Premier League 2019/20: Tottenham vs Chelsea – tactical analysis

José Mourinho and Tottenham Hotspur were currently enjoying their honeymoon period in the Premier League; winning four from their last five games. This positive streak helped The Lilywhites to ascend from the fourteenth spot to the European zone. Not only that, a win in this game would help them to clinch the fourth place coming to Boxing Day.

In the other side, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea were having an opposite league form from the home side; with only one win in their last five. Such poor run was not a good morale booster for Lampard ahead of his first-ever league clash with his old gaffer.

Almost to everyone surprise, Lampard deployed interesting tactics in this encounter. Even though Chelsea were helped by Tottenham’s multiple defensive errors, they were able to nullify the home side for 90 minutes; credit to Lampard’s tactical creativity. This tactical analysis will inform how the match unfolded.

Lineups

Mourinho opted for 4–1–2–3 for his team. The duo of Dávinson Sánchez and Toby Alderweireld started at the heart of the defence, while Eric Dier started to provide defensive support ahead of them. Upfront, talisman Harry Kane was flanked by Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min to lead Spurs’ frontline. Names like Christian Eriksen, Tanguy Ndombele, and Danny Rose had to start the game from the bench.

In the other side, surprisingly Lampard chose a rather unorthodox formation in 3–4–3, which would move to 5–2–3 in defensive situations. The back three consisted of Antonio Rüdiger, Kurt Zouma, and Fikayo Tomori. Breakout star Tammy Abraham led the attacking line with Mason Mount and Willian alongside him. Chelsea’s dugout was filled with names like Jorginho, Michy Batshuayi, and Reece James.