Lacklustre Tottenham Outthought and Outfought in Premier League Loss at Stoke

Pride still seems to mean something to Stoke City. A relegation battle has again been avoided and European qualification is impossible, but the task of recording a strong, Premier League-best finish to their season is still inspiring them.

In comparison, Tottenham Hotspur—3-0 losers against the Potters on Saturday—appear about ready for their summer holidays. Neither the still existing mathematical possibility of Champions League qualification (now gone) nor cementing a Europa League place could inspire them at the Britannia Stadium.

Decidedly lacklustre, Mauricio Pochettino's men were outthought and, most especially and dishearteningly, outfought by Mark Hughes persistent, energetic side. Charlie Adam, Steven Nzonzi and Mame Biram Diouf's goals were well-taken but aided by mistake-ridden defensive resistance bordering on capitulation.

Similar to Tottenham's 2-1 loss to Stoke last November, defensive changes from Pochettino did not work out. Back then, it was Federico Fazio replacing Jan Vertonghen. This time, Danny Rose's slight groin problem—confirmed pre-match by Spurs' official Twitter account—meant the Belgian moved out to left-back, and Vlad Chiriches covered him at centre-back.

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In hindsight, Pochettino may wish he had taken a risk on Rose, such were the consequences of the subsequent upheaval. As they were in the previous meeting with Stoke—and have been so many times throughout the campaign—Spurs were tentative, disorganised and unfocused.

Then again, even Rose's presence would not have stopped Eric Dier being tortured so mercilessly by Marko Arnautovic. Adam and Diouf benefited from lax marking for their goals, something of a Tottenham trademark these days, while Nzonzi capitalised on Dier and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' failure to communicate.

Chiriches' sending off resulted from his misjudging the intentions of Diouf and Jonathan Walters down Stoke's right.

As big an indictment of the way their season is petering out—the odd performance and moment, such as last week's better effort against Manchester City, aside—was Spurs' tepid offerings going forward.

As Pochettino noted, his team did show some spirit after Chiriches' red card. Harry Kane worked the channels and flanks, fighting for almost every scrap and winning a few free-kicks for his efforts, as well as giving one away. Christian Eriksen tried to get something going for his striker, instigating moves that could have caused Stoke problems.

Still, the Lilywhites' head coach is also right to wonder why it took a desperate situation to create a sense of spirit.

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Stoke undoubtedly made things difficult for Spurs as they tried to enter the final third. When Eriksen and his midfield cohorts managed to squeeze past the restrictive and disciplined protection of Adam, Nzonzi and Glenn Whelan, they were swiftly swept by the Ryan Shawcross-led defence. Behind them, goalkeeper Jack Butland was ready when called upon.

Collectively, though, Tottenham showed little real desire to hurt them in the opening hour. More often ponderous than patient, movement was minimal, and their supplying passes and room-creating runs lacked crispness and daring.

Altogether, Spurs played like a team in a holding pattern. Not too concerned about seeing the season out on a high note, few players looked bothered about fighting for their places for next season, either.

They might be taking some cues from their boss here.

Pochettino said all the right things about finishing 2014-15 well, per ESPN FC:

"

To be involved in the different competitions, Champions League or Europa League, would be good for Tottenham. We want to win the next game, then the next one. This is our objective. There is no need to explain too much.

"

But the Argentinian was again slow to make substitutions during another performance in which his team were clearly not playing well. In the five draws and losses from their six matches since the international break, only two changes have been made prior to the hour mark.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

One of them was forced—Kyle Walker getting injured at Burnley—and the other—Roberto Soldado's 59th minute introduction against Manchester City—was just about pointless. The Spaniard was again thrown on up front against Stoke, and he again did virtually nothing to get his team back into it.

Surely the experience for January arrival DeAndre Yedlin or a run-out for the gutsy Benjamin Stambouli would have served more purpose.

Coupled with Pochettino's disinclination to try anything new with his 4-2-3-1 formation, which has grown predictable, he appears to have accepted his lot with the squad as it currently stands. His pained reaction on the sidelines shows the bad results are hurting, sure. However, his actions—or lack thereof—suggest he does not believe sixth-placed Tottenham can get anything truly worthwhile from the remainder of this campaign.

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