Tottenham: Vincent Janssen must lead way against Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur clash with Manchester City on Sunday and Mauricio Pochettino needs Vincent Janssen to lead the way at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur sit in second place in the Premier League standings. On Sunday, they can move to within a point of leaders Manchester City if they can beat Pep Guardiola’s team. To do so, Spurs will need a performance – and likely a goal – out of striker Vincent Janssen.

Janssen is yet to get going at Spurs since joining in the summer and is still awaiting his first Premier League goal. The injury to Harry Kane hasn’t helped things. Kane is out with an ankle injury and all that has done now is pile more pressure on Janssen.

Luckily, Son Heung-min has emerged from the shadows to step into the spotlight with four goals in three games. But Mauricio Pochettino will know that he can only rely on the South Korean wide man for goals for so long.

MUST READ: Antonio Conte right to axe these five players in January?

Eventually, Janssen has to start firing and it needs to start on Sunday. Tottenham have a real chance to make a statement against City at home. City have been lauded to the rooftops for their impressive start to the season, and that will only make Spurs look even better were they to beat them.

Tottenham match up well, too. In particular, they have the right players to press City high up the pitch and make life difficult for the visitors. Tottenham are one of the best pressing teams in the league.

More from The Top Flight

The likes of Son, Moussa Sissoko, Erik Lamela, Dele Alli and Janssen all work hard, and most are agile and quick. You know Guardiola’s team are going to take risks with the likes of Claudio Bravo and John Stones at the back. Spurs can take advantage of that if they do it right.

Janssen will be the trigger for that. It should be an uncomfortable day for City. However, somebody does have to put the ball in the net for you to win games as well. That responsibility will fall on Janssen, despite his stuttering form.

Against lesser teams than City, you get away with it. Relying on others and hoping your striker can find his stride. But now Spurs need the Dutchman to perform in every aspect. The time is now.

Janssen has worked hard this season. That’s a given for him. His link-up play is tidy as well, and he never stops trying. He just needs a goal, that’s all. A goal to break the tension and get some momentum and confidence going.

Next: Tottenham vs. Manchester City: Combined XI

After that, everything will come naturally. The tension will subside and it’ll be a weight off the Spurs striker’s shoulders. City provide a great chance for Janssen to do just that. A great stage to do it on, too.

It’s just up to Janssen now. Pochettino and Spurs need him.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur