Think he could also play on the right of the midfield 3, get him into that KDB-style half-space. Bents or another on the left. Madders fine on either side though.
Thanks. That’s all we can expect at the moment. Sounds like we have plenty to be positive about apart from the CBs. We really need to splash the cash here and not risk losing any targets by penny pinching.
One thing that does have to be said is we regularly looked for through balls through the centre, and while Richy fluffed the chances they were chances Compare that to last season where Conte apparently forbade our players from passing through the centre, which is a big part of why opponents sussed us out and just let us horseshoe from one WB through the pivot to the other without the ball moving forwards
In short our defence and Richarlison continued their form from last season. The rest was actually really enjoyable.
Highlights from the club's official Youtube channel: Danny Ings wearing an unauthorised carpet square on his head. Surely that's not allowed?
Ironically Dier could have helped if he played today, as he's usually the player organising the defence when we face set pieces What did we have a torrid time with today? Set pieces (and a Sanchez brainfart)
The first one on Solomon was a nailed on penalty, but the 2nd one on Ben would have been quite soft if given. The ref was a bit out of his depth though.
The conspiracy has spread to Australia. Spurs should have reviewed the decisions - although they were probably umpire’s call
4-1-4-1, 1st and 2nd half teams: Vicario Austin Porro, Romero, Tanganga, Reguilon Emerson, Sanchez, Davies, Udogie Bissouma Hojbjerg Kulusevski, Skipp, Maddison, Solomon Devine, Sarr, Lo Celso, Perisic Kane Richarlison
Looked like 433 both halves. Bissouma and Hojbjerg as the 6s, everyone else where you’d expect them to be in the first half. Devine played RW and Davies LCB in the second. FBs noticeably inverted into midfield in early phases of buildup and then worked the inside channels. We were crossing a lot and not necessarily making a lot of headway, so some variation in how we work the ball into the box will probably need to come in time. GLC looked tidy second half, some nice balls slipped through the channels. Those who did themselves particular favours today for me - Solomon, Bissouma, Sarr, Destiny, Gio, Devine, Perisic. Those who didn’t, IMO - Sanchez, Reggie. Everyone else pretty much what you’d expect. Skipp got into some good positions first half playing as an 8 but couldn’t nick a goal. Richy likewise, was wasteful with his finishing. Lots of promise but lots of work to do. It’s a clear positive direction of travel though which is what we’ve been crying out for. We badly need that lynchpin CB to partner Romero though. I wasn’t sold on both of VdV and Tapsoba before but I am now. If I had to pick an XI based off that for the next game: Vicario Porro Romero CB Destiny Maddison Bissouma GLC Kulu Kane Son
If Spurs are going to play like that, Maddison will prove to be a huge asset. But some new defenders are needed ASAP Playing a high line and committing players forward carries huge risk. Need some pace at the back to cover. Rio in his prime. At least it won’t be dull
