Matchday Live: Bournemouth v Tottenham

Half-time Reaction

From the first whistle, Bournemouth’s match plan was obvious. They wanted to rattle Tottenham the exact way the visitors often rattle their opposition.

Layers of pressing kept Tottenham’s attack at bay, while on the other end of the pitch only the savvy interventions of Jan Vertonghen kept Bournemouth from gaining an advantage early in the half.

Pressing Tottenham, ironically, is perhaps the most effective means to break them down. We saw that last season against West Ham and Borussia Dortmund. We saw it earlier this week when Tottenham relied exclusively on Hugo Lloris to keep Bayer Leverkusen from taking a decisive lead.

And now, here, Howe is controlling the match through and through. If Tottenham isn’t botching an attempt to get shots away, they’re drawing yellow cards. Four such warnings have been issued to Tottenham alone in the opening 45 minutes, and Lamela is lucky to not have seen red with a second harsh challenge late in the half.

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Part of the problem here, if we’re being honest, lies in Pochettino’s team selection. Naming Dembélé was inspired — the Belgian is able to resist the press almost as well as he can deliver it — but it’s hard not to see Son as the clear weak link here.

On paper, the South Korean is in the striker role to take advantage of balls in transition from what was supposed to be an efficient Tottenham press. Instead, he’s completely isolated at the top of the formation, not getting the type of service he needs.

When he does receive the ball, he’s unable to pivot and run into space. Bournemouth simply aren’t playing him that recklessly. If Son had some semblance of a hold up game — say, something similar to Janssen’s, who sits on the bench — perhaps Tottenham could have found the back of Bournemouth’s net.

There were some good chances. Lamela hit the top corner of Artur Boruc’s goal in an inspired bit of play that featured two consecutive nutmegs from Alli. Later in the half Lamela had what was arguably a penalty call waved off.

How do Tottenham assert their claim to Bournemouth’s third? Bringing on Janssen would be a great start. Take Lamela off — the Argentine’s game is too reliant on pressing and fouling for him to be left on with a yellow — then push Son back into a winger role where he’s likely more comfortable. Then, allow Janssen to do work.

Tottenham are handling themselves fine defensively. What they need is a presence in Bournemouth’s box, drawing their defenders away from Alli, et al while also providing some simple but effective hold up play. Janssen could yet make the difference here.

Join us again at full-time as we discuss what is, hopefully, a resurgent Tottenham win.