What AVB should pick up from the timely reality check

There were once the Invincibles in North London and the Special One in Chelsea, who were so accomplished to not even falter for once in the league title marathon race. With the Premier League getting more popular, the competition could only get fiercer. A dip in form is almost unavoidable. It is the timing that matters the most.

Tottenham have missed out on Champions League by millimetres in the past two seasons. Short of consistency was the key to their dismay. It is the painful experience that makes a young side like Tottenham to grow exponentially. Appeared to have spent wisely and significantly strengthened the squad this season, the humiliating defeat to West Ham could be a timely reality check for Tottenham, in particular for Andre Villas-Boas.

The headache of having options in hand

Going for the right option

It is equally challenging whether you are under or over-resourced. AVB might not have many options to choose from in his debut season at White Hart Lane. Yet with all the new players recruited from the funds of selling Gareth Bale, it will now be down to him to pick the right men in the right occasion.

The most debatable area is the striker position. Jermain Defoe is not a natural lone striker, but his terrific form in cup matches gives AVB a huge dilemma. Unfortunately, the decision to drop Roberto Soldado, who started every league game before playing West Ham, was not rewarded. Defoe hardly got a touch of the ball with James Tomkins and Winston Reid in top-notch form. As Tottenham lacked width in attack, West Ham could easily crowd the midfield to prevent Defoe drop deeper as a trequartista. Defoe worked his socks off throughout the afternoon but never found the comfort zone.

It takes courage to make a change of this significance when the formation seems to work pretty well. AVB is desperate to get the team scoring freely before it is too late. Until then, his selection of striker(s) will continue to be in the limelight.

Respond to the change

There is expectation on AVB with his history as Jose Mourinho's assistant and the successful run with Porto. However, comparing to Mourinho, AVB's ability to make game-changing substitutions and counteract opponents' tactical change is something he still needs to work on.

Mourinho brought on Juan Mata after half-time at White Hart Lane and completely shifted the momentum of the match. AVB decided not to make a passive move by leaving Sandro on the bench, but only saw his side's brilliant first half fade away as Mata took control of the midfield.

Morrison wrapped up the miserable afternoon for Spurs

Facing Big Sam's West Ham who was coming for a point, Christian Eriksen failed to find his feet among the physical West Ham defence. Kyle Walker, who just passed the fitness test to start the game, and Kyle Naughton could not provide the width Tottenham desperately needed. The lack of presence in the box only made Tomkins and Reid’s afternoon easier. However, the anticipated tactical change did not come until they conceded.

Making gambling attempts to take initiative doesn’t seem to be AVB's preference. At the top level of football, though, one has to take risks to gain the high ground, and it is this mentality that differentiate good teams and top teams.

They need a leader

This has become increasingly crucial to Tottenham, when seeing John Terry of Chelsea, Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, though all may no longer be physically at the peak but were able to provide the comfort factor when their teams need it the most. For two consecutive Sundays, Tottenham could not find their man to stop the bleeding.

Michael Dawson should be the most capable leader in this young side but has to be more assertive when in crisis. Having dominated for most of the match, Winston Reid's goal killed their momentum away and Tottenham just could not find their way back. Dawson had even clumsily allowed Ravel Morrison to seal the deal for West Ham. 

When there is nothing more than yelling at the sideline a manager could do, a natural leader in the field is unarguably invaluable. Tottenham could not afford to give away too many grounds if they want to be in the top four. A stability and leadership provider is what they miss.