Defensive Solidity Focus: Pragmatism Emerging as Key for Spurs
Overpowering the rivals was the mentality at the club last year but now the emphasis is on stopping goals at the other end of the field.
Tuesday's 1-0 win against their European opponents in the team's UCL first match was the yet another clean sheet they had achieved in five games this season.
By comparison, they had recorded just a single at the equivalent stage of last season, when the more attack-minded their previous manager was in control.
“We discussed a lot about 'defensive mentality' this year because we conceded a lot last year,” Spurs midfielder a key player stated.
Defender Van de Ven added: “I think we are a tough team to play against, definitely. Organisationally we are set up really good and we all know what to do, so we're a hard team to beat.”
The style of Tottenham against the Yellow Submarine was in stark contrast to the free-flowing football played during the previous regime.
They were much more reserved, even after being gifted a quick-fire opener thanks to a calamitous mistake by their rivals goalkeeper their number one.
Improved Backline but at an Offensive Cost?
Spurs have let in just the one goal this season - in the 1-0 loss to their Premier League rivals.
That is a significant improvement on how they started the prior campaign, when they allowed multiple goals in their first five games.
In the domestic league they have kept three clean sheets already - meaning they are just two from equalling their total for the whole of last season.
The more solid platform is possibly coming at a cost, however, with their one shot on target against Villarreal the second occasion in their last three games they had recorded very limited efforts on goal.
The manager knows this is an area that has to develop.
“We have a very good foundation to stand on in terms of our defensive structure and I think it's good and we gave little away,” he said.
“This is the European competition against a good team. Also, I knew we took a positive step against the Hammers, offensively is the area we need to improve.”
