Win over Watford whitewashes troubles for Tottenham Hotspur

WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Francisco Sierralta of Watford FC during the Premier League match between Watford and Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road on January 01, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Francisco Sierralta of Watford FC during the Premier League match between Watford and Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road on January 01, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Spurs lack the movement to worry Watford

When a team is struggling to find that key pass one of the ways things can change is through good forward runs. Just as a good pass can create an opportunity, so too can well-timed runs. Heung-min Son displayed just such a run, gleaning on to a little chip from Lucas Moura and forcing a big reaction save from Daniel Bachmann against Watford.

However, those flashing runs trying to find space in and around the Watford defence were mostly lacking on Saturday as they were in the midweek draw against Southampton.

Admittedly it is much more difficult to time runs against the small spaces when facing a low defensive block, however,  as Son demonstrated on that one play a nice run can still make things happen. Far too often over the last two matches, Spurs have been trying to post-up the striker in and around the box to create plays and have been stagnant as a result.

Kane has had very limited space, making the balls into his feet difficult. This is where Spurs need more movement around Kane and from him to get defenders off their spots and create mismatches in the attack.

Historically speaking it has been Dele Alli who often made those kinds of runs for Spurs although we have only really seen that in one match all season. Thus, like with the play in the middle of the park and out wide, Tottenham needs to improve and quickly.

While the Manchester clubs and Liverpool may still play expansive football against Tottenham, allowing opportunities for the counter-attack, the last two matches have shown the formula Spurs should expect to face moving forward – a low block. Whether or not the low-block continues to be the solution to Spurs’ improved attack we will see.