Their latest comeback win over Aston Villa sees Tottenham continue their “two steps forward, one step back” approach.
One of their biggest vulnerabilities flagged up under Ange Postecoglou is their inefficiency on set pieces. However, one club correspondent believes things are looking better in that department this term.
Alasdair Gold praises Tottenham’s set-piece record in defence after Aston Villa win
Speaking recently on his official YouTube channel, Tottenham’s correspondent for Football London, Alasdair Gold, discussed among other things the team’s set-piece record.
“Tottenham has only conceded two set-piece goals this season, a significant improvement over last year.
“When defending Villa’s set pieces, they handled the pressure well—except for one unlucky bounce.”
The Lilywhites’ win over the Villans last weekend has taken them to seventh in the Premier League table—two points behind Chelsea (fourth), Arsenal (fifth), and Villa themselves in sixth, all of whom are on 18 points after ten games.
There’s more to it
Talking about Spurs’ defensive solidity in set pieces after a game in which they conceded off a set piece is brave, to say the least. Chalking the concession off as “one unlucky bounce”, additionally, is very charitable.
Tottenham have conceded few goals from set pieces thus far, yes, but under Postecoglou since the start of last season, they have been one of the most vulnerable sides from dead-ball situations, while simultaneously being one of the least threatening teams from them. A not insignificant part of this is down to the fact that Postecoglou is not someone particularly keen on having comprehensive set-piece coaching, something his rivals have been doing consistently in order to gain that marginal edge.
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Still, they haven’t conceded too many from set pieces this season, which is a good sign given they’re in the second season under the 59-year-old, but things will become trickier as the season progresses and long-term physical and psychological fatigue hampers player concentration, and if Postecoglou’s comments are anything to go by, we should expect Tottenham to continue conceding from set pieces in the coming months.