Shift in Premier League tactics lays pathway for Spurs success – opinion

Premier League clubs are changing their tactical approach. This transformation presents problems for Spurs, but also a means through which they could cement their ascendancy.

Moving on from Pep

Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in the Premier League, the tactical identity of top teams has progressively aimed to emulate his style. Spurs boss, Ange Postecoglou, even famously joked last year on TNT Sports: “I’m just copying Pep, mate”.

Over the last few seasons, Guardiola’s style has been defined by risk aversion through possession. Aiming to stifle opponents deep in their own half with relentless pressure on the ball and well-adjusted counter-pressing to win possession back again quickly.

However, there appears to be a shift occurring amongst the other top teams in the division, where this approach is no longer considered paramount.

Premier League teams like direct attacking and that suits Spurs

In data from Opta, presented on X by EPL – Analytics, it is apparent that teams are favouring direct attacks (quick movements towards goal, fewer than 10 passes in the move) over gradual build-up.

While Chelsea lead the league in direct attacks, those who watch Tottenham may have noticed their attacks are also more focused on hitting teams on the counter, leading the league in count-attack goals scored.

This is unsurprising as Spurs have a squad well-suited to direct attacking and lack some key players required to break down low Premier League blocks. Brennan Johnson, in spite of his flourishing goal return, has only completed 5 successful take-ons this season. Son Heung-min and Timo Werner are players who can shift the ball past a fullback, but thrive when they have space into which they can run.

Dejan Kulusevski has the technical skillset to manoeuvre through tight spaces and retain possession, but often looks his best when galloping forwards. Additionally, Pape Matar Sarr’s ability to get around the pitch is what makes him such a unique talent within his age group.

Spurs can reap rewards, but need to address their vulnerabilities

The Spurs squad have excellent components which lend themselves to direct attacking in the Premier League. Furthermore, players like James Maddison and Wilson Odobert should give them tools to tackle low blocks when they face them. Although Spurs ideally need another winger who is proficient in beating their man, they are close to having the squad they need to convincingly attack any opponent.

However, if they are to take advantage of this tactical shift, they need to address their own vulnerability in defending counter-attacks. Tottenham are blessed to have Micky van de Ven as an ace in handling the majority of passes over the back line. Nevertheless, they still have a frequently exploited tendency to leave their back post unattended.

When opponents attack down Tottenham’s wings, they are usually able to bypass one fullback who has come into the middle of the pitch. This causes both centre-backs and the opposite fullback to shift over, leaving their back post open, time and time again.

This is simply too easy to exploit. Spurs have made excellent progress in their general defensive capabilities this year. They are now one of the better-performing defences in the league (in spite of some unfortunate results) with the 4th fewest goals conceded and 5th lowest xG conceded.

If Tottenham are able to tweak their approach to address this noticeable flaw in the same way they have addressed last year’s vulnerability at set-pieces, they look ready to cement themselves as one of the top teams in the Premier League.

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