“The date today is 02022020 and we’re going to win 2-0”. A quote from one of the first people I started following on twitter due to his youth focus on Spurs, one @WindyCOYS. Who saw that tweet and thought, maybe today? Or who saw it, and like me and thought it was just another day where we don’t take our chances. We make a rash defensive decision and they batter us?

As mentioned in my previous posts I have not enjoyed watching Tottenham for quite a while. Our style of play, watching wantaway players still get picked and the rest. Like a lot have mentioned, it was the only match I have enjoyed since Amsterdam last year. At the end of the game there was a real sense of achievement. A little Euphoria even, not like when we spanked Palace and Burnley. But a sense of the team that was put out was the team that wants to move forward with the club.

Tactics

Starting 4-2-3-1

Our defence that started vs City was comprised of 4 certain starters in our first eleven at the minute. The returning Lloris between the sticks. Infront of him is probably our first-choice centre back duo in Sanchez and Alderweireld. Aurier claims his position on the right-hand side with the ever impressive Tanganga on the left. As usual Serge was given licence to push forward when he could with Tanganga filling in the left back and left-sided centre back role(s).

Our midfield set up comprised as Winks as the deepest lying of the 3. He put in such a shift. A great mature performance from the birthday boy. Lo Celso providing the creative spark and help getting us up the pitch. Dele flitted in and about the midfield trio and tried to support the forward line along with being diligent in his defensive duties. Always going to be difficult to do with no “fixed” striker on the pitch.

Son started on the right, where he is still effective but not as much when he cuts in from the left. Speaking of the left, Bergwijn made his debut from that flank. Up front Lucas (again) played the role of our striker. Mourinho stated that he doesn’t see Lucas or Son as the forward in reality. However, due to our lack of options it’s going to be one of our three wingers who ends up starting up there.

Striker switch

After half-time Son shifted positions with Lucas, with the South Korean playing more in the striker’s role. Lucas moved over to his more familiar right-hand sided role. We were struggling to get a foothold in the first half. City, true to their game plan having more of the position. And true to the team that Mourinho is creating at the minute, we were trying to hit them on the counter. You could see this a few times with Serge and Lo Celso playing balls into the channels for Son to chase. The winger was not having his best game but always has the pace, skill and finishing to be a threat whenever he is on the pitch.

Lo Celso, again put in a brilliant shift. He is technically gifted, but has the determination and aggression to get stuck in. It looks like he enjoys winning the ball back as much as creating with it. He reminds me of when we put Modric in the middle and he was one of the best players in the league.

Another signing, this one making his debut in Lilywhite had an impact. I was excited when we announced the signing of the Dutch international from PSV. Even though a striker was such a priority, Bergwijn’s qualities and profile make him such an asset for us. He can play a number of positions and is young enough to be moulded into what we need.

Debut Goal

What a hit on his first game from our new number 23. The ball comes back out to the edge of the box after a failed cross is headed out. Lucas takes a touch and chips it to his left. Most times you see the ball go out to the wings to be sent back in or just clipped in straight away. The Dutch winger controlled Lucas’ chip with his chest and in the movement volleyed it into the corner past Ederson. Stunning goal and beautiful scenes with his trademark celebration and his delight at scoring as team mates rushed to congratulate him. We could have a star on our hands. He was not so impactful over the course of the full game, but did show glimpses of his potential.

Ndombele Introduction

On 70 minutes Ndombele replaced Dele. Dele was still suffering with his ankle, maybe to do with the tackle from Sterling early doors. He is currently being assessed ahead of our FA cup replay vs Saints. This and the fact he had played more often than last season, fatigue could be also be creeping in. Ndombele was introduced maybe with a plan of going for the win instead of holding what we had. We know how good Tanguy is in the transition from midfield to attack. The way he moves with the ball and carries it gives us so much more of the pitch when he is on the field.

This was displayed one minute after he came on. He got the ball back off Lo Celso and found himself with Rodri in front of him. He shifts the ball and drives inside, releasing Son with a trademark through ball. The Korean was well onside and slotted home with aplomb. 2-0 and game over.

In his 20 minutes on the pitch he recorded a 81% pass accuracy and completed 2 out his 2 attempted dribbles. Really cannot wait until he is starting for us week in and week out. The midfield of Winks, Lo Celso and Ndombele really has everything. If they play anything like their potential that is a great midfield in the making. This leaves Dele or the “best” Dele as the odd one out. I know he can still perform in the left. But not as well, if we are to adopt this counter attacking style. A real shame but until we get a fit Kane, Dele is not in my starting 11.

Next up

Saints at home in the FA cup replay that nobody wanted to see. We let them get back into the game and they probably should have won it to be honest. We need to start fast and put it to bed early. Then use our “winter break” to properly plan for the remaining part of the season.

COYS

Thanks for reading my Match Review on my site. Hopefully I will do a piece on the FA cup game by Saturday. All feedback welcome as well as support. Means a lot that people still want to read my views. Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding Spurs.

Mr WP

@Writehartlane