Editor's note: As mentioned in the match report yesterday, in a departure from our usual structure I've elaborated on some talking points based on observations I made at the ground as well as a match report; as such, I've done some deeper ******* ysis rather than the high-level talking points we might typically cover.
A fascinating encounter last night in Sydney saw Tottenham Hotspur come out the victors in their latest preseason hit-out against Sydney FC. With Roberto De Zerbi naming a stronger side than the one he selected against Auckland FC, Spurs started on the front foot and looked much the better side, without being able to convert that dominance into goals, with an excellent Mathys Tel free kick Spurs' lone goal. Following Sydney FC equalizing in the second half, the match went to penalties where Spurs held their nerve to win the shootout 2-4, with Joe Lacey hitting the post and Martin Dubravka saving Alexandar Popovic's attempt.
Here's a deep dive into a few things I took away from Spurs' latest preseason fixture.
In preseason, it's always hard to determine tactically what exactly is due to managerial instructions, the opposition, the players on the pitch, or a combination of all three. What was clear though was that Spurs were very much operating in an asymmetrical nature in a variation to their typical 4-2-3-1.
The midfield was clearly set up as a two, with Conor Gallagher in front of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray as a #10 ; however, Gallagher often was dropping back to link play and Bergvall routinely pushed forward, as well as at times moving out into wide areas while Solomon at times tucked in. This at times left Gray as the sole holding role.
#preseason #times #i 've #gallagher
A fascinating encounter last night in Sydney saw Tottenham Hotspur come out the victors in their latest preseason hit-out against Sydney FC. With Roberto De Zerbi naming a stronger side than the one he selected against Auckland FC, Spurs started on the front foot and looked much the better side, without being able to convert that dominance into goals, with an excellent Mathys Tel free kick Spurs' lone goal. Following Sydney FC equalizing in the second half, the match went to penalties where Spurs held their nerve to win the shootout 2-4, with Joe Lacey hitting the post and Martin Dubravka saving Alexandar Popovic's attempt.
Here's a deep dive into a few things I took away from Spurs' latest preseason fixture.
In preseason, it's always hard to determine tactically what exactly is due to managerial instructions, the opposition, the players on the pitch, or a combination of all three. What was clear though was that Spurs were very much operating in an asymmetrical nature in a variation to their typical 4-2-3-1.
The midfield was clearly set up as a two, with Conor Gallagher in front of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray as a #10 ; however, Gallagher often was dropping back to link play and Bergvall routinely pushed forward, as well as at times moving out into wide areas while Solomon at times tucked in. This at times left Gray as the sole holding role.
#preseason #times #i 've #gallagher
5 days ago
