Tottenham momentum defies tactical analysis
By Ryan Wrenn
It’s no coincidence that this run of middling results coincided with a return to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 shape.
That was, of course, the tactical set that Pochettino rigidly conformed to last season, and it worked out well enough then. Without Lamela, though, Spurs returned to the same disconnectedness that plagued the first half of their season.
Vertonghen’s quick return to form, along with Ben Davies’ surprising adaptation to Rose’s aggressive role on the left flank, allowed Pochettino to return to the 3-4-2-1 just in time for an easily winnable string of matches. Indeed, Tottenham are unbeaten since the 4-0 demolition of Stoke on February 26th.
It would appear, on the surface, that Spurs’ peaks and valleys are intimately linked with Pochettino’s ability to field his team in a 3-4-2-1 formation. It’s in the shape where the club rediscovered its scoring groove. Were it not for its implementation in December and the subsequent run of impressive form, Tottenham might not be fighting for the title today.
Only, yet again, it is not that simple. Another injury created yet another wrinkle. Victor Wanyama’s back strain forced him off the pitch in the 44th minute of the April 1st visit to Burnley forced Pochettino adjust.
Eric Dier, previously enjoying some renewed success opposite Vertonghen in the back three, is the only other defensive midfield option. With Kevin Wimmer clearly on the way out, and Cameron Carter-Vickers still not ready for prime time, there was no choice but to abandoned the 3-4-2-1. Suddenly the 4-2-3-1 was back — again.
The prior time Spurs were forced away from their ideal formation, results suffered. This time, however, the club’s form has, if anything, improved. The tactics-as-form narrative almost immediately got through out the window.
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How were Tottenham able to essentially replicate their quality in what is a fairly substantially different playing style? Why did Spurs stumble in January/February, but then managed to outscore opponents 11-1 on aggregate in April?
Part of the answer comes down to quality of opposition. City and Liverpool obviously are tougher tests than Swansea and Bournemouth. Tactics don’t exist without context.
A second, perhaps bigger, component is the identity of the man in center of the park. Dier shocked last season with his ability in defensive midfield, and did so in a similar 4-2-3-1 formation as Pochettino has utilized over the last two weeks.
Which should not be mistaken for slighting Wanyama. The Kenyan is a dynamic and vastly important component in the 3-4-2-1 formation, where his mobility makes up for the reduced number in the backline.
Dier’s off-the-ball movement and vision fit the 4-2-3-1 much better, allowing for a solid base atop which the attack can feel free to move forward. Even without Lamela linking up play, Tottenham are finding that Heung-min Son’s overwhelming quality in attack more than makes up the difference.
All of which was about 900 words to explain a relatively simple idea: Tottenham’s biggest strength this season isn’t in some gimmicky tactical change, or even in the health of its best players. Rather, the takeaway from this season will be that Pochettino is making an adaptable, pragmatic side that can weather virtually any storm.
Far from lacking depth — a criticism many have tabled after the failures of Moussa Sissoko and Vincent Janssen this season — Spurs are stock full of options. Yes, some kinks demanded smoothing out, but how many other teams could lose their best defender, best full-back and highest scorer for prolonged periods over the course of the same season and still hunt for the title?
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It’s that resilience that makes Tottenham perhaps the best team in England at the moment. Much credit is owed to Pochettino, but some praise must go to a squad of players ready and able to make the changes needed to stay competitive.
While other teams bend over backwards to conform to their best players’ games, Tottenham — and Pochettino — build players to conform to the team’s highest potential.