Three things Tottenham want to prove against Brighton
By Gary Pearson
If Tottenham are to push for a top-four spot this season, they face a must-win situation when Brighton invade north London tomorrow.
As we all know, there are some frailties Jose Mourinho would love to address on Boxing Day. Here are three of them, in no particular order:
1. Show dominance on the ball
In the last two matches, Tottenham have ceded possession, opting instead to play for large portions without the ball. This is a characteristic of Mourinho’s management style, but there is a time and a place for such a tactic.
Tomorrow is not that time and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is not that place. Spurs need to boss the ball against Brighton at home, ensuring the away side is played off the pitch. While possessing the ball for the lion’s share of a match has its potential pitfalls, one of which being vulnerable to the counter, Tottenham supporters need to see their side knock the ball around with poise and aplomb. Hopefully Harry Winks will start, as his composure on the ball will aid in Tottenham’s intention of playing keep away.
2. Keep a clean sheet
Keeping a clean sheet against Burnley on December 7th was an optimistic sign. But we need to see more from Spurs’ fragile defensive core. I’m not solely speaking about the rearguard, but the defence as a collective. Brighton have scored 21 goals in 18 Premier League outings, the 13th best return.
It’s essential Tottenham possess the ball while nullifying any chance of a Brighton counter. Whomever Mourinho decides to go with in the heart of midfield will be responsible for snuffing out Brighton’s hopes of countering. Brighton possess a threat on set pieces, too, so Spurs will want to avoid conceding unnecessary corners, like the one Serge Aurier coughed up to Chelsea. Which, as you’ll recall, led directly to Willian’s opener.
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3. Eradicate individual mistakes
Top four sides all have one thing in common: they don’t make costly individual errors. For Tottenham to chase down the lead pack, they must avoid harebrained moments. Sure, Spurs didn’t play well against Chelsea, but they could have stolen all three points had Aurier and Paulo Gazaniga not committed respective Cardinal Sins.
First Aurier needlessly coughed up a corner and failed to switch on for the resultant restart. Willian took full advantage and made the Ivorian look rather amateurish by cutting to the inside before striking confidently into the bottom corner.
And then there was Gazzaniga’s infamous Karate Kid moment. Without those inexplicable blunders, and Son Heun-Min’s moment of madness, Spurs still had a shot at taking something from the match. Spurs won’t finish in the top four of the Premier League if those moments persist.