Adrian Clarke is looking at key tactical talking points ahead of Matchweek 10.
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A stern examination at leaders Liverpool will tell us how well, or otherwise, Tottenham Hotspur have recovered from two successive below-par Premier League performances.
A resounding 5-0 midweek success at home to Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League went some way towards restoring morale, but the pressure remains after poor displays against Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford.
Mauricio Pochettino needs to inspire a spirited display at Anfield.
Better with two up top
Spurs have started with five different formations across their opening nine Premier League fixtures, and a pattern has emerged.
In the four matches where Pochettino has used two strikers, his team have picked up 1.75 points per match, averaging 2.5 goals.
The use of Harry Kane up top as a lone striker has been less successful.
In the five fixtures where 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 was the initial shape, Spurs have picked up just one point per match, scoring one goal per 90 minutes.
Interestingly, in three of those fixtures Pochettino switched formations, either at half-time or early in the second half, pushing a second forward into the attack.
Each of those tactical changes prompted an improvement, particularly in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Watford.
Impact of formation changes
| NEW (H) | BHA (A) | WAT (H) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-half formation | 4-2-3-1 | 4-2-3-1 | 3-4-2-1 |
| First-half shots | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Second-half formation | 4-2-2-2 | 3-4-1-2 | 4-2-2-2 |
| Second-half shots | 14 | 6 | 8 |
Kane has excelled as the lone forward in previous seasons, but right now the team look more balanced and dangerous when he is partnered by the lively Son Heung-min.
The South Korean’s mobility and pace helps pull defenders out of position.
When Son has been deployed out wide, opponents have found it much easier to defend against Spurs, who have played too many passes in front of the opposing defence.
Issues in and out of possession
There is no single specific area where Spurs have struggled this season. It is more a case of standards dipping across the board.
The influence of their full-backs has waned, with Kieran Trippier’s consistent supply line a particular miss from the right flank.
Last season, Everton were the only club to deliver more accurate open-play crosses, but that source of supply has diminished this campaign.
Spurs' successful open-play crosses
| Season | Total | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 112 | 2nd |
| 2019/20 | 20 | 10th |
The team are not pressing with the same intensity either.
Renowned for turning over possession in advanced areas under Pochettino, there has been less energy put into closing opponents down.
Possession won in final third
| Season | Total | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 158 | 5th |
| 2019/20 | 28 | 15th |
This lower tempo has affected Spurs' ability to create transitions and clear-cut chances.
In the “big chances” category, they are the second worst-ranked side in the division this term, creating just one per match.
The opportunities they are manufacturing are predominantly half-chances.
According to Opta’s Expected Goals (xG) metric, Spurs’ 15 goals are more than their expected total of 10.2.
Big chances created
| Season | Total | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 64 | 7th |
| 2019/20 | 9 | 19th |
Spurs have been loose at the other end of the pitch too.
Experienced centre-backs Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have looked edgy and, with the closing down less intense in front of them, they have had to deal with more attacks.
Remarkably, Spurs are second only to Norwich City for the number of shots on target they have faced.
Shots on target faced
| Season | Total | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 160 | 13th |
| 2019/20 | 52 | 2nd |
To gain a positive result on Merseyside, all three of Spurs’ units must work harder to prevent efforts raining in on their goal.
If the recent trends continue, they are unlikely to keep a rampant Liverpool side at bay.
From a tactical perspective, it would make sense to use the 4-2-2-2 formation that has suited them best this season.
In that narrow shape, they could make life difficult for Liverpool’s midfield trio, screen service into their forwards and use Son in his best position up front.
Manchester United’s use of two split strikers forced Liverpool’s full-backs to be more cautious last Sunday, and if that happens again it will help Spurs' cause.
Also in this series
Part 1: Wood's aerial threat can bring Chelsea down to earth
Part 2: Southampton need to find clinical edge
Part 3: Saint-Maximin's talent vital for goal-shy Newcastles