Three reasons Tottenham will beat City in Carabao Cup Final
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham have the perfect opportunity to play unencumbered and free
Closely linked to Ryan Mason‘s hopefully galvanizing impact, Tottenham are presented the opportunity, for the first time this season, to play loose, enterprising football, something that, perhaps counterintuitively, is needed against a rampant city side.
Spurs have the individual talent, particularly upfront, to unease the City backline. Hopefully Kane is fit enough to start, but even without their talisman, Spurs have more than enough potency up front to trouble their northern adversaries.
Sitting back and soaking up City’s relentless pressure – a tactic Jose would have certainly employed – is a recipe for certain defeat. Don’t get me wrong, City will invariably possess the ball more than Spurs. They are one of the world’s best teams on the ball and that won’t magically change with a new manager at the helm. However, Spurs can push the tempo, play with forward intent, not worried about being shackled by a manager’s old school tactics.
Additionally, Spurs defence isn’t good enough to play on the back foot and absorb unrelenting pressure for 90 minutes.
The best way to lessen the burden for Spurs’ vulnerable rearguard is to play on the front foot, attacking with fluidity, quickness and inventiveness. Most of the pressure, if Kane cannot go, falls at the feet of Gareth Bale and Sonny.
Every supporter needs to see Spurs give it a go, even if that means eventual defeat.