Tag Archives: Pochettino

Why has it taken so long for Spurs attack to hit their stride?

Pochettino’s defence has been solid all season. Spurs have conceded a league low 14 goals; of the rest only Chelsea are below 20.

Going forward it’s not been as simple. Much like last season Spurs have struggled to break teams down in the early part of the campaign. And just like last time around, they’ve started to hit their stride mid-season. Spurs only scored 15 in their first 11 Premier League games, then 28 in the next 10.

So why is that?

  • Injuries to key players

The most obvious answer is the effect injuries have had on the squad. Last campaign Pochettino was very lucky, with the spine of the team available most weeks. That luck couldn’t hold forever and this season has seen long layoffs to several first team regulars – most notably Kane and Alderweireld.

The defence is more about a system, so it is easier to plug in new players, the attack is more about individuals and chemistry.

  • No European distractions

Our tendency to struggle in league games after midweek European trips is well documented, as is the boost teams get when they don’t have European football; see Chelsea and Liverpool this year. Our upturn in form has coincided with our exit from the Champions League. It’s not just less tiredness, it’s also the extra time on the training ground and the ability to focus.

  • A loss of form for some of our best performers

Last season so many of our players had stand out seasons. The anti-climax during the run in, plus a disappointing and tiring Euro’s for our England contingent, was always likely to leave its mark. Dembele and Eriksen have been notably below par and the Dane’s resurgence has been a key factor in our recent run.

  • A change of formation

Of late Pochettino has moved to three at the back and that has freed our most potent attacking threat, our fullbacks. They have provided the pace and width missing in the early part of the season, opening up space in the centre for Ali, Eriksen and Kane. Rose and Walker are possibly the best in the league, while Trippier and Davies have proved able deputies.

  • The nature of our attack

By it’s very nature Pochettino’s system relies on everyone being in sync. If one or two of our players are a little off the pace or not on the same wavelength it doesn’t work. The chemistry that sees Eriksen find Ali with a subtle flick, or Ali chip the ball to an onrushing Kane, takes time to get right. It’s operates on much finer margins than the defence.

  • Confidence

Even a casual 5-a-side player knows how important confidence is. One or two bad results and heads go down, the crowd gets restless, players take that second or two longer to make decisions, and worst of all, they take the safe option. There’s nothing like a run of wins and a happy crowd to fuel the kind of daring one touch attacking play we’ve seen of late. Long may it continue!

Why do you think Spurs have clicked? Do you think it will continue?  Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Discuss it with me on Twitter: @ABPSpurs

 

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Spurs 5 Chelsea 3 – Pochettino humbles Mourinho

Pochettino thrashes Mourinho's Chelsea

 

Wow! What an incredible win. The most satisfying game at White Hart Lane in years – that heady combination of entertainment, schadenfreude and success.

A Harry Kane inspired Spurs came back from a goal down to put five past supposedly the best team in England, while Mauricio Pochettino out-thought allegedly Continue reading

Spurs shopping list – The four areas where Pochettino needs to strengthen

Pochettino and Levy

The transfer window opens in just over a weeks time. Pochettino has now had a chance to assess the squad, decide who to keep, who is surplus to requirements and where he needs to strengthen.

So what should the Spurs manager be looking for? Continue reading

Spurs 1 Southampton 0 – Pochettino back on track

Eriksen Scores vs Southampton

 

It wasn’t a vintage performance, and Southampton should have equalised as time expired, but here was a first win in five league games from a much improved Tottenham side.

The high energy pressing from the QPR game was back, as was the quick one touch passing. It didn’t always come off and in the second half Continue reading

8 interesting stats from Spurs’ start to the season

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - Premier League

All statistics are from the excellent WhoScored.com.

 

1. Spurs are putting a lot of pressure on their opponents.

Tottenham are 6th for tackles, 4th for interceptions and 4th for fouls committed in the Premier League this year.

Pochettino likes his teams to press energetically and stop the opponents from having time on the ball. Continue reading