Unbeaten with 8 wins and 2 draws this season, beating Arsenal and Manchester City
Coach Postecoglou, 4-3-3 form → build-up and defense ↑
The reason why Tottenham Hotspur Son Heung-min 31 does well even if he does not play in his original position is probably due to manager Enze Postecoglou's perfect tactics.
Tottenham won 2-1 in the 10th round of the 2023-2024 English Premier League EPL away match at Selhurst Park in London, England, on the 28th of last month , keeping it at the highest level of the league table with 26 points 8 wins and 2 draws.
On this day, Son Heung-min and James Madison showed great performance. Madison dug into the right side and induced the opposing defender's own goal with a strong ground ball cross, and Son Heung-min received a cutback from Brennan Johnson to complete an additional goal.
Tottenham, which widened the gap with the performance of Son Heung-min and Madison, conceded a comeback goal to Crystal Palace in extra time in the second half, but did not lose the lead. Tottenham, which eventually won 2-1, was higher than second-place Arsenal FC 24 points and third-place Manchester City 24 points.
Tottenham remained solid overall. In particular, the rear build-up and defense have improved very much. Attacking tactics have diversified and there have been more routes to score goals. This season, Tottenham launched an attack based on ball possession, and has stabilized its defense and tied for third place with at least nine runs.
At the center of the change is tactical director Postecoglou. Last season, Tottenham finished eighth in the league 60 points, 18 wins, 6 draws and 14 losses under former coach Antonio Conte. The overall balance was broken, giving up 63 runs in 38 games.
He eventually replaced Conte and finished the season as acting coach Ryan Mason. Ahead of this season, he appointed Postecoglou, who led Celtic FC in the Scottish Premier League. Postecoglou was a coach who had won a total of five trophies at Celtic.
Fans reacted chillyly. Harry Kane, who was the team's main gun, left for Bayern Munich, and when he appointed Postecoglou, who had no experience in big clubs, he criticized that he could not win.
The start of the season was also dark. Postecoglou's EPL debut came in a 2–2 draw with Brentford FC. However, it was only a matter of time before fans reversed their reaction.
Tottenham won their first league victory with a perfect performance in the second round against Manchester United, winning their fourth consecutive league title. In the North London derby, Arsenal drew 2-2 and quickly emerged as favourites.
The four games in October ended with a clean sweep. As of the 1st, Tottenham is currently the only team to be undefeated against Arsenal. It's a great record considering that Manchester City in the world have lost two games.
What Tottenham can do best this season is coach Postecoglou's tactics. Unlike Conte, who insisted on a three-back and pursued counterattacks last season, Postecoglou uses four backs and pursues various offensive tactics based on ball possession.
First of all, defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma tries to build up between central defenders in the form of a one-volanche in the rear build-up situation.Both side backs will be placed between the so-called third and second lines to begin the build-up, while central midfielders Madison and Pape Sarr will be able to receive the ball more forward.
At this time, winger Dejan Kulusevski and Hishalisson widen the gap between the opposing central defender and the side back. When the non-water horse, which can carry the ball, moves forward, you can see the midfielder or sideback penetrating into the half space or striker Son Heung-min moving and receiving the ball.
If Son Heung-min comes down and receives the ball, one of the promised tactics is for the wing to dig into the wider defensive gap. Therefore, it is possible to attack with various routes, not "one-way attacks" that relied on counterattacks last season. A case in point is Son Heung-min's score against Liverpool.
One of the reasons why Son Heung-min is good at strikers is the "freedom" ordered by Postecoglou. Last season, Son had the lowest stat since his debut season. It is because of Ivan Perisic, who joined the team at left wing-back.
As Perisic dominated the side, Son Heung-min was naturally located inside, and opposing defenders only had to block the inside. In other words, there was no freedom. There have been many scenes of Son Heung-min being isolated in the gate.
This season is different. Son Heung-min actively penetrated into the back space or came down to accept the ball, and even attacked the half-space, creating various attack routes. When his eyes were on himself, chances were naturally delivered to his colleagues. This is the reason why Son Heung-min's performance, as well as Tottenham as a whole, is increasing.
In defense, Christian Romero and transfer Mickey van der Penn stand out. Romero has been at the heart of Tottenham's defense since last season. Van der Penn stands out for his fast feet and one-on-one defense.
Even the two centre-backs are doing well in the back build-up, with Van der Penn helping a lot in the build-up as a left-footed centre-back required by modern football. On top of that, both side backs Destiny Udozi and Pedro Porro are trying to join the offense with their active activity, covering a wide range of defense.
The quality of the overall players improved, and Tottenham's performance was naturally revived as the tactician coach joined. On top of that, the players are showing solid unity by praising Son Heung-min, who was elected as the captain, as the best leader.
Ten rounds in the league, only about a quarter. Perhaps it is premature that Tottenham can compete for the championship. What is clear, however, is that the team is transforming into a brilliant tactician coach. 스포츠토토
Whether Tottenham can continue this trend until May next year is drawing attention from domestic and overseas fans.