Werner answering critics after opening Spurs account

Timo Werner looked like a relieved man after scoring his first Tottenham goal against Crystal Palace last weekend.

The forward, signed on loan from RB Leipzig in January, has had a difficult few years — starting with his big-money move to Chelsea in 2020.

Fresh from a season-best tally of 28 strikes in 34 Bundesliga matches, the goals stopped flowing for a player visibly lacking in confidence and self-belief.

Ahead of Spurs' clash with Aston Villa, we consider whether Werner, 28, could finally rediscover his best form in North London.

Weight lifted

Werner took six Premier League games to open his account for Spurs, scoring from close range in the 3-1 home victory over Palace.

He had twice been denied by Sam Johnstone earlier in the match, with his ability to convert chances seemingly deserting him.

There was already a sense that Spurs fans were beginning to grow frustrated with the German — but he quietened his critics by finishing coolly from Brennan Johnson's cross.

Werner now has three goal contributions in six top-flight outings under Ange Postecoglou's leadership, previously recording assists against Manchester United and Brentford.

That is a decent return for a player signed in January primarily as a stand-in for Heung-Min Son, who has since returned from the Asian Cup.

Werner has slightly underperformed his xG of 1.63 and his post-shot xG of 0.86 suggests his finishing remains erratic — but there are signs, at least, of some renewed confidence.

Ange approval

Werner should benefit from working with Ange, a coach whose attacking principles benefit forwards more than anyone else.

After the Palace win, the Spurs boss said: "I understand that with attacking players, goals make them feel better and make them more confident.

"I guess it relieves the pressure on them a little bit but just in general I thought he [Werner] was really aggressive with his running.

"He kept taking on the full-back and I thought apart from the missed chance his general play was really good.

"A goal always helps, it was pleasing for us and it was an important time in the game. It was great for him to score."

With the backing of his manager, Werner will be hoping to build on his opening goal.

Team player

Postecoglou is also likely to be pleased with Werner's contribution off the ball.

Prior to this matchday, the loanee ranked first in the Premier League for possessions won in the attacking third per 90 minutes (1.72).

His unrelenting energy and ability to constantly buzz around opposition defenders are useful tools for any attacker.

The Stuttgart native also ranked fourth in the division for shots from counter-attacks per 90 (0.43), highlighting his ability to act as a focal point when looking to hurt teams on the break.

If he can add more goals between now and the end of the season, Werner could play an important role as Spurs look to finish in the top four.