How Tottenham can stifle Liverpool’s main attacking threat
By Joe Simon
Tottenham are well aware of the attacking threat that Liverpool has to offer.
Their first meeting since the Champions League Final in June, Liverpool are coming in to their home fixture undefeated in the league, and while their form has not been as stable as manager Jurgen Klopp would like, they have still picked up points in every fixture in the Premier League.
Like most champions in years past the find a way to get a result even they are not performing at their best.
Tottenham on the other hand have been largely disappointing to begin their campaign.
Last week’s fixture against Red Star in the Champions League resulted in a convincing 5-0 home victory, a performance which many Tottenham fans hope is the catalyst for a revival in form.
While players such as Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, Erik Lamela and Tanguy Ndombele showcased outstanding performances on the night, it is fair to say that their Serbian opponents are not exactly on the same level as Liverpool.
Liverpool have a very well balanced team and Tottenham will need to shut down their main source of attacking power if they are to take any points back to north London.
Liverpool’s high press heavily relies on a strong wide presence, particularly through full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
While the pair are solid in defense, their most important attribute to Klopp’s side is their ability to attack down the flanks. The pair have 14 Premier League assists each since the start of the 2018/19 season.
Pinpointing a weakness in Klopp’s consistently solid side isn’t easy. However, stopping Liverpool’s full backs will be the key to unsettling their creativity.
Tottenham can stifle Liverpool’s build up by exploiting their midfield trio.
Pochettino will need to instruct his full backs to press up to Alexander-Arnold and Robertson when the pair are in possession, denying the Reds’ fullbacks to advance too far up the pitch.
Pressing high will force Alexander-Arnold and Robertson to pass centrally from a more defensive position, relinquishing creative responsibilities to their midfield teammates.
Jordan Henderson, who provides defensive positioning, tireless work rate and an intangible leadership presence, is not as comfortable in possession as Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Trying to make sure the Liverpool captain has the ball at his feet as much as possible will help Spurs overall cause.
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Containing Liverpool’s attacking threat is certainly one of the most difficult tasks in the Premier League, but it is necessary if Tottenham have any desire of nicking an all important point from the most formidable stadium in the top flight.