Bournemouth Vs Tottenham Hotspur [3–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Plan Exposes Spurs Problems – Tactical Analysis

The Premier League is in its busy winter phase, which is often one of the most decisive periods of the season.

On Wednesday, two struggling teams trying to salvage their seasons met, with AFC Bournemouth hosting Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 21.

Both teams have struggled over the last couple of months, ending up in the lower half of the midfield in recent weeks, so they are trying to regain some form.

Bournemouth, under manager Andoni Iraola, have not won any of their last 11 games in the Premier League.

After a very successful season, the Cherries are now threatening to drop back into the relegation battle if one of the other teams catches some form somehow.

For Spurs, it’s just another very disappointing season.

After winning the UEFA Europa League last season and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, expectations were high under new manager Thomas Frank.

Spurs finished last season in the league in a disappointing fashion, and it doesn’t look like there will be a big improvement under the new Danish coach, putting a lot of pressure on Frank already.

In the end, in a hard-fought game, Bournemouth managed to beat Spurs at home thanks to a late goal, their first win in months.

In this tactical analysis, we will look at the tactics used by the two managers, how the game shaped up, and how Bournemouth ended up winning a close contest.

Lineups & Formations

Andoni Iraola did not make too many changes and stuck to his usual 4-4-1-1 formation again in this game.

Djordje Petrovic got the start in goal, with Marcos Senesi as the left centre-half, James Hill as the right centre-half, Adrien Truffert as the left-back and Álex Jiménez on the right defensive side.

In midfield, captain Lewis Cook and young Alex Scott formed the double pivot for the Spanish manager, hoping to control the game.

On the right wing, Marcus Tavernier got the start, and on the left wing, Antoine Semenyo played in what was likely his last game as a Cherry before his transfer to Manchester City is completed.

In the attack, Evanilson was the main physical presence up front, with Eli Kroupi playing as the second striker behind him.

Thomas Frank, on the other side, used a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation in this away game.

Guglielmo Vicario started in goal once again, with captain Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven forming the centre-back tandem in front of him.

Djed Spence played as the left full-back with Pedro Porro playing on the other side of the backline.

The double pivot consisted of Portuguese international Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, with Xavi Simons playing as the attacking midfielder in front of a double pivot.

Frenchman Mathys Tel played on the left wing, and Swedish starlet Lucas Bergvall played on the right side, flanking Randal Kolo Muani as the lone striker in this game.

Bournemouth Strength

From the start of the game, Bournemouth were the better side.

Frank had his Spurs focus on defending, and Iraola’s Cherries controlled the ball to start the game.

Spurs tried to play a high-pressing attack, but most of the time Bournemouth played long balls over the press, so Spurs never really managed to get any high regains.

What was interesting was the way Bournemouth played their goal kicks.

Iraola used the same shape most managers do, with two flat centre-backs at the corners of the six-yard box, with the near-sided centre-back starting play.