Pass map time please log in to view this image Just how different is that from the ones we usually see? The obvious difference that can't be ignored is that the ball is going out to the right flank...but is actually being seen again, with Bergwijn linking up with Kane and Ndombele while also being available for passes from Hojbjerg, as well as the fact that Rodon is finding both Ndombele and Hojbjerg in front of him which is the exact opposite of the usual triangles from both CBs to Hojbjerg That's Ndombele, not "Ndombele Alvaro" It's also interesting seeing the various triangles on the pitch: Davies/Reguilon/Hojbjerg, Rodon/Ndombele/Hojbjerg. Hojbjerg/Bergwijn/Ndombele and Dier/Rodon/Ndombele are finding each other with reasonable efficiency, which means we're getting the ball moving quicker but, most important, we're moving the ball in less predictable patterns Also, I'm sure the amount of sideways and backwards passing from Hojbjerg is going to draw criticism, especially as he never seems to pass it forward... In comparison, look at Sheffield United's please log in to view this image Obviously you can see that they're targeting our right flank, just like every other team since October has, with Fleck and Stevens applying pressure there, and you can also see that Sheffield United apparently had twelve players on the pitch as there's a third dot in the amorphous blob of Lundstram and Norwood, which really begs the question how useful VAR is when a team is able to sneak an extra man onto the pitch
So Harry Kane admits it’s their mentality and not what the manager says that has resulted in our approach lately It’s been a hot topic on here with the blame being thrown at the manager whilst uber dissecting the line up not surprised at all that the quote has been totally ignored tbh
Because it's meaningless. The manager telling them to drop deep? His fault. The players dropping deep, despite him not saying to do it? Still his fault. He's the manager. It's up to him to solve that problem, regardless of why it's happening.
Kane isn’t the type of bloke to throw blame at people though. You also have to wonder where the players have suddenly got that mindset to choose to sit back against inferior teams. I don’t buy that Kane, Son, Ndombele etc are players that wanna be doing the chasing around against canon fodder. I think if you also look at the Fulham selection, what was the thought process behind picking 4 centre mids in which one played RW where he’s completely ineffective when you have about 3 or 4 RWs at the club? It took him 75 mins to make his first change against Fulham and that was right after they scored having been on the front foot for a large spell. He can say how he’s telling the team to attack etc but the actions have said otherwise in a number of games lately. Yesterday was a breath of fresh air, though it has to be said, Sheffield are very, very ****.
If Mourinho can't get the players to do what he tells them, what is the point in paying him to manage them?
Is it time for two managers, so we can play "good cop, bad cop" with a squad ?? Good cop can define the formations and tactics etc, give the hugs and kisses when it all goes to plan. Bad cop can go full Fergie hairdryer mode for the instances where the team is not playing to the plan.
They will have to half their salaries at least. Or perhaps Levy will mediate and decide after each game or block of games which of good/bad cop are worth paying (and how much) for their efforts for that period.
That's what assistants are for. Redknapp was Uncle Harry telling you you're triffic and putting his arm round your shoulder, while Jordan was Sergeant Joe, barking from the sideline and glaring: please log in to view this image I still maintain that Ferguson got that part of his management spot on and it's underrated. He changed it up regularly and it helped him to avoid the stagnation that's plagued so many long-serving coaches in the modern game.
Oddly, I thought we played better against Fulham. The xG statistics bear that out, as they basically reverse the results. However I think 343 suits our personnel better, except we don't really have anyone experienced to cover Reguilon in that formation.
Jose Mourinho has insisted Tanguy Ndombele deserves all the praise for his Tottenham turnaround. Spurs' record signing looked to have a bleak future when Mourinho arrived at the club after struggling to adapt to the Premier League, with the Portuguese regularly criticising the midfielder's hunger and fitness. Source: Independent
I agree that 343 suits our personal better, as you say we don't have cover for Reguilon as an attacking LWB but Sessegnon could be that option next season. Replace Sanchez with a top quality left sided CB in the summer. We could play 2 wide players next to Kane like we did yesterday or play 2 strikers with a playmaker in behind (Sabitzer or Grealish hopefully in the summer)
NDombele is still in Lamela mode. However midway thru season 2, and his cumulative contribution at the club to date have been much better than it was from Lamela.
I am still hoping/expecting that we might see Bale start more and show some of his prodigious ability. It can't all have disappeared can it?
So our cover for yesterday's starting eleven in 343 is something like Hart/Gazzaniga Tanganga Alderwiereld Sanchez Doherty Winks/Sissoko Gedson/Lo Celso Bale/Cirkin Lucas/Lamela Vinicius Dele That's ok
I don't think a good win against the worst team in the league and potentially worst team in Prem history has solidified that 343 is suddenly our best formation. I'd wager that if we played that exact line-up against Man City we'd get absolutely annihilated as de Bruyne and co would run riot against our two-man midfield. We've had some excellent wins this season playing 4231/ 433 (depending on how you define Tanguy's position) against Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal. Formation/ selection/ tactics should be partly based on opposition in my opinion. We have to impose our will but also be mindful of what the opposition could do too.