This midweek, Tottenham came from behind to secure a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Timo Werner opened the scoring with his first competitive goal in English football, after hitting a powerful strike from just inside the area. The Blues coasted through the first half against a passive Spurs side who failed to threaten until the interval. However, the balance of power shifted in the second period, and the home side got on top. Their pressure paid off with seven minutes to go, as Eric Lamela converted from a Sergio Reguillion cross.
From there, we saw no further goals in normal time, and the London derby went straight to penalties. Jose Mourinho’s side held their nerve to win the shootout 5-4, as Mason Mount put the decisive spot-kick wide.
This tactical analysis will delve into the tactics used by these two London rivals in a game that wasn’t blessed with many clear goalscoring opportunities.
Line-ups
Jose Mourinho set his team up in a 5-3-2 system from the start, although he changed to their more usual 4-2-3-1 shape in the 70th minute. Hugo Lloris started in goal, with Japhet Tanganga, Toby Alderweireld, and Eric Dier playing in central defence. Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguillon played at wing-back while Moussa Sissoko, Gedson Fernandes, and Tanguy Ndombele started as the midfield three. Steven Bergwijn and Erik Lamela played up front in the absence of a recognised striker.
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