Tottenham Hotspur have the joint-worst defensive record in terms of clean sheets. They share that current predicament with Norwich City, both clubs with only two clean sheets thus far in the Premier League. After the 2-2 draw between the clubs, Jose Mourinho condemned the Spurs defensive performance for making key mistakes leading indirectly and directly to the goals.
Since arriving at the club, Mourinho has achieved one Premier League clean sheet in the 5-0 victory over Burnley. This equals Pochettino’s single clean sheet in fewer matches. But either way, the defensive record has been poor over a much longer period.
Eradicating Tottenham Hotspur’s Defensive Mistakes
Formation
During Mourinho’s taking over at the helm, Spurs have changed up their formations. Usually, Mourinho has opted to start matches with a three-man defence and two wingbacks. However, depending on each opponent, this can change even during the match. Against Norwich, for example, the three-man defence became a more traditional defence with two centre-backs and with Serge Aurier and Ryan Sessegnon sitting a little further back.
Barring the Aurier own-goal calamity, the whole team had a much better second half. The defence looked stronger.
Centre-Backs
Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have been Spurs’ key defenders for many years. They have invaluable experience and quality. Both players can still make occasional mistakes and mishaps. But, generally, these Belgians can be relied on. However, they are getting on towards the latter stages of their playing careers. As such, Spurs have been trying to introduce some younger talents.
Davinson Sanchez is one such star who has made 70 appearances for the club, accruing 20 clean sheets. He is a strong, athletic defender who can definitely compete physically in the Premier League. His performances have been mixed, and his weakest area is often his passing and contributions on the ball.
Juan Foyth is a more recent arrival, with only 16 Premier League appearances. At 21 years old, he is two years younger than Sanchez and is still a relatively young player. In terms of physicality, he is quick enough but is sometimes in danger of being bullied off the ball by the striker. Furthermore, his ability to play on the ball can lead him into trouble. Often, he is a little too naive. He certainly doesn’t panic on the ball and is able to make intricate turns and dribbles to then start an attack.
The recall of Cameron Carter-Vickers could suggest that Mourinho wants to take a look at all the players at his disposal. However, his failure to solidify his place in Pochettino’s first team has previously signified that he wasn’t good enough to make it at Spurs.
Wing-Backs or Full-Backs?
Once upon a time, Tottenham had two pretty well-functioning wing-backs in Kyle Walker and an in-form Danny Rose. They could sit back quite well as full-backs by trade but relished the opportunity to bomb forward. Yesterday, Tottenham played with Serge Aurier and Ryan Sessegnon as their wingbacks. They were first deployed really quite high up with the three centre-backs. With the changes made in the second half, they did drop back, and Aurier certainly did with his involvement in the own goal!
Aurier is a player whose consistency may cost him a future at the club. Too often he is a liability in terms of making mistakes or bad tackles. Going forward his contribution is in poor crosses. Oftentimes, Moussa Sissoko has had to cover Aurier, which has had its own implications in midfield.
Rose has definitely had his best days in a Spurs shirt. He will remain at the club as he wishes to run down his contract.
Spurs now tend to get their width from their wing-backs or full-backs. Being able to change and adapt the positioning and responsibility of these players is a useful tool. However, these players aren’t, for whatever reason, effective enough yet. Defensively and offensively they are average.
How to Address Tottenham Hotspur’s Defensive Mistakes
There needs to be some turnaround in terms of personnel. The likes of Rose and Aurier could and should be shipped out for younger, more talented individuals. At centre-back, Mourinho will be keeping hold of Alderweireld, and Vertonghen is also a key defender. Foyth needs more time. Meanwhile, Sanchez still has room for development. But, it would not be a surprise to see one of the two younger deputies sold for an upgrade.
In these changing times at the club, it is difficult to gel all the players together. Club captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is still out injured. Paulo Gazzaniga has performed well when called upon. However, a change in goalkeeper alone will play some role in disrupting the defence. Furthermore the midfield in front of the defence changes, sometimes with Eric Dier protecting it, more recently left exposed with the newly formed Tanguy Ndombele, Christian Eriksen and Giovani Lo Celso midfield.
Thus, whilst some of the personnel should be assessed, there are a multitude of issues that contribute to the poor defensive record. Mourinho has a lot of work to do.
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