Premier League 2018/2019: Cardiff City vs Tottenham

A clash of two teams with different goals was on full display in the Premier League on New Year’s Day. Each also had their own shocking recent result heading into 2019. Tottenham severely hurt their title chances losing to Wolves 3-1. Meanwhile Cardiff City pulled out a stunning result at Leicester, despite having only 38% possession.

Mauricio Pochettino has his stamp on the Tottenham squad this year by employing a medium block press and controlling possession in the middle third of the field. However, there has been a bit of a shift from last year when it comes to pressing. As you can see below, they have allowed a little more possession a little higher up the field.

This shift in pressing may mean fewer interceptions and turnovers in the attacking third, but it has allowed for more balanced defensive midfield pressure. This pressure has also allowed for more possession in the middle third of the field of Pochettino’s side. The majority of possession and passes for Spurs this season tend to come from the middle of the pitch.

Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City side have employed the tactics this season that made them successful in the Championship. Defensively they are noted for being disciplined and tough to break down. Going forward, they have stuck with their Championship style in being direct, while lacking possession.