Many Brentford fans wondered that as Tottenham clung onto their small lead before scoring a second goal on the break to secure a much-needed, morale-boosting win. It was Spurs’ most defensive Premier League game under Ange Postecoglou, with 49 clearances, 15 more than any other. That game’s average position maps show Spurs’ forced backness compared to the season.
It wasn’t like Postecoglou’s early, bombastic days, when Spurs supporters loved his front-foot, exhilarating approach.
Angeball briefly dominated the Premier League last season before injuries and inconsistency slowed them. Even with nine players, the notorious home loss to Chelsea showed their adherence to the Australian’s objectives.
Postecoglou and his players have committed to the plan despite the trials of this second campaign. Tottenham are second in the top flight for turnovers, fifth for how high they win the ball back, and first for how many passes they let the opposition make before reclaiming possession.
They frequently don’t let their opponents settle.A win over Thomas Frank’s side broke a four-game Premier League losing streak and a seven-game winless streak. Tottenham played the ball cautiously in the first half, not wanting to lose possession or get caught high up the pitch. They became more realistic after Vitaly Janelt’s goal.
