What was the most important takeaway from Tottenham’s rout of Burnley?

In a match replete with highlight reel offensive action, it was actually Tottenham’s ability to keep a clean sheet that will benefit the club most. 

Spurs, under Jose Mourinho, are scoring goals for fun. They’ve bagged 12 in four matches under the self-proclaimed Special One’s tutelage. And Spurs could have easily had another two or three yesterday afternoon, such was the prolific nature of the home side’s potent offensive display. Watching Tottenham’s front four drive forward with enthusiasm, skill, speed and precision is even more joyous than witnessing Arsenal’s current demise.

And while scoring five goals in thrilling fashion sent shivers down my spine, keeping a clean sheet was Spurs’ most important achievement from. Before yesterday, Spurs had managed to keep only one clean sheet this season, the fewest of any top flight sides.

Mourinho’s men are now joint last on two with Southampton, Norwich, Manchester United and, of course, Arsenal. Shutting out Burnley will do immeasurable good for Tottenham’s confidence, particularly Paulo Gazzaniga and his rearguard. Gazzaniga kept his first clean sheet in eight starts since replacing the injured Hugo Lloris. Sure, he didn’t have to stand on his head to obtain the clean sheet, but that’s entirely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sánchez, Jan Vertonghen and Serge Aurier are starting to form a reliable, stable quartet, and shutting out Burnley will be incredibly important to the unit’s confidence.

Add Eric Dier to that mix. The Englishman did a lot right yesterday and is improving with every outing. He’s the oil in the engine, protecting it from drying out and seizing up.

Mourinho has certainly shifted gears since joining Spurs. Some expected him to revert back to his old-school, dogmatic approach, one renowned for boring defensive stalemates. However, since joining Spurs he’s put the emphasis on playing expansive, free-flowing football. He has definitely achieved that.

But knowing Mourinho like we do, conceding as many goals as Spurs have must be tearing him up inside.

Well, today’s clean sheet will make it easier for Mourinho, after a bold glass of red, to fall asleep tonight. That makes two of us, Jose.

Yesterday’s clean sheet might just open the floodgates to a bundle of subsequent goose eggs. It might even become routine again, like it was in 2016-17, during Pochettino’s third season in charge.