Tottenham’s attacking problems have once again raised questions about whether the club made the right decisions during the summer transfer window.
Spurs are currently struggling for goals under Roberto De Zerbi, and the international break has given the manager valuable time to work with the players who remained at Hotspur Way. After five Premier League matches, Tottenham are at the bottom of the table and face difficult fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea in October. (Hotspur HQ)
One of the biggest concerns is the lack of a dependable goalscorer. With Richarlison no longer part of the picture, Tottenham are relying heavily on Dominic Solanke and new signing Omar Marmoush to provide goals.
The article argues that Marmoush could eventually prove successful at Spurs, but his best position is difficult to define. He is not a traditional target-man striker and is also not naturally a wide player. Because of that, De Zerbi must find the right way to use him.
The writer believes Tottenham may have needed a more traditional centre-forward instead.
Nicolas Jackson enters the discussion
Nicolas Jackson was reportedly linked with Tottenham during the summer, although those links were not particularly strong. His possible arrival would have divided supporters, especially because he was coming from Chelsea.
Jackson has often been criticised for his finishing, despite being difficult for defenders to handle. However, he scored 24 Premier League goals across his first two seasons and spent the previous campaign on loan at Bayern Munich, where he played alongside Harry Kane.
In Tottenham’s recent match against Aston Villa, Jackson produced an impressive finish that highlighted the difference between the two attacking options. His performance also exposed problems in Tottenham’s defending, particularly involving Jan Paul van Hecke as Villa’s attack became more dangerous in transition. (Hotspur HQ)
The article’s central argument is that Jackson offers more than just goals. His movement, physicality, ability to combine with teammates and willingness to attack space make him a difficult striker to defend against.
The writer therefore suggests that Tottenham may have benefited from signing Jackson if the club’s priority was to add a genuine No. 9.
At the same time, the article is not dismissive of Marmoush. Tottenham signed the Egyptian forward from Manchester City on a season-long loan with an obligation to make the move permanent next summer, and the club expects his pace, attacking ability and goal threat to improve the team’s attack. (Tottenham Hotspur)
Ultimately, the comparison with Jackson is presented as another reminder of Tottenham’s need for greater attacking efficiency, rather than a claim that Marmoush cannot succeed at Spurs.
