One of the main questions surrounding Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur was whether he was capable of learning from his own failures. The 3-2 victory over West Ham, however, suggested something different – that he’s capable of learning from others’ successes.



One of the key developments of recent years has been the increasing tendency for title-winning sides to form an intriguing structure when in possession – essentially a 3-2-5. Three centre-backs spreading across the pitch, two holding midfielders protecting them closely and guarding against counter-attacks, with five attackers stretching the opposition back four.



No side literally plays a 3-2-5 formation, of course. But Antonio Conte’s Chelsea side, 3-4-3 in conventional terms, were so successful because their wing-backs formed a front five, often creating situations where a wing-back was free as a ‘man over’ after attacking down the opposite flank.