As the newly minted winter break gives José Mourinho time to embed his philosophy, and his first transfer window in charge slams shut. It’s time to look at how he can best deploy the talent at his disposal to bring trophies to North London.

While the change in manager has brought improved fortunes and results, there must be further improvement to challenge the ‘big dogs’ of European football. I will detail the tactical flaws that are holding Spurs back. In another article, I will describe my solution to these problems.

Diagnostic

The first few months under new leadership has given a reversion to the formation which gave Pochettino early success at spurs, albeit with a few adjustments. A well-documented change was the move to a ‘lopsided’ back four, with Serge Aurier’s attacking influence valuable enough to deploy a more defensive-minded left-back (Vertonghen or Tanganga), with Davies likely to return to this role.

Mourinho had been persistent in his use of a 4-2-3-1 formation, with archetypical wingers Son and Lucas; until Kane’s injury. From then, he has alternated between these two up front, with Lamela or new signing Bergwijn taking residency on the wing.

Build-Up

A major problem throughout the previous few months has been the inability to progress the ball while under medium pressure, usually relying on playing out from the full-backs or long passes from Alderweireld to Alli or Son. To regularly win games, possession is required, and thus also a method of routinely progressing the ball centrally.

The best way of doing this is through the holding midfielders or direct to the striker’s feet. In central midfield, only Winks dependably drops deep to receive under pressure. Lo Celso is comfortable higher, N’Dombele too unfit at the moment to create space, Dier is immobile and unaware, Sissoko not skilled enough to receive under pressure, and Fernandes cannot yet contribute consistently.

Even before Kane’s injury, the other attackers being static has made it simple for opposition midfielders to cut off that ball into his feet. When he does receive, the runs of Alli in the attacking midfield role have denied him space to draw in defenders. Kane’s injury has disguised this problem; playing the ball long is now untenable. These issues stretch beyond Kane’s absence, so do not expect them to resolve upon his return.

Controlled Possession

This attacking stage occurs when an opponent’s press fails, and they drop into a solid shape. Controlled possession generally occurs between both sides of the centre circle. At this stage, Aurier will push higher, and Vertonghen will tuck in to create a back three, sometimes driving forward if given space.

The problem here arises almost as a result of the success of this tactic. Aurier has been revolutionary since moving into his new role, using his pace and strength to create room for crosses. As Kane and Alli begin to anticipate this, they drift away from the ball, leaving him in a vulnerable position. As Lucas generally cuts inwards and waits for the ball to feet at this stage, Aurier is often doubled up on by the winger.

Sharper movement by Lucas could give the option to find Kane with one of his favourite runs: down the right touchline. Faster ball circulation through the midfield can create space on the wings for 1v1 opportunities for Son or through-balls to Alli.

Attacking

The attacking stage is where there is purposeful possession in midfield and around the opposition box. Due to ball possession problems and the Spurs style of play, these opportunities have been few and far between. Only occurring at the end of games when chasing a result, with limited success. The ability to get into and convert from these ‘final third’ situations is deterministic of the ability to consistently achieve results versus more pessimistic gameplans.

In the attacking phase, quick passing, penetrative runs, and 1v1 situations are the best way to unlock a block defense. When Spurs do progress the ball to these positions, there is no consistent ability to create quality chances. There is a significant flaw with execution in this stage — the congestion at the middle edge of the opponent’s box.

A tendency to rush has hampered performance, with the ball going to one side and instantly creating a chance or a turnover. Patience must be preached, creating controlled possession on the wings – not the congested middle. Space creation via this method will give space for Alli runs into the box and Lo Celso, Lucas, and Kane combinations making a high-value shot.

Defensive Transition

José’s switch to a faux back four has engendered returns in transition defense. Even when high up the pitch, there is always a compact back three with some defensive midfield cover from Winks or Dier, shutting down nearly all hope of a counter.

This defensive position is excellent because three defenders are enough to cover the width of the field – at least long enough to delay the attack – while the midfielder can challenge the ball-carrier without compromising defensive shape and solidity. There is not much improvement needed in this phase, except to reduce the number of opportunities for transition.

Defense

Mourinho’s appointment instigated many jests of Son finding himself playing full-back. There is some truth to this statement; he prefers his wingers to man-mark the opponent full-backs, sometimes being pushed back to their box. Son’s goal of the year candidate versus West Ham is exemplary, picking up the ball at the edge of his box. Whether this defensive philosophy is valid is dependent on if you value Son and Lucas’ defensive skills. I have believed the opposite ever since Son’s penalty tackle on Moses in the 2017 FA cup semi-final.

Another more obvious change introduced by the new manager is the deep-line defence. The idea behind this philosophy is not to allow a few good passes to break the press and the high-line. In the new system, penetrating through the centre of the field is simply unacceptable, as a few yards of space can give a shot from the edge of the area. The preferable option is for the opposition to rain crosses into the box, creating turnovers and counter-attacking opportunities.

Double-pivot partnerships must have good awareness and 1v1 strength as they need to cut passing lanes through the backline and be impenetrable to attackers driving at the back four. All of the midfield options have at least one of these critical skills, but I would only classify N’Dombele and Fernandes as having the requisite physicality and positional awareness. However, they are too unfit and untested, respectively, to start every game. Furthermore, the new defensive system often has Alli pressing the backline alongside Kane. Unfortunately, if beaten, Alli does not have the best recovery time, often leaving his midfield partners exposed while he wanders into position. An alternate solution is required.

Offensive Transition

The first rule of counter-attacking is to take the ball to the middle; the ball on the sideline can easily get squeezed into a tight space, slowing it down. Usually, after an interception or tackle, Dele Alli will end up on it, due to his position.

Because of the depth of his wingers, and his proclivity for dribbling, Dele often ends up attempting to take on the midfield by himself. Winks, Lo Celso, or even N’Dombele are the ideal ball carriers, with a mixture of fast carrying and decisive passing. With Son and Lucas Stretching the backline and Kane occupying the centre-backs, there is a higher rate of success than other methods.

Conclusion

While it has been a bright start to José Mourinho’s tenure, there is certainly room for improvement in most aspects of the game. A plague of injuries has indeed struck North London, hampering the ability for an exact first-choice squad to be seen. After the inaugural winter break, the supporters should get a better picture of what style of football the José Mourinho era will bring.

 Whereas ‘The Special One’ will be working hard with his team to mend these issues that he has no doubt noticed, I will be formulating the route that I would take to bring exciting football to N17, and silverware to the trophy cabinet. Stay tuned.