Timo Werner (left) had failed to score in Tottenham's five previous Premier League games before Saturday's goal. Photo: Getty Images/Sebastian Frey
Timo Werner will likely always be swimming against the English tide, his previous ill-fated performance at Stamford Bridge having an almost exclusively negative tide. After all, Chelsea signed the German for £47.5 million in 2020, only to return him to his sender — for almost half the price — two seasons and just 23 goals later.
So when Tottenham brought Werner back to London in January, at least temporarily, from RB Leipzig, some eyebrows were raised. There was even gentle ridicule.
However, by scoring the equalizer in another Spurs victory from behind, Werner took the first step towards changing public opinion. If he shines, if his team returns to the Champions League when the season ends, acquiring Werner will prove to be a smart business. His stay may even become permanent.
Werner will leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night with a feeling of relief. He ran tirelessly, always eager to dance around his defender. He scored his first goal for Tottenham with a simple goal. Johnson did the hard work and Werner simply fired home from the edge of the six-yard box. But Werner's move was smart: he stepped back for a split second to get out of Daniel Munoz's sight. Making space — both for yourself and for others — is what Werner does best.
This prevented what could have quickly become a mass gathering on social media. Why? Because with the game scoreless, Werner lost ground in the first half. Son Heung-min quickly moved forward with his left foot and Werner's first touch was exquisite. He'll never be caught in the 50-yard dash, so the only lingering question is whether he can finish.
There are some strikers whose fans don't want to see the time and space to think about how to apply a scoring touch: Werner is among them. His attempt to pass Sam Johnston failed. His teammates ruffled his hair in support, and smaller players may have succumbed. Werner did not do this, and this speaks volumes about his character. “He was a constant threat for them,” Ange Postecoglou said afterwards.
“I understand attacking players that goals make them feel better, a little more confident, so it takes the pressure off a little bit. Overall, I think he was very aggressive and continued to attack the defender.
“Other than the missed chance, I thought his overall performance was really good. Purpose always helps these things. We were pleased. It was a big moment in the game and it was great for him to score.”
Prior to Werner's intervention, Spurs were trailing to Eberechi Eze's 59th-minute free kick. As time went on, the old school «smash and grab» approach became likely. Oliver Glasner organized Palace to contain them.
What was a back three with an attacking back three against Burnley last week full-backs has now become a back five, as flat as a soda bottle left uncovered in a cupboard. In front of them, Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma took space away from Spurs. Postecoglou's playmakers had few, if any, spots.
The turning point was Werner's equalizer. Three minutes later the match was turned upside down as Christian Romero headed home James Maddison, sparking wild celebrations. Even Richarlison, absent with a knee injury, raced down the touchline to join in the joyful scene.
As Palace leveled, the space opened up. When Son took the lead with two minutes left, there was no doubt about the outcome. 3-1. Game over.
Son Heung-min sealed Tottenham's victory with his first club goal of 2024. Photo: PA/Andrew Matthews
However, it is unfair to compare Son and Werner. The first is a truly world-class forward, a once-in-a-generation player. Werner is a very good footballer who can play an important role in something bigger than himself. This should be remembered.
Werner's first spell in England came at the end of a season in which he had scored 34 goals, and it became clear that such comebacks were the exception and not the rule. This will not be news for Tottenham. Werner has been offered a role not unlike the last former Chelsea striker they signed on loan in 2010. Eidur Gudjohnsen then helped Tottenham realize their top-four dream. If Werner can do the same, he will more than prove his worth.
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