Match Report: Tottenham 2-2 Wolves – 2024 ends in familiar fashion for Ange

Match Report: Another late equaliser bites Tottenham as Wolves snatch a point that finishes the year in a rather familiar pattern for Ange Postecoglou and co.

The curtain falls on 2024 for Tottenham Hotspur with a frustrating 2-2 draw against Wolves, a result that very well represents the struggles of a turbulent year. Despite taking the lead before half-time, Spurs surrendered yet another winning position, leaving fans shaking their heads in disbelief.

First Half Match Report: Tottenham 2-1 Wolves

Tottenham started sluggishly, conceding within seven minutes to a brilliantly worked set-piece routine by Wolves. Ait-Nouri laid the ball off to Hwang Hee-Chan, who curled a stunning effort past Fraser Forster. A goal that screamed “straight off the training ground.”

But the hosts responded quickly. Rodrigo Bentancur, who has barely featured this month, rose highest to nod Pedro Porro’s corner into the back of the net. A textbook header and a much-needed confidence booster for the Uruguayan midfielder.

Spurs had an opportunity to take the lead when a clumsy foul by Andre on Brennan Johnson resulted in a penalty. Up stepped Sonny, who looked anything but confident, and his tame effort was easily saved by Jose Sa.

Despite this setback, Spurs went into the break ahead, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s composed finish, assisted by Spurs’ creative heartbeat, Kulusevski, who danced past Wolves’ defenders to create the chance.

Second Half Match Report: Tottenham 2-2 Wolves

The second half saw Wolves take control, enjoying 52% possession and dominating Spurs statistically. Tottenham looked uncharacteristically cautious, sitting deep and relying on counter-attacks rather than building sustained pressure. This shift in approach ultimately backfired.

Wolves levelled late on through substitute Strand Larsen, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net after Ait-Nouri’s clever assist. Ait-Nouri tormented Porro throughout, with Wolves’ heat map confirming their relentless attacks down Tottenham’s right flank. Spurs, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot on target in the second half, squandering two big opportunities that could have sealed a comfortable victory.

Key Talking Points

• A Familiar Tale of Woes
  Spurs have now gone five home league matches without a win—their worst run at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since 2008. This was also the 15th time in 2024 that Spurs conceded the opening goal at home, a Premier League record. Holding onto leads has become a nightmare, no matter the margin.
• Leads Mean Nothing
  Tottenham are rapidly becoming the league’s specialists in letting leads slip. This marks the 15th time they’ve gone behind in a home game in a single calendar year – a Premier League record. Even three-goal cushions seem unsafe with this side.
• Injury Crisis Deepens
  Radu Dragusin started despite not being fully fit, and Destiny Udogie added to Spurs’ defensive woes with a suspected hamstring injury. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended for the Newcastle game after picking up his fifth yellow card. The January transfer window can’t come soon enough, with Ange Postecoglou admitting his players are being pushed to their physical limits.
• Solanke Shines
  While not on the scoresheet, Dominic Solanke quietly impressed on his 150th Premier League appearance. Energetic, unselfish, and always involved, he showed why he’s a valuable asset for his team. Worth noting that he’s played 3 entire games this week.
• Penalty problems
  Son’s missed penalty was a perfect example of Tottenham’s wastefulness, and it proved to be costly. It might be time for a new taker – Solanke, perhaps?

Final whistle: A year to forget for Tottenham

Spurs end 2024 stuck in 11th place with 24 points from 19 games. While injuries have undoubtedly played a part in their struggles, there’s no hiding from the fact that this has been one of the club’s most disappointing years in recent memory.

The match exemplified Spurs’ 2024 struggles—plenty of potential but little end product. The year ends with more questions than answers, leaving fans hoping for a brighter 2025—one with reinforcements, fewer injuries, and, dare we say, a trophy or two.

Tottenham will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Newcastle on January 4th. For now, 2024 ends with yet another tale of “what could have been.”

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