Pochettino, Spurs look the real deal

Leicester City are undoubtedly the romantic choice to lift this season’s Premier League crown, but if second-placed Tottenham were to land their first title in 55 years, it would also be a fairytale finish. After decades in the doldrums, TODAY’s EPL analyst, Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg), explains what has happened at White Hart Lane to bring about such radical and promising improvements.

A MASTERFUL YOUNG MANAGER

Tottenham’s Member of Parliament, David Lammy, has revealed that Alex Ferguson recently whispered this opinion in his ear: “I think you guys have got the best manager in the Premier League.”

As somewhat of an expert in the field, I will not argue against him.

There is a lot to like about Mauricio Pochettino. He gives young players a chance to shine, conducts himself in an assured manner, and sends his teams out to play attractive modern football. On the training ground, the Argentinean has a reputation for working his players to the bone, with double sessions the norm. This has helped transform Spurs into the fittest team in the league.

Tactically, he is smart too. Switching defender Eric Dier into midfield was a masterstroke, he changed formation to great effect away to Watford, and his strict regime has also helped the squad shed their traditionally soft underbelly.

For the first time in decades, Spurs have steel — and Pochettino’s management is the real deal.

CLEVER RECRUITMENT

Paul Mitchell, Tottenham’s “head of recruitment”, is one of the most sought-after figures in English football. Aged just 34, the former player excelled in similar roles at MK Dons and Southampton, before Pochettino poached him from St Mary’s.

Innovative, thorough, and with a network of contacts around the globe, Mitchell’s recommendations are usually spot on. He hung his hat on Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Son Heung-min who, for the most part, have all done well this term.

They need more depth, but more astute signings are sure to follow.

NO LONGER A ONE-MAN TEAM

Had it not been the Harry Kane show, Tottenham could easily have languished in mid-table last season. Heroic on a near game-by-game basis, the striker dragged them into the race for a top-four spot.

During 2014-15, Kane’s goals earned Spurs 26 extra points. His influence was phenomenal.

After a sluggish start, the England international is flying once more, and with 15 Premier League goals he is now in the frame for the Golden Boot.

There is a big difference though. Tottenham have not relied on his predatory instincts anywhere near as much.

With set pieces more profitable, and a noticeable rise in contributions from midfield (usually via Alli), Pochettino’s men have been winning matches far more comfortably.

Kane’s goals have added just one point to their tally so far in 2015-16.

POSITIVE CHANGES

Pochettino did not want dead wood hanging around the dressing room. Undertaking a ruthless cull, he ensured the departure of 20 players since the end of last season.

Now, with a smaller first team squad to work with, motivation is far higher within the group and team spirit has soared. The manager was smart enough to recognise that having excess first-teamers loitering on the periphery can be divisive.

On the pitch, he also knew the midfield needed a shake-up, and his plans have borne fruit.

Rejuvenated defender Dier has been superb in the holding role, which has in turn allowed Mousa Dembele and Alli licence to get forward and join in the fun. Last term, without an excellent defensive midfield man, Spurs had to deploy two, and it limited their creation.

Introducing Toby Alderweireld was also an intelligent move. Pochettino banked on the Belgian’s long-time friendship with compatriot Jan Vertonghen resulting in a partnership of chemistry in central defence, and so it has proved.

Conceding just 19 goals, the team has the best record in the division.

INTELLIGENT TACTICS

There is nothing revolutionary about how Pochettino asks his team to play.

Lining them up in a standard 4-2-3-1 formation, Spurs make the pitch as big as possible when in possession — pushing their fullbacks wide and down the wings — and, once the ball is lost, the pitch is made smaller instead. Packing central areas, they stay compact, and press hard in a bid to win turnovers quickly.

The secret of their success is in the application of their manager’s methods. Unlike last season, when they had too many sluggish off days, Spurs now play with energy and intensity, with and without the ball. Akin to Leicester City, there is a hunger within the fabric of their style.

Continuity is also important. The fullbacks are sensibly rotated and, on occasion, their midfielders get a rest too. In general, though, Pochettino does not like to make too many changes. This has helped. In short, he has found a group of players who want to implement his methods. He is developing talented individuals who fit his style. And he has created a team ethic that gels.

With a new training ground in use, and a brand new stadium on the horizon, things are looking up. If Spurs can hang on to their excellent manager for the next few years, their progress should continue.

PREDICTION: Man City 1 Spurs 1

This hardworking and talented Spurs side can go to the Etihad and replicate the devastating performance produced by Leicester last weekend. With such a wobbly defence, if Manchester City do not ready themselves for another storm, they will be in trouble.

My hunch, though, is that Manuel Pellegrini’s side will not make as many mistakes. I see both teams scoring, in a close-run affair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for many international publications and websites. Follow him @adrianjclarke

BIG MATCH PREDICTIONS

- Sunderland v Manchester United

Big Sam Allardyce is starting to get a tune out of his relegation strugglers, but this isn’t a great time to be facing United. There has been far more vim and vigour in their last two displays, and I like the goal threat posed by young wide men Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard. I fancy an away win.

PREDICTION: Sunderland 0 Man United 2

- Norwich City v West Ham United

The Hammers are still in the mix for a top-six berth, but injuries are beginning to take their toll. Key men are missing this weekend, with Cheikhou Kouyate and Winston Reid their latest absentees. Even though Norwich are in awful form, I fancy them to narrowly overcome a depleted visiting side.

PREDICTION: Norwuch 2 West Ham 1

- Arsenal v Leicester City

An Alexis Sanchez-inspired Arsenal walloped the Foxes 5-2 in September, but they will have to play just as well to grab the double. Leicester are showing no signs of nerves, and on the counter attack Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are bound to cause hearts to flutter. It should be a belter. Can the Gunners handle the pressure of needing a victory? I think so.

PREDICTION: Arsenal 3 Leicester 1

- Aston Villa v Liverpool

With relegation almost a formality, it feels like Villa have released the handbrake, and that makes them dangerous opponents. Liverpool are still the better side though, and if Daniel Sturridge is passed fit to play I believe he’ll score. It’s about time the Reds had a late-season push, and it could start here.

PREDICTION: Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 3

TV TIMES

Tonight:

Sunderland v Man Utd (Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 8.45pm)

Everton v West Brom (Ch103 & Ch228; 10.55pm)

Norwich v West Ham (Ch104 & Ch229; 10.55pm)

Swansea v Southampton (Ch105 & Ch230; 10.55pm)

Bournemouth v Stoke (Ch106 & Ch231; 10.55pm)

Crystal Palace v Watford (Ch102 & Ch227; 11pm)

Tomorrow:

Chelsea v Newcastle (Ch102 & Ch227; 1.30am)
Arsenal v Leicester (Ch102 & Ch227; 8pm)

Aston Villa v Liverpool (Ch102 & Ch227; 10.05pm)

Monday:

Man City v Tottenham (Ch102 & Ch227; 12.15am)