Spurs 4 West Ham 1 does not make good reading even with a few hours to think about it. Still scratching my head about some of the strange evolution of Lopetegui’s methodology from pre-season to Ipswich – all of which seemed to go out of the window in that second half display. In particular, from previous observations of Lopetegui’s style, there were some notable retreats:
The high line from the back four: Firstly with Wan Bissaka pushed so far forwards our ‘back four’ often included Rodriguez, who actually made some good blocks in the right-back position in the first half. I suspect Postecoglou’s move when replacing James Maddison allowed Kulusevski more license to maraud forward and exploit the Rodriguez-shaped hole in midfield.
Wan-Bissaka was down the other end of the pitch when one of the goals went in. Tactical naïvety. In any case, the second half certainly saw West Ham revert to defending deep on the 18 yard line with a midfield forced back almost on top of them.
The high press was non-existent in the second half. Antonio – and Kudus – were done-in and Spurs played through our front line with ease.
Distribution from the back Someone explain to me what has happened to Areola? Gone is the fast roll-out or throw, now he hoofs it long or straight out of play. Either way just giving possession back to the opposition. Stop it.
So change will be forced upon us for the Manchester United game next week. I am looking forward to it: We cannot play that badly. Summerville will get a start and show us what he can do with Bowen on the right and presumably a rested Antonio starting centrally. Alvarez restored centrally and Paquetá (please) released from his torture and allowed to ‘take five’ mentally whilst Soler can get a start in his place. If we simply stop giving the ball away all the time then Manchester United won’t have such a free rein at attacking us as we saw today.
Thinks can only get better!
