Spurs’ big problem exposed again … but Ange still refuses to accept obvious fix
Tottenham’s 3-2 home loss to Arsenal, their North London derby rivals, revealed a significant problem that plagued Spurs the entire season. However, Ange Postecoglou adamantly refuses to adhere to a definite current football trend that would remedy his team’s grave deficit.
Two of Arsenal’s goals came from in-swinging corners: Kai Havertz’s close-range header just before halftime and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal in the fifteenth minute.
With his goal, Spurs lost to their North London rivals 3-0 at home for the first time since 1959.
However, Arsenal’s capacity to stop corners at the last moment proved essential to maintaining their lead when Spurs mounted a comeback in the second half.
This season, Arsenal has scored 22 goals from set pieces and given up six, with 16 of those goals coming from corners, which is the highest of any Premier League side since West Brom under Tony Pulis (16).
In contrast, Spurs have made 11 goals and let up 14 from set pieces so far this season. This season, there has been a staggering 19 goals in the set pieces difference between the two teams.
The first goal was especially problematic for Tottenham’s defense because players were “ball-watching” and letting attackers rush by them.
On Sky Sports, Paul Merson stated, “Every Arsenal player is behind.” It’s the worst thing a defender could possibly do, and the Tottenham players are all watching.
“I know the game, even if I wasn’t a defense. Every single one of those players eventually ends up on the other side of the player, therefore you can’t allow them to get goal side of you.
They ultimately arrive behind them. It’s astounding.
This would not occur in a football game for under-12 players. Now that they are all behind them, they are all on the goal side. It’s astounding.
Nico Jover, the set piece coach for Arsenal who has played a significant role in their title challenge this season, was a prominent figure on the touchline during the game.
He stalked the sidelines in the closing minutes, yelling instructions as the Gunners stopped Spurs’ corner after Spurs corner.
Postecoglou was standing by himself, as usual. Even while many elite clubs are adopting the role of set piece coach as standard practice, he has adamantly refused to hire one.
Postecoglou gave an explanation of his choice in March, stating that he did not want to “separate set pieces from anything else we do.”
“I’ve never had a specific set-piece coach,” he declared. That has always been the responsibility of someone. Since that’s an extension of our football play, I always believe it’s better if that person is on the coaching staff.
“As far as the team we want to be, I don’t separate set pieces from everything else we do. Hopefully, everything is connected.
In terms of offensive and defensive set pieces, Mile [Jedinak] and Ryan Mason have divided the responsibilities here, and they have worked very hard on it with the analysis department. Every club does, I’m sure. I comprehend that some people have chosen to follow a specialized path. Simply put, that’s not how I operate.
In order to keep nothing apart, I always strive to foster a communal atmosphere in all that we do. It wouldn’t feel right to me to bring in experts in just one field. more than anything, just for the way I work.
With Fox Sports Sportmail, you can receive the most recent football news, highlights, and analysis directly in your inbox. Register right away!
For Postecoglou’s Spurs, it was a difficult loss.
Postecoglou acknowledged that set pieces were still a concern following today’s loss, but he downplayed the problem once more.
If I believed that improving defensive set pieces would help us close the gap, I would devote all of my time and energy to that. But we’re not there yet,” he remarked.
For us, it’s important to pay attention to the little things in games—not just the set pieces—because there are many instances when you allow your opponents the time and space to do things that can affect you.
“It’s not just that, I think there’s more to it than that, but our defensive set pieces for those two were just awful.
However, there are many more issues to resolve. It’s about moving from where we are to where we want to be in the course of time.
“To do that, we still lack a laser-like attention on the minutiae—the little things that separate a contending club from where we are.
“Arsenal deserves credit for being there now. We’re not good at handling the specifics, but their team is.
Given their incapacity to prevent Arsenal from scoring the second goal of the Gunners on a counterattack, Postecoglou is correct to point out that Spurs need to improve in several areas.
However, the data indicates that Tottenham’s set pieces have been a serious problem all season, and this could cost them a spot in the top four and profitable Champions League participation.
With two games remaining, Spurs are currently in fifth place, seven points behind Aston Villa and with a goal differential that is six worse.
Ben White, who was up to his regular trickery against Tottenham, has developed into something of a terror in the box, which has contributed to Arsenal’s success at set pieces this season.
He made an attempt to take off goalie Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves at one corner. White pushed Vicario into the Tottenham goal for Havertz’s headed goal.
Throughout the season, Vicario has displayed a vulnerability to set pieces by being unable to efficiently manage his six-yard box. Teams are obviously aiming for him.
However, the majority of clubs have made an effort to neutralize White’s impact during dead ball situations by sending a player to block him from entering the six-yard box or to protect their goalie from the Arsenal player. Spurs paid a high price for failing to do so.
Speaking about the Havertz headed goal, Arsenal legend Ian Wright said on Optus Sports’ Matchday Live: “They couldn’t deal with it. The balls in were amazing, but when you look at them at the back there, no-one’s protecting Vicario because I think when you look where this header is, if he’s got some protection he might be able to get himself in a position to get close to the front post.
“Second half they put Pape Sarr on [to shield Vicario] but it’s too late, it’s a big mistake for me from the coaching staff.”
Emmanuel Adebayor, who played for both teams, added: “For me, you can’t concede two goals like that, it’s not normal.”