Three Do’s and Don’ts for Tottenham hosting Wolfsberger

Tottenham Hotspur look to finish what they started last week in Hungary and advance to the Round of 16 in Europa League. To succeed there are a few things Tottenham will want to do and a few pitfalls Spurs will want to avoid as they host Wolfsberger. Here HotspurHQ explores those Do’s and Don’ts for Spurs ahead of the knock-out match.

Three Areas of Focus for Tottenham

Tottenham are in a comfortable position with a three goal lead following a 1-4 win last week in the first leg. However, as we have seen with Tottenham Hotspur being comfortable is not really Spurs style and often leads to mistakes. If Tottenham are to avoid those mistakes and finish what they have started in what really is a must advance situation, Spurs need to start fast.

Avoiding a slow, sloppy start will help

In the best games for Tottenham Hotspur this season the team has started fast, scoring early and working to blitz the opponents before they know what has hit them. It really is a must Do for Tottenham to start fast. Given how poorly Spurs started both halves against West Ham it is important to see the team come out with some semblance of organization and a game plan.

A slow, sloppy start could ultimately lead to exactly what Spurs Don’t want to have happen, which is for Wolfsberger to score first. Ultimately, it will be disappointing if Tottenham cannot get a shutout, but at minimum, they have to grow the lead, not allow it to shrink.

There is an old adage that the most dangerous lead in football is a two goal lead. Now take a team with a two goal lead in a game they cannot lose. Well that is pressure Spurs certainly do not want to consider or face, to starting fast, by playing well early and scoring first is imperative for success.

Spurs need to play smart defensively, not commit dumb fouls

Tottenham have been their own worst enemy for much of the season. Whether it has been indecision, poor decisions, or simply poor play, Tottenham have made lots of mistakes individuallly and collectively to concede goals. If Spurs were being broken down by superior opposition it would be one thing, but long-balls into defensive mistakes is just not cutting it.

One of the biggest issues for Spurs has been committing dumb fouls. Miraculously they did not concede a penalty against West Ham, but then again the mistakes meant they did not need to in order to lose. That said, last week in Hungary, there was Moussa Sissoko committing a dumb foul in the box for a penalty.

If Tottenham are to be successful, they need to play smart defense, which means they DO have good communication and run with their men and Don’t go chasing the ball around. Additionally, they Don’t need to commit dumb fouls. Given the tendency for Wolfsberger to draw penalties, they have five in seven Europa League matches, if Spurs can avoid a penalty kick that would a step in the right direction.

Tottenham must be serious in their approach

Whatever has caused the poor starts and struggles for Tottenham, inconsistent effort and energy has not helped. Approaching this match as if their campaign, coach, and frankly professional  reputations rely on a victory is what Spurs need to Do. Anything short of coming to crush the spirit and soul of Wolfsberger is unacceptable.

If Tottenham simply think Wolfsberger is not good, they could get run off the pitch tomorrow. Clearly Wolfsberger is not top half in the Premier League but we have seen anyone can beat anyone on any given day. The competition – both the event and opponent – and the fans deserve nothing less than the best from whomever Tottenham plays in the XI.

If Spurs Do overlook Wolfsberger and Don’t take the match seriously from the off, they could find themselves fighting for their European lives – both this year’s and next year’s, which is something Spurs will want to avoid at all costs.

If Tottenham can start fast, apply good, strong consistent pressure while avoiding fouls, and approach the game with ruthless professionalism, the match should be over by halftime and the kids can get a run out in the second frame. If Spurs Don’t do those things, well as we have seen this season anything can and likely will happen.