Five reasons why Tottenham are improving against the top six away from home

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At the beginning of April, Tottenham had only won one of their 19 Premier League away matches against last season’s top six under Mauricio Pochettino, drawing seven and losing 11.

Since then, memorable victories at Chelsea last term and Manchester United this week have somewhat changed the narrative around Pochettino’s Spurs.

It is often said that Tottenham won’t win the Premier League until they start performing to a high level at places like Old Trafford at Stamford Bridge. They suddenly seem capable of doing exactly that.

There are tougher challenges ahead this season with trips to the Etihad and Anfield certain to prove as demanding as ever – but Spurs may now be ready for those tests.

So how have Spurs begun to clear the mental hurdle in question? And why have they have been able to change their fortunes in away games against the top six? Here are five thoughts.

1. Familiarity within the squad

Much has been said and written about Tottenham’s lack of summer transfer business. And although they certainly could have done with one or two new recruits in key areas, keeping the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele could prove even more useful than signings.

The Belgian duo, along with Danny Rose, were expected to depart over the summer but Spurs have somehow retained them, meaning the squad possesses a degree of familiarity some of the other top teams lack.

Pochettino’s current crop have been through the ringer together, experiencing some torrid lows at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. But they have also learned from those episodes, subsequently garnering the nous to win at Chelsea and Manchester United in recent months.

The now well-accustomed Tottenham players are learning to react to painful results together, turning unpleasant experiences into lessons to take into future clashes with the top six.

2. A variety of options

While Spurs’ squad has remained familiar during Pochettino’s tenure, thoughtful additions to the group have enriched the options the Argentine has at his disposal for trips to difficult venues.

Lucas Moura, for instance, looks like he could become an indispensable member of the team, especially in away matches against the big boys. His electrifying pace at Old Trafford was essential, and a strike partnership with Harry Kane might be ideal for certain away days.

Alternatively, Pochettino will be able to call upon Heung-Min Son – once the South Korean is back from the Asian Games – when necessary. Son played a key role in last season’s win at Chelsea, constantly making runs in behind the Blues’ backline to make up for Kane’s absence through injury.

The directness and aggression of Erik Lamela will also come in useful down the line. Indeed, Pochettino has a range of paths to take depending on which high-quality hosts Tottenham are up against.

3. Dele Alli is maturing

Alli celebrating one of his two goals at Stamford Bridge last season

Alli’s two-goal display at Stamford Bridge last season wasn’t hugely surprising. He had scored twice against Chelsea at White Hart Lane in 2016/17, and it hadn’t been long since his brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old is a big game player who often comes up with the goods against top sides. But his newfound ability to drown out the hostility in big away games – a trait that was on display again at Old Trafford – is what will truly be pleasing Pochettino lately.

Despite failing to take his chances against United (he could have finished the game with a goal and an assist), Alli’s mature performance was hugely important. Only Ben Davies (12) made more passes into the final third than Alli (11) and only Moura (6) had more touches in the opposition box (Alli had 5).

Spurs’ No.20 also ranked highest for tackles (5) and joint-top alongside Mousa Dembele for interceptions, making four each.

On top of that, the midfielder knows when to waste time and when to get on with it, and he no longer appears to be provoking the opposition at every opportunity – only when appropriate.

4. Timing is everything

Without taking anything away from Spurs and their fine displays against Chelsea and United, Pochettino’s men were perhaps fortunate in catching both teams at their most vulnerable.

Last season, Chelsea were a shadow of the team that won the title the previous year. The Blues had to go all out to beat Tottenham in order to keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive, and that ended up giving Spurs the impetus to seal their first victory at Stamford Bridge for 28 years.

Likewise, United needed a statement performance against Tottenham to eradicate the negativity provoked by their previous result, a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. After a positive start that forced Spurs into a season-high 66 failed first-half passes, the hosts eventually left too many gaps for Spurs to exploit.

In fairness to Tottenham, they clinically took their chances in both games. But they’re unlikely to be handed better opportunities – or better timing – down the line.

5. A cool head in charge

Spurs’ troubles against the top six away from home have often been put down to Pochettino’s shortcomings as a manager. He is yet to win a trophy as a coach, and that lack of experience has been evident in some of Tottenham’s more naive showings.

But despite his imperfections, Pochettino’s tactical astuteness is matched by his sensible correspondence with the media.

The former Southampton coach has never publicly complained about a dearth of investment during his time in north London despite Spurs’ perceived lack of ambition in the transfer market, especially this summer.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte (last season) and Mourinho (presently) have arguably destabilised their respective teams by criticising their superiors’ failure to make required signings through the media.

The post Five reasons why Tottenham are improving against the top six away from home appeared first on Squawka News.



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