Matchday: Swansea 2 – 2 Tottenham
By Ryan Wrenn
It ends 2-2 after another amazing Eriksen freekick leveled the game in the second half.
Tottenham improved in the second half, on both sides of the ball.
The most important thing Pochettino could have done at halftime was instruct his players to keep a closer eye on Montero, and they did exactly that. The winger was more or less removed from being a threat in the second half, thanks in no small part to how much Lamela and then Townsend tracked back from their attacking positions.
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Tottenham also dutifully recognized how improved their offensive game would be if momentum didn’t stall in Swansea’s third. To that end, Lamela came off for Townsend and Chadli for Njie. Both players injected some much needed pace into the game, making Spurs’ counters all the easier.
A win might have been easier were it not for Townsend regressing wildly. So great this season when he contents himself to play a supporting role, sending in crosses after beating a full-back out wide. Here, he went back to the type of play that largely removed him from contention as a starter. He was energetic and quick, but when he arrived in or near Swansea’s box, he became selfish. Two shots on goal, the first decent but from outside the box and the second the far worse option to setting up another player also in the Swansea box with him.
There are many other stories from all over the pitch, not least of which is the fact that Eric Dier’s yellow means he is suspended for the game against Liverpool. We’ll cover that and more in the coming days. Thanks for reading!