’ goalkeeper, parried Mathys Tel’s header back into danger. The goal stemmed from a free-kick, an all-too-familiar source of vulnerability for Tottenham.
Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry then took advantage of lax defending to give Bayern the lead. Moments later, Thomas Müller exposed Tottenham’s set-piece frailties once more, heading in a third goal from another free-kick delivery. The German giants’ quick-fire goals left Spurs trailing and highlighted the persistent issue of defending set-pieces.
Second-Half Changes and Kane’s Return
The second half saw numerous substitutions and an increase in tempo from both sides. Tottenham sought to regain control, and it was Kulusevski again who provided a moment of quality, finishing coolly after a clever pass from Lucas Bergvall.
Bayern , however, maintained their lead, leaving
Spurs to reflect on a second consecutive pre-season defeat.
Harry Kane’s return to Tottenham added an emotional layer to the match. Now wearing Bayern colours, Kane received a warm reception from the
Spurs faithful, with Ledley King presenting him and Eric Dier with commemorative gifts before the match. Kane, who came on as a substitute, nearly scored against his former club but was ultimately kept off the score sheet.
