Tottenham must be wary of counter-attacking Hornets

The international break seemed like an eternity for Tottenham fans, who last witnessed victory in unconvincing fashion against Southampton at the end of September.

Spurs fans are hoping a renewed spark, as Tottenham have put in a number of lackluster performances since their misleadingly promising victory against Crystal Palace over a month ago.

With their next fixture against winless Watford, Spurs have a chance to gain confidence and get back to winning ways. They can also fall even farther from grace.

The Hornets may be out of form, but Spurs will not take their lack of results lightly. Mauricio Pochettino will need to tactically adjust to address their own defensive frailties, in particular their vulnerability to being sliced open on counters.

Tottenham’s defensive record this year has severely disappointed.

After conceding seven to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Tottenham again showed their fragilities at the back against Brighton in the Premier League, conceding another three to the home side.

Opposing teams have identified a hole in Tottenham’s midfield which has been pierced several times this season, with their current formation susceptible to counter attacks.

With Pochettino electing to play high, attacking full backs alongside a midfield diamond, Spurs are at risk of being targeted on a fast break, leaving the center back pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld exposed due to a lack of a holding midfielder. And we all know Jan isn’t quick enough to effectively repel spry counters.

Wingers Serge Gnabry and Aaron Connolly were clearly instructed to drive at Tottenham’s defence and capitalize on the space allowed by the porous Spurs midfield.

While there are other issues effecting Tottenham’s form, Pochettino can rectify this issue and gain defensive stability by adjusting his midfield.

Pochettino has deployed Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko on the left and right side of midfield respectively, with Harry Winks operating centrally.

All three midfielders like to drive forward with the ball, yet Spurs are crying out for an anchor in midfield, a player to protect the Belgian centre halves.

A change in formation would allow Tottenham to take a more protective approach.

While Sissoko certainly has not been the cause of Tottenham’s problems in recent weeks, the Frenchman would be the one sacrificed in the midfield alteration, with Pochettino preferring a midfield pairing of Ndombele and Winks.

By dropping Sissoko to the bench, Pochettino will be able to add another attack-minded player to the mix, while pulling the remaining two midfielders closer to the back four.

Watford have scored just four goals in their opening eight fixtures, but have managed 113 shots, the fourth most in the league.

Pochettino will be wary of the Hornets ability to attack, and must tactically adjust his midfield to solidify his unconfident defence.