Premier League 2019/20: Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace – tactical analysis

Gameweek five in the Premier League had Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Each team had a completely different mindset going into this game, based on the result of their last performances before the international break. Tottenham Hotspur shockingly lost to Newcastle at home, conceding an early goal from Joelinton. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace were able to get their first win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League era, a massive feat. A week later, Crystal Palace controversially got another three points against a ten-man Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur threw away a two-goal lead against fierce, North London rivals Arsenal, only able to earn one point at the Emirates. One team coming into game week five on a complete high, and the other on the lowest of lows.

That being said, just by watching the match, you would never know that Tottenham Hotspur had just gone through such a bad run of form. They easily beat Crystal Palace in every department, winning the match with a comfortable 4-0 victory. This tactical analysis will examine how Tottenham Hotspur were able to get out of their rut and perform at a level they have not shown in a while using tactics and analysis.

Lineups

Mauricio Pochettino set up his home side in a 4-4-2 that often looked like 4-2-2-2 formation. Every player bar Serge Aurier had also started the game at the Emirates versus Arsenal, but Pochettinos 4-4-2 differed from the 4-2-3-1 in the sense that the midfielders were given much more freedom to roam, rather than be in a rigid shape. It also allowed Tottenham Hotspur to play with two strikers in Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, rather than just one. Two strikers help tremendously against teams that sit deep in a low block, which Pochettino correctly assumed is how Crystal Palace would set up.

Roy Hodgson made more changes than his managerial counterpart. After guiding his side to a 1-0 victory against Aston Villa with a 4-3-3 at home, he opted for a more defensive shape against last years Champion League finalists. A 4-1-4-1 formation that often changed shape that often looked like a 4-5-1. Hodgsons goal was clear; to limit Tottenham Hotspurs clear cut chances and attempt to counter their high line. The scoreline obviously suggests the Hodgson was unable to get his players to execute his tactics properly.

Use of Width vs. A Low Block

Tottenham Hotspur were able to get at Crystal Palace because of their use of the whole pitch. Although Crystal Palace played in a low block, they were uncharacteristically narrow. This allowed Tottenham Hotspur to continually play around them.