Tottenham's Attack Falters: Are They Too Reliant on Son?

Tottenham Hotspur FC is grappling with a severe offensive slump in the Premier League (PL). Their 0-1 home defeat against Chelsea on November 2, 2025 (KST) starkly highlighted their attacking woes. Notably, their expected goals (xG) for the match was a mere 0.05, one of the lowest figures ever recorded in the Premier League, raising serious concerns among fans.

Tottenham lost 0-1 to Chelsea in the 10th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on November 2nd. Despite being a home game, they failed to score, exposing a significant problem with their attacking capabilities. They struggled to penetrate the Chelsea defense.

Tottenham managed only three shots in total during the game. They struggled to threaten Chelsea's goal, facing difficulties in developing their attack. The forwards were stifled by Chelsea's defense, failing to create any meaningful opportunities. They were outmatched by Chelsea in overall game management, leading to their defeat.

According to the sports data provider 'Opta', Tottenham's expected goals (xG) against Chelsea was 0.05. This is the lowest xG value recorded in the Premier League since the 2012-13 season. Expected goals represent the number of goals a team is expected to score in a particular match. This serves as an objective indicator of Tottenham's current attacking level.

Tottenham's attacking struggles are further highlighted when contrasted with Son Heung-min's performance. After moving to LAFC, Son has showcased his outstanding scoring ability with 9 goals and 3 assists in 10 games. This underscores the significant impact his presence had on the team's attack when he was at Tottenham. It indirectly illustrates the considerable blow Son's absence has dealt to the Tottenham attack.

Japan's 'Soccer Digest' reported on October 29th that Tottenham's official shop has experienced a decline in sales following Son Heung-min's transfer. This suggests that Son's transfer is also affecting the team's financial aspects. This is an indirect indication of the impact his absence is having on the team. Son's departure appears to be affecting not only performance on the pitch but also the club's revenue.

Some football fans suggest that Tottenham's decline in attacking power stems from an over-reliance on Son Heung-min. The forwards repeatedly fail to find scoring opportunities in Son's absence. The tactic of relying on Son's exceptional individual skills is, in their view, a factor weakening the overall team attack when he is unavailable.

Indeed, Tottenham has often struggled to find breakthroughs in attack when Son has been absent due to injury or other reasons. The other attacking players have failed to fill Son's void, leading to a sharp decline in attacking prowess. The lack of suitable replacements for Son remains a long-standing challenge for Tottenham.

Analysts are suggesting that Tottenham needs tactical changes in attack and to acquire new attacking resources. Finding ways to improve the team's overall attacking power appears to be an urgent priority. Opinions are coalescing around the need for diversification of attacking tactics and a generational shift in the forward line.

Tottenham needs to secure diversity in its attacking options and increase tactical flexibility. They could strengthen their attack through the development of young attacking talents and external acquisitions. There is a growing call for strengthening the competitiveness of the attack through discovering promising players and signing players who can immediately contribute.

Tottenham needs to reorganize the team's overall tactics and reinforce the squad to strengthen its attacking power. A change in the forward line is unavoidable if they are to regain competitiveness in the Premier League. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will need to revitalize the team's atmosphere through an overhaul of the attack.

Tottenham's winter transfer market strategy for reinforcing their attack is drawing attention. Acquiring proven attackers will likely require significant funds.