With the Premier League paused for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Adrian Clarke reflects on notable tactical changes in the season so far.
Here he looks at how Tottenham Hotspur are a team transformed this season.
Spurs
The appointment of Gianni Vio as Spurs' first ever specialist set-piece coach last summer has seen a tremendous impact across the opening part of 2022/23.
Vio is a renowned expert in this field and Antonio Conte's side have improved from dead-ball situations at both ends of the pitch.
Spurs set-pieces goals comparison
| 21/22 | PL rank | 22/23 | PL rank | |
| Goals scored | 9 | 14th | 10 | 1st |
| Goals conceded | 11 | 8th= | 2 | 3rd= |
| Goal difference | -2 | - | 8 | - |
Vio's vast knowledge of set-piece routines, coupled with his work on the training ground, has helped Spurs score 10 goals from corners and wide free-kicks so far this season.
That is two more than they managed in the entire 2021/22 campaign.
Davies scores v AFC Bournemouth
Ben at the back post 💪
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 31, 2022
🎬 @MonsterEnergy pic.twitter.com/PVOktaqwmJ
At the other end of the pitch, Vio has also tightened up their marking set-up. Conte's men have leaked just two set-piece goals since the campaign started.
One of Spurs' main problem areas from last season appears to have been fixed.
Also in this series
Part 1: Newcastle the press masters
Part 2: Arsenal bursting with creativity