- Postecoglou’s tactical emphasis on full-backs’ positioning
- Goals allowed due to defensive errors and system vulnerability
- Changes in the center of the field and offensive-minded approach
Ange Postecoglou began his tenure as Tottenham manager with a 3-2 loss to West Ham on the club’s Asia-Pacific tour. At the Optus Stadium in Perth, 46,266 spectators witnessed the match, which was defined by the strategy employed by Postecoglou.
The manager fielded varied lineups for each half, but his desire to control the ball, take risks, and play on the front foot was consistent throughout. It was a radical departure from the techniques of his predecessors at Tottenham, Antonio Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo, and José Mourinho.
There was a lot to like about Spurs’ performance and many discussion points, especially when the context of Postecoglou’s squad rebuild is taken into account.
What were the most notable tactical particulars?
Postecoglou’s demand that the full-backs in his 4-3-3 get up and across the pitch in possession was the most significant. Pep Guardiola, the inventor of this play for Manchester City, has one of his fullbacks execute it; Postecoglou appears to want both of them high and inside simultaneously. In the first half, Pedro Porro and Sergio Reguilón (remember him?) stood out. The wingers were pinned wide, allowing Spurs to generate spaces within and between the lines, although they were permitted to advance with the ball. Occasionally, the screening midfielder fell into the back three.
Were the goals allowed because of the mechanism or the personnel?
Both. There was a sense that the Spurs could be in trouble if they lost any one-on-ones or made mistakes due to their formidable defensive line. West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca scored in the 78th minute after Pablo Fornals’ through pass. Scamacca ran free after Davinson Sánchez failed to step out for offside and intercept.
Reguilón, who had been defending a corner in the box for Spurs, failed to monitor Danny Ings when the ball was played back into the area, which led to West Ham’s 1-0 opening goal. The second goal, which made the score 2-0, also resulted from a corner kick conceded by the new custodian Guglielmo Vicario after Porro had gotten him in difficulty. Divin Mubama drifted between Porro and Japhet Tanganga to glance home when the ball went short.
How did Postecoglou alter the center of the field?
Yves Bissouma starting in front of the back four and Oliver Skipp as the right-sided No. 8 were important changes. Postecoglou wanted to evaluate Bissouma’s positional acumen and confidence with the ball, and he performed admirably, even advancing into the penalty area on one occasion. Skipp moved forward, and then left-sided No 8-cum No 10 James Maddison. Out of possession, the recruit advanced to lead the press alongside Harry Kane, attempting to place himself in perilous positions.
In the second half, Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg replaced Bissouma, Pape Sarr replaced Skipp, and Giovani Lo Celso replaced Maddison. Lo Celso was impressive; more on him to come. It was an offensive-minded match in which Spurs came to dominate the possession and create numerous opportunities. If they possess the ball, they cannot be harmed, and this is a fundamental principle for Postecoglou. It was also intriguing to observe Kane descend deep into the midfield, thereby creating additional overload and opportunities.
Does Postecoglou represent a clean slate?
In brief, absolutely. The extended response includes the extensive roster of athletes that Postecoglou inherited. He has thirty-one players on tour, with an additional five recovering from injury in London: Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon, Rodrigo Bentancur, Bryan Gil, and Troy Parrott. In addition, Hugo Lloris, the team commander, has been permitted to remain behind to arrange a transfer. Six under-21s—Josh Keeley, Destiny Udogie, Sarr, Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, and Parrott—missed the Premier League team.
Postecoglou wants to consider all his alternatives, even the Spurs loanees who returned with bleak futures. Gil must be disappointed to miss the tour, but Lo Celso could make a comeback. He impressed Postecoglou against West Ham with his pace, dexterity, and passing. He even tallied with a fine volley to make the score 2-1. Joe Rodon and Tanguy Ndombele, who suffered a knock in training, were not included in Postecoglou’s lineup, but they will feature in the upcoming games. Reguilón, on the other hand, picked up where he left off with Spurs — excellent going forward, less so defensively.
