Tottenham Continues to Struggle Defending Set Pieces
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his concerns over the team’s vulnerabilities when defending set pieces. The North London side managed to avoid conceding from another in their recent 3-1 victory over Brentford, but their upcoming match against Manchester United this weekend poses a significant challenge.
Set Piece Woes
Since the start of last season, Tottenham has conceded a staggering 18 goals from set pieces, ranking them among the worst in the Premier League in this aspect. Despite boasting a starting lineup with an average height of 1.85m, the fourth-highest in the league, Spurs have struggled to deal with aerial threats effectively.
In the current 2024 season, Tottenham has already conceded 13 goals from defending corners, the second-highest in the league. This inability to win aerial duels is evident in their statistics, with an average of only 10.45 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, placing them 18th in the league in this category.
Manchester United’s Set Piece Threat
Manchester United, under the management of Erik Ten Hag, have also faced challenges from set pieces but have shown improvements with new summer acquisitions. The arrival of Andreas Georgson, a former set piece coach at Arsenal, has made the Red Devils more potent in the opposition box.
Matthijs De Ligt, a key target in the box for Manchester United, has already proven his prowess in the air by scoring in recent matches. With five shots on target in the last two Premier League games and a total xG of 1.35, De Ligt poses a significant threat to Tottenham’s lacklustre defense.
Market Odds
As the teams prepare to face off, the odds for Matthijs De Ligt to score stand at 9.00, according to Parimatch. With Tottenham’s struggles from set pieces and Manchester United’s growing threat in this area, the upcoming clash at Old Trafford promises to be a test of defensive capabilities.
Despite both teams grappling with set piece vulnerabilities, the match is poised to showcase a battle of strengths and weaknesses. Tottenham will need to address their defensive frailties, especially when dealing with aerial threats, to stand a chance against a rejuvenated Manchester United eager to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.
As the Premier League action unfolds, fans can anticipate an intense showdown between two top clubs striving to secure crucial points in the ongoing season. With the spotlight on set pieces, the clash between Tottenham and Manchester United promises to be a tactical battle that could ultimately hinge on which team can capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses.
Improving Tottenham’s Set Piece Defense
To address their ongoing struggles in defending set pieces, Tottenham Hotspur may need to consider tactical adjustments and personnel changes. One potential solution could involve implementing zonal marking to better cover key areas in the penalty area where opponents tend to exploit weaknesses. This strategy could help players maintain their positions and focus on winning aerial duels more effectively.
Furthermore, the addition of a dedicated set piece coach to Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff could provide specialized training and strategies to improve Tottenham’s defensive capabilities in these situations. By analyzing opponents’ set piece routines and working on specific drills to counter them, the team could shore up their vulnerabilities and reduce the number of goals conceded from dead-ball situations.
The Impact of Set Piece Specialists
Set piece specialists like James Ward-Prowse or Trent Alexander-Arnold have demonstrated the value of having players with exceptional delivery from corners and free-kicks. Tottenham Hotspur could benefit from identifying players within their squad who possess similar skills and utilizing them to create scoring opportunities from set pieces.
By focusing on set piece routines during training sessions and encouraging players to develop their abilities in this area, Tottenham could turn their weaknesses into strengths and become more threatening in attacking set piece situations as well.
The Psychological Aspect of Defending Set Pieces
In addition to tactical and technical aspects, defending set pieces also requires a strong mental approach from players. Confidence, communication, and a winning mentality are crucial factors in ensuring that the team remains organized and focused during set piece situations.
By instilling a sense of belief and resilience in the squad, Ange Postecoglou can help Tottenham Hotspur overcome their set piece woes and approach each game with a positive mindset, ready to compete and nullify opponents’ threats effectively.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face Manchester United in a crucial Premier League fixture, all eyes will be on how they handle the set piece challenges posed by Erik Ten Hag’s side. With the potential for high-stakes moments from dead-ball situations, the match promises to be a compelling test of both teams’ defensive capabilities and attacking prowess.
Ultimately, addressing the issues surrounding set pieces could be a key factor in determining Tottenham’s success in upcoming matches and their overall performance in the league. By recognizing these weaknesses and proactively working to improve in this area, Tottenham Hotspur can strive to climb the Premier League table and compete at the highest level in English football.
With the spotlight firmly on their set piece defense, Tottenham Hotspur must rise to the challenge and show resilience, determination, and tactical acumen in order to overcome their shortcomings and emerge victorious in the face of set piece threats from formidable opponents like Manchester United.
