To stay high or to drop deep? Weighing up coaches’ contrasting reactions to red cards – tactical analysis

There are some fixtures in football that have a habit of producing memorable encounters. Following the infamous Battle of the Bridge in 2016, Tottenhams 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea last week was another classic. However, it wasnt so much a battle this time but Lunacy at the Lane.

There were plenty of talking points for a match where the ball was only in play for 43% of the time – the lowest percentage of any Premier League game in the last two seasons.

As well as the five goals that stood, five were disallowed. Spurs were reduced to 10 men in the 33^rd minute when Cristian Romero brought down Enzo Fernandez in the penalty area. Cole Palmer converted the spot kick to equalise, and Tottenhams night got worse in the 55^th minute when Destiny Udogie received his second yellow of the game. The Italian was fortunate not to have been dismissed earlier after a two-footed challenge.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou favoured an attacking approach that saw his side adopt a high line to the final whistle. Whilst some pundits have applauded the brave tactics, others have been critical, stating that the Australian should have ordered his players to shut up shop.

In this tactical analysis and tactical theory piece, we will provide an analysis of the different approaches adopted by different teams to being reduced to 10 men or more. We will explore the tactics adopted and the subsequent outcomes to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the varying approaches.

Postecoglou sticks to his principles

Since Postecoglou took charge in North London, Spurs have showcased attacking flair, winning the plaudits. Their style of playing out from the back, transitioning attacking play in each third of the pitch has paid dividends as they lie fourth in the Premier League.

One of their main strengths this season has been their high press, and they currently have the lowest PPDA value, at 9.2, in the division. This is an indication of how successful their pressing has been. Despite the positive approach the Australian has incorporated at White Hart Lane, Spurs would have been forgiven for deserting their original gameplan when they went down to nine men against Chelsea.

However, Spurs went ahead, playing an extremely high line for the remainder of the game.

Spurs line often set up near the halfway line, attempting to catch Chelsea offside. The surprising tactic actually worked to good effect as the Blues were caught offside seven times throughout the match. Chelsea continuously struggled, and the linesmans flag continued to intervene with the Blues attacking phase of play.

The high line effectively condenses the oppositions space and restricts them from playing long balls or through balls. Tottenham were further able to make use of this tactic due to the qualities of their goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.