Press Association’s Simon Peach Previews Man United v Tottenham
A day before Tottenham take on Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Press Association’s Simon Peach sat down with Spurs TV to preview tomorrow’s match-up.
Yesterday, our very own Ryan Wrenn broke down tomorrow’s match-up looking at how Toby Alderweireld’s return can help Tottenham beat Manchester United.
The Belgian center-back’s absence for two months has been clearly missed as Mauricio Pochettino has had to change how his team attacks opponents. Having Eric Dier playing at central defense meant that Spurs had a “classic and reliable center-back”.
A defender who uses his physical stature to impose his will against the opposition but does so without straying too far from his position. As for passing further up the pitch to catch defenses in transition, Dier would rather leave that to other players instead.
More or less, the England international is solid, both defensively and offensively. But — and this is key — Eric Dier doesn’t impact the game like Toby Alderweireld does.
Alderweireld’s vision and accuracy to punt the ball up field and find Son Heung-Min or Dele Alli means Tottenham’s high-press is even more dangerous. Not only will Spurs reclaim possession, but then can quickly transition into attack. Pinning opponents deep in their own half and constantly defending.
Against a Man United team who has struggled lately, the biggest key match-up in this fixture ultimately comes down to the Red Devils’ offense against Spurs’ defense.
“I am fascinated to see how United’s misfiring attack fares against Tottenham’s miserly defence. The likes of West Brom and Crystal Palace have notched more than United’s 19-goal haul, while Spurs boast the tightest defence in the Premier League.” Simon Peach said.
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“The return to fitness of Toby Alderweireld, a player I rate among the best centre-backs in Europe, should make life tough for United, although shackling Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be easy.”
“The 35-year-old has netted seven in his last six matches in all competitions, but admitted after scoring in Thursday’s Europa League win at Zorya Luhansk that balancing domestic and continental exertions was ‘killing’ him.”
As for both club’s form, Tottenham have started to heat up after winning two straight, whereas Manchester United have struggled recently.
“United’s swagger and energy has returned since José Mourinho’s appointment, but a lack of consistency and goals has seriously dented their Premier League campaign.” Peach continued. “They have looked solid enough in the cups, reaching the EFL Cup semi-finals and Europa League last-32, but a lack of cutting edge has harmed them in the league.”
“United have won only one of their last eight Premier League matches – a run that has seen six draws, including four in succession at home. If this is to be a successful season, they need to start killing off teams.”
Finally, when analyzing Spurs’ chances to pick up a win at Old Trafford under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, Simon Peach believes this is their best chance right now.
Next: Mauricio Pochettino's Press Conference: Man United vs Tottenham
“After such a memorable campaign and with so many rivals making big changes in the summer, it always felt like this season would be tougher for Tottenham.” Peach added. “That said, given the injuries Spurs have had to deal with, I have been impressed by the manner in which Mauricio Pochettino has kept things ticking over.”
“Only seven points off the top, I am only expecting things to improve. Whether Pochettino, a manager I have seen in close quarters covering Southampton and Spurs, can get his first win at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but given United have had to travel back from Eastern Europe, this looks a good chance.”.