Tottenham Hotspur Vs AFC Bournemouth [0-1] Premier League 2025/2026: Andoni Iraola Tactics Hand Thomas Frank First Defeat – Tactical Analysis

AFC Bournemouth handed Tottenham Hotspur their first defeat of the 2025/2026 Premier League season on Saturday afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Cherries defeated Spurs by a goal to nil away from home, becoming the first side to score against Thomas Frank’s outfit in England’s top flight.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have been one of the most impressive sides at the start of the new EPL campaign, earning six points from a possible nine in their opening three fixtures, only suffering defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

This Tottenham vs Bournemouth post-match tactical analysis looks at Andoni Iraola Bournemouth tactics, which defeated Thomas Frank’s Spurs on Saturday.

Our Premier League analysis examines the successful Bournemouth style of play in possession, which generated 1.63 xG for the Cherries in North London on Saturday, as well as the Andoni Iraola out-of-possession tactics, which limited Spurs to just five shots totalling 0.35 xG on their home turf.

Tottenham Hotspur Vs Bournemouth Lineups & Formations

Thomas Frank tactically set the home side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for this game.

Guglielmo Vicario lined up in goal behind a back four consisting of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence (from right to left).

Rodrigo Bentancur and João Palhinha played as Spurs’ double pivots at the base of midfield behind Pape Matar Sarr, who lined up as a ‘10’, Mohammed Kudus on the right wing, and Brennan Johnson on the left wing.

Meanwhile, Richarlison led the line for Tottenham up front.

Frank made a total of four substitutions over the course of the game.

In the 54th minute, they made a double change, bringing on Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall for Brennan Johnson and João Palhinha.

Then, just after 70 minutes, Pedro Porro made way for Destiny Udogie, while Mathys Tel came on for Sarr in the 76th minute.

As for the visitors, Iraola also set up his team from the south coast in a 4-2-3-1 shape.

Djordje Petrovic started in goal for the Cherries behind Adam Smith, Bafodé Diakité, Marcos Senesi and Adrien Truffert (right to left).

Tyler Adams and Alex Scott were Bournemouth’s central midfield duo, playing behind Marcus Tavernier as a ‘10’, David Brooks on the right wing and Antoine Semenyo on the left wing.

Evanilson carried out centre-forward duties for the Cherries.

Iraola made a total of five substitutions before the full-time whistle was blown on Saturday.

In the 26th minute, Bournemouth right-back Adam Smith was taken off, with James Hill coming on in his place.

Then, just after the hour mark, Scott and Brooks made way for Ryan Christie and Amine Adli.

Lastly, 10 minutes from the end of the game, Bournemouth took off goalscorer Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier, bringing Eli Junior Kroupi and Justin Kluivert off the bench to take their place and see out the Cherries’ victory.

Bournemouth In-Possession Tactics Vs Tottenham Hotspur: Positioning & Movement

Andoni Iraola’s side retained just 38.38% of the ball possession in Saturday’s game.

Still, they used the ball far more effectively than their opponents, creating four times as many shots, vastly superior xG, and, most importantly, the only goal of the game.