Tottenham’s Jose Mourinho tactically outwitted in loss to Chelsea

Frank Lampard enjoyed a tactical masterclass with his Chelsea side dominating Tottenham in every facet from kickoff. 

It felt a bit like the start of the Champions League match against Olympiacos, where Spurs went down two goals early to an energized Greek side. The main differences yesterday, however, were the class of Tottenham’s opposition and Mourinho’s unwillingness to change tactics, and personnel, early.

Akin to the Olympiacos match, Eric Dier was off the pace and looked out of sorts. Lumbered in possession and unable to help the home side take the impetus, Dier struggled to come to grips with the electric pace of the match.

Against Olympiacos Mourinho noticed his side’s shortcomings and made swift changes, which altered completely the complexion of the match.

Chelsea’s pace was simply too much for a palpably sluggish Spurs side. Jan Vertonghen couldn’t keep up with César Azpilicueta and Mason Mount caused the elder statesman fits, while Willian dominated Serge Aurier on the other side of the pitch.

In theory Dier and Moussa Sissoko should have slid outside to support Vertonghen and Aurier against their much quicker and skilled opposition. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Dele Alli was dragged back to defend far too often, wasting the playmaker’s energy level and will. Lucas Moura was also forced back on the right side, again leaving the upper portion of the field vacant.

Dier should have made way for Harry Winks after the first Willian strike. Sure, the move would have embarrassed Dier, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Tottenham needed more pace and a player who isn’t afraid to push the ball forward accurately with tempo.

Mourinho didn’t adjust or adapt nearly quick enough. And while Paulo Gazzaniga is certainly culpable for Chelsea’s second, it was Mourinho’s inaction that put his side behind the 8-ball.

Of course the second half would have been an entirely different scenario had Gazzaniga not committed an outrageously immature and reckless tackle at the death. But waiting to tinker with the lineup cost his side dearly yesterday.

It’s a fine line between greatness and negligence in management, but unfortunately Mourinho fell on the latter side of the fence against his former side. Had Gazzaniga calmly caught the ball on the infamous Karate Kid challenge, we might instead, after an epic second half comeback, be praising Mourinho for his patience and experience.

Unfortunately that is not the case on this forlorn occasion.