Tottenham must learn to make a point in troublesome places

[mawspurs]

A culture of not losing against the Burnleys and Bournemouths must be nurtured.

It probably seems premature and unfair to apply some pressure on to Tottenham Hotspur after 90 minutes, especially when they came from behind to win their opening game against Aston Villa last Saturday. But Spurs lost eight times away from home in the Premier League last season. That’s more than 40 per cent


Source: Irish Times

 

[whitesocks]

It is hardly surprising as with Wanyama and Dier's injury problems, we had no specialist midfield anchor last season.
Our defence was totally exposed for Villa's goal last week and given we did not strengthen this dept in the summer, we just got to hope Dier, with no preseason, can find the form of 2 years ago, or Wanyama learns how to kick people up in the air again - that's if we seriously want to challenge for the title.

I guess to be fair, last season's philosophy of we'd win more than we lose was quite successful overall, so there is always that option too.

 

[Shadydan]

I don't get this article, a culture against losing against those teams implies that it's a habit, last season was an anomaly, we're normally good against those lesser teams away from home.

 

[Japhet]

It is hardly surprising as with Wanyama and Dier's injury problems, we had no specialist midfield anchor last season.
Our defence was totally exposed for Villa's goal last week and given we did not strengthen this dept in the summer, we just got to hope Dier, with no preseason, can find the form of 2 years ago, or Wanyama learns how to kick people up in the air again - that's if we seriously want to challenge for the title.

I guess to be fair, last season's philosophy of we'd win more than we lose was quite successful overall, so there is always that option too.

I'd love Dier to get fit again and play the DM role between Ndombele and Lo Celso when needed. The one proviso would be that he keeps it simple and backs off on the inaccurate long range passes. Overall though, I think Winks is a good fit in front of the back 4 unless we're really expecting to be under the cosh. Dier also allows the immediate switch to 3 4 3 or 3 5 2 which is priceless.

 

[whitesocks]

I'd love Dier to get fit again and play the DM role between Ndombele and Lo Celso when needed. The one proviso would be that he keeps it simple and backs off on the inaccurate long range passes. Overall though, I think Winks is a good fit in front of the back 4 unless we're really expecting to be under the cosh. Dier also allows the immediate switch to 3 4 3 or 3 5 2 which is priceless.

Winks lets us play out and evade the press, and doesn't give the ball away cheaply.
He is nippy and that gets him out of trouble. Links the play up nicely.
He is prepared to take one for the team if necessary and is brave. That last ditch tackle against Villa was a match highlight.
He deserves as much credit as anyone for CL qualification and reaching the final last season.

But away from home, you have to expect to be roughed up, especially if you are winning. Manc can be as dirty as anyone else. When the tackles are flying and the area is being bombarded, I'd rather have a fit Wanyama or Dier on the pitch. As a deterrent really.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

I might be wrong, but last season’s losses to Bournemouth and Burnley were the first v both since they’ve been back in this league. That would suggest that these were anomalies due to the oft mentioned factors which affected last season, rather than a trend which needs major attention.