Spurs’ blunt attacking display is in sharp contrast to their free-flowing start under Ange Postecoglou and Merson believes that key players must hold themselves responsible.
Last season was better than this season,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘They were mind-blowing. As a neutral, I do like watching Tottenham, I like Ange, they play entertaining football – but some of the big players need to step up.’
Merson earmarked Maddison as one name, in particular, who must improve. The 27-year-old has two assists and no goals so far this season and is yet to return to the same electric form seen before a lengthy ankle injury midway through last season.Merson though, remained positive about Postecoglou’s side and backed them to hit their attacking stride if they improve in one key area.
‘There’s not a lot wrong, but if you look at them and look at Newcastle, Tottenham have been playing better over the first three games – but Newcastle have more points than them. These are fine lines,’ he added.
‘If they get top four, that would be amazing. They will need Solanke to get 20 goals, and you only get 20 goals if the crossing improves.
Once again, a player who was struggling for form and was receiving unacceptable levels of criticism has gone on to prove his doubters wrong.
At just 23 years of age, Johnson is still a very young player, and people needed to be more patient with him, not to mention sticking by him as he rode out a difficult spell.
Johnson is now on fire and long may it continue. Hopefully he will go on to impress when Tottenham take on Brighton this weekend.