‘We are aware’ – Tottenham star names plan to tackle worrying Nuno statistic

Matt Doherty TEAMtalk

Tottenham full-back Matt Doherty has insisted that his team-mates are “aware” that they need to score more goals as the season progresses.

Spurs enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, sitting top of the Premier League with a 100 per cent record. Indeed, they were the only team to pick up nine points from a possible nine after three games.

However, their season has hit a few stumbling blocks, including last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Furthermore, new signing Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Davinson Sanchez have spent the week in Croatia. They have been quarantining following travel to the international break.

On Thursday, meanwhile, more injury woe occurred. Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn encountered issues during the 2-2 Europa Conference League draw against Rennes.

Aside from the two goals against Rennes, Spurs won their opening three league games 1-0. Speaking to Football London, Republic of Ireland international Doherty admitted that his side know they need to score more goals.

“We are working on [the lack of creativity], we are aware we are lacking in chances and goals this season, we have only scored three league goals,” the full-back said.

“We are aware we need to keep the door shut at the back but then when we have the ball we need to start creating and having our ability we have going forward in the team.

“If we keep working on it and keep getting in the right positions things will change.”

Franck Kessie could solve Spurs midfield problem

Franck Kessie could solve Spurs midfield problem

Kessie could be available for a cut-price in January.

Nuno is under pressure to get Spurs back into a position to challenge for major silverware, following struggles under Jose Mourinho.

Despite the early bumps in the road, Doherty – who worked with Nuno at Wolves – saw first-hand the progression he inspired at Molineux.

Wolves reached the FA Cup semi-finals and the Europa League quarter-finals under the Portuguese, who got them promoted from the Championship. They also achieved two successive seventh-placed Premier League finishes.

Doherty backs Nuno at Tottenham

Tottenham manager Nuno Espírito Santo in Europa Conference League press conference

“He is only at the start of his reign, it takes time,” Doherty said.

“You see what he did at Wolves, it takes a few seasons to master it. I am not saying it is going to take that long here but with a bit of time and coaching and working on the training pitch, it won’t be long until he has us firing.

“He has changed a little bit from what I remember, he has always been a top-class coach but he has had to adapt, he has changed the way he wants to play which is the main thing, he has changed the formation but his principles are still the same.

“He still wants to win games and play nice football. That is the main thing, that’s his way of playing.”

Spurs return to action on Sunday when facing Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.


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