Win at Wolves more of what Tottenham expected from Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho prepared a perfect game plan for Tottenham’s visit to Wolves yesterday, a strategy familiar to those who have followed the gaffer’s career. 

He knew precisely what he was up against. A team on fire who hadn’t — before yesterday’s defeat — lost in 11 Premier League games. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side play with boundless energy, high tempo and a formidable, unrelenting intensity. Closing space quickly and pressing high, Wolves are one of the in-form teams in the top flight.

Spurs, thanks to Jan Vertonghen’s stoppage time winner, are only the second side to defeat Wolves at Molineux Stadium this season. The victory was, along with some heroic individual performances, thanks to Mourinho’s preparation.

Wolves dominated possession, keeping possession for 62 percent of the match. They also had 11 corners to Tottenham’s two, one of which the away side made good on.

Mourinho ensured his team were tough to beat, compact in midfield and tight at the back. On the back foot for most of the match, Tottenham remained disciplined, steadfast in containing a rampant Wolves side. Mourinho didn’t want an open match with both sides trading chances, particularly considering Wolves’ scintillating home form.

Frustrate and stick to the task at hand and chances were bound to fall to the away side. While getting handsomely out-chanced wasn’t part of the game plan, containment certainly was.

Starting Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko plugged up the midfield while offering tireless work rates. Moussa covered expansive swaths, harrying Wolves in the centre of the park throughout.

Mourinho praised the lads for the unity they showed. It’s been a long time since Spurs showed that kind of collective character, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Winning at the death after being outplayed in adverse, hostile conditions is a trademark of title-winning teams.

It was also a trademark of Mourinho teams. While winning on the road against strong sides often isn’t aesthetically pleasing, nobody cares as long as you escape with all three points.

It was a privilege to watch Tottenham battle it out in the trenches and take a scalp from a side Mourinho believes to be top-four contenders. And it showed Tottenham are becoming the well-drilled unit we expected when Mourinho took charge almost a month ago.

When Vertonghen potted the late winner you could see what it meant to Jose and the rest of his coaching staff. It reflected the relief and elation every Tottenham supporter across the globe felt.