Why Tottenham must return to winning ways against Brighton?

After a disappointing week, Tottenham returns to Premier League action this Saturday with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Pre-international break, Tottenham was in good form; five wins from seven left Antonio Conte’s side third; however, a return to club football has been bleak.

Last weekend’s North London Derby was certainly an afternoon to forget. Although Spurs did enjoy some positive spells, we were well beaten, further extending our long-standing winless run at the Emirates in the Premier League.

Moreover, a straight red card for Emerson Royal sees the Brazilian side-lined for the next three fixtures – including Brighton, so Conte will be forced to make at least one change for the coming game.

Given the Italian’s recent remarks about Djed Spence and Matt Doherty, it’s hard to predict who will take Emerson’s place at the Amex this weekend, as he hasn’t exactly been positive about either player.

Either way, Spurs fans will likely be pleased to see a new face at RWB, perhaps one with a more attacking presence akin to Perisic on the opposite side.

However, RWB isn’t the only change fans have been calling for, as after a short but successful stint in a 3-5-2 against Leicester, some fans are willing a permanent switch.

Following our midweek Champions League clash at Eintracht Frankfurt ending in a goalless draw, it could be argued that for a team often dominated in midfield, there is little need for Kane, Son, and Richarlison to start.

Instead, starting an extra midfielder – presumably, Bissouma, would allow for Spurs to have more control over the game, in turn creating better chances for Kane and Son in a front two; leaving Richarlison as a high-quality bench option that we are currently missing with Kulusevski out injured.

However, Brighton is bound to be a tough test, so Conte may have reservations about making both personnel and stylistic changes as the Seagulls have started the season excellently.

14 points leave them in fourth – just one place behind Spurs, and despite losing manager Graham Potter to Chelsea, they have made a solid start to life with Roberto De Zerbi drawing 3-3 at Anfield thanks to a Leandro Trossard hat-trick.

Moreover, Brighton is unbeaten at home since a visit from Liverpool back in March, with four wins and three draws in this time, so Tottenham will need to be tactically astute if they want to take points back to London.

Saturday is undoubtedly a big game for Conte, as although there is no immediate pressure, results and performances cannot continue to disappoint, as fans may grow impatient.

Hopefully, this week will see Spurs return to winning ways, as despite starting the season well, we must continue to pick up points consistently to maintain pace with our rivals.