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If Tottenham’s carelessness continues they could pay a heavy price

jolsnogross

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
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Spurs must kick their habit of letting in goals when seemingly in control, starting against Liverpool, at a time when every bad result threatens to undermine their project

Source: The Guardian
 

jolsnogross

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
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The writer, Jonathan Wilson, was on to something here and then lost the thread half-way through by reverting to the narrative about not signing anyone, not having won anything, and players wondering if they're paid as much as other teams' players.

It would have been much more interesting had he continued discussing the reasons for on-field glitches and lapses that seem to undermine us. That hint of Spursiness that we can't seem to eradicate.

My own thoughts are that we are at our best when the tempo is high and we're moving the ball with real intent. We start looking vulnerable when we switch to 'game management' mode, or essentially start trying to keep possession for its own sake. The tide turned far too easily against Watford and it was a real shame to see such a lacklustre response to that.

I hope we start against Liverpool with real attacking intent rather than trying to take the sting out of them in the opening 15 minutes.
 

parj

NDombelly ate all the pies
Jul 27, 2003
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If we play 3 centre backs we will lose the midfield battle. I really hope we play a front 3 of Lucas, Kane and Son.
 

Japhet

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2010
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If we play 3 centre backs we will lose the midfield battle. I really hope we play a front 3 of Lucas, Kane and Son.

This is where Dier can really make his mark. If he can rediscover his ability to drop between the 2 CBs allowing the wing backs to get forward, but also step into midfield when we need to keep the pressure on, he could make a real difference. He needs to play both roles with authority though.
 

TottenhamMattSpur

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
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We were very much NOT on top when Fulham scored to make it 1-1 or for either of Watfords goals.
I'd even argue Newcastle started playing properly before they scored.
 

jolsnogross

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2005
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It'll be interesting to see if he goes with three of four at the back. I don't see how Alli's absence affects that. My preference is 4 at the back with Dier, Dembele, and Eriksen trying to boss midfield. And if Lamela is fit, then this may be his chance to stake a first 11 place because Son is likely to be on the bench at best.
 

parj

NDombelly ate all the pies
Jul 27, 2003
3,586
5,861
This is where Dier can really make his mark. If he can rediscover his ability to drop between the 2 CBs allowing the wing backs to get forward, but also step into midfield when we need to keep the pressure on, he could make a real difference. He needs to play both roles with authority though.

Totally agree and I think we saw that against Watford where he wasn't playing and we were not really protected at the back. For me he is the water carrier that doesn't get noticed unless he fcuks up
 

ginola007

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
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I fear Lloris being injured may have a far more negative impact than whether we play a back 3 or a back 4.
 

greywizard2020

Well-Known Member
Jun 9, 2003
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If anything good comes away from the Watford game is that the back-three doesn't work when you have no pace in the wing-back areas. The CB's looked good in the 1st-half, but we lacked any cutting edge.

The only good thing about the absence of Alli is that Eriksen will be pushed in to the '10' role & possibly Lamela introduced to play with Kane & Moura in a front-three. Son is going to be shattered, however, would be a good addition from the bench.
 
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