Bright spots from Tottenham Hotspur’s big win over Leicester

Two more Tottenham bright spots

Besides the outstanding play from Romero, there were other positives that Spurs can build on heading into a massive showdown with Liverpool.

Spurs moved the ball with purpose

Both Brentford and Brighton flooded the midfield against Tottenham and could control the middle of the park. Sunday against the Foxes, Tottenham was able to counter those numbers with better, more intentional ball movement.

Against the Bees and the Seagulls, the ball moved slowly from side to side for Tottenham as Spurs could not play any penetrating passes between the defensive lines. Sunday against Leicester, Tottenham moved the ball much quicker.

Whether it was Pierre Hojbjerg or Rodrigo Bentancur receiving the ball in the middle of the park, the ball did not sit still. Hojbjerg was quicker in his touches and more purposeful in his passing, whether moving the ball forward or back. Likewise, Bentancur was back to playing solid passes past defenders and into attacking positions.

Besides the midfielders, defenders like Eric Dier also play quicker with the ball, not allowing Leicester to press and pressure the way they wanted. Against the press of Liverpool, Spurs will have to move the ball quickly to break through the press and pressure the Reds.

Tottenham changed the game from the bench

Maybe it is deceiving, but Spurs showed a little depth on Sunday, as Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench and had a considerable impact on the game. Given that Kulusevski had started the last several games and Lucas Moura – who began in Deki’s place – did not play all that well, the impact from the bench may not seem significant, but it is.

By coming on an hour into the match, Kulusevski could physically impose his will on the Leicester defense. Deki’s size, energy, and willingness to run with the ball at his feet cause fits for fresh defenders, and on Sunday, it was almost unfair was a fresh Kulusevski ran roughshod over Leicester, adding two more assists.

Tottenham still needs more depth in the front line, but Kulusevski willingly accepts the substitute role and comes on, and performing as he did is a big plus for this team. Antonio Conte has to have a way to change the game from the bench, and on Sunday, Kulusevski did that, and Spurs won as a result.

Spurs were not perfect, but the play of Romero, the quick ball movement, and an impact performance from the bench were enough for Tottenham to win.