Tottenham Hotspur – Bournemouth: Iraola’s Press Puts A Puncture On Tottenham Tyres (0-1)

After five goals, two wins and zero goals conceded, Tottenham Hotspur had momentum, but Bournemouth soon changed the story of the afternoon. With their trademark pressing structure and direct attacks constantly cutting through, they should have made this a more humiliating result. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

The frame of reference of Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola’s tactical identity lies in their out-of-possession work for different reasons, but will this change in the new season?

Although Spurs have turned victories at the Etihad into a routine, it still shows as an impressive result with wide direct play and situational high pressing key to Frank’s formula. On top of this, Spurs kept their intensity to keep City quiet in the second period: not sitting back and inviting pressure like previous José or Conte. With a team that anticipates more of the ball than Brentford, Frank’s organisation of how quickly he can create a turnover will be a crucial factor in his success as Spurs boss. Xavi Simons will be expected to fit this mould.

Iraola’s hybrid pressing has gained a lot of fans, including those high up at Tottenham at one point. The effectiveness of this press is expected to take a hit, as the defensive line has been stripped by PSG, Real Madrid and Liverpool. A long-term injury to Ryan Christie had been a contributing factor too, although the Scotsman has featured against . . .