Spurs approached the game with a typical José Mourinho strategy as they sought to defend in a low block and hit Liverpool on the counterattack. Liverpool were able to create a few good chances though, and finally got the breakthrough just before half-time. Spurs’ change of attitude in the second half was not enough to […]

Frank Lampard’s switch to a 3-4-3 system turned out well for Chelsea as they largely outplayed Spurs in all aspects of the game. Spurs struggled to build through midfield and were – not for the first time under Mourinho – reliant on direct means to move the ball forwards, while Chelsea found ball circulation relatively […]

Seeing a José Mourinho side, especially one of recent times, concede possession and space, as well as chances, has not become too unfamiliar. It was bordering on being the case here, too. Wolves were the most inventive of the two sides, but were ultimately architects of their own downfall. Tactical analysis by Peter M. Without […]

A strong individual performance from Marcus Rashford was arguably the highlight in a game wherein Spurs were firmly unspectacular in their performance. They struggled to construct attacks against the narrow pressing of United and their defensive scheme at times was quite uncompact, which allowed United to quickly move the ball forward.  Tactical analysis and match […]

Without seeing his team play brilliant football, José Mourinho got what he was looking for in his first match as Tottenham Hotspur manager: three points. Dissecting a narrow win, Spurs’ 3-2-4-1 buildup system, and some atrocious defending by West Ham.  Tactical analysis and match report by Erik Elias.  It can be hard to judge the […]

In a game between two of the most struggling Premier League sides, it was perhaps unsurprising that neither team was particularly impressive in any aspect of the game. Spurs’ possession structure was able to disrupt Everton’s defensive organisation somewhat in the first half, albeit without being clinical in the final third. Eventually Dele Alli was […]

A very early goal from Harry Kane invited Spurs to try and shut up shop early on and defend deep against Liverpool. Spurs’ defending became perhaps too passive though, as Liverpool were able to dictate possession and constantly switch the play with little pressure. Eventually Liverpool’s dominance paid off, as Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah […]

Tottenham started the game playing brilliant football but lost the initiative when they rolled back their press. Bayern capitalized on this thanks to the brilliance of Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski rather than through particularly great collective play. Tactical analysis and match report by Om Arvind. Much of what was said about Tottenham only a […]

Pochettino needs time in an environment where time is a luxury.

Manchester City were held to a draw against Tottenham Hotspur, despite being the far better side. City dominated the game for large stretches as Spurs struggled to deal with their dangerous wing attacks. Spurs, on their turn, could rarely break through City’s pressing when they had the ball. Despite this, a long range strike from […]