Mauricio Pochettino had spoken repeatedly about calm before this game, which clearly reflected the headless chicken that had been spinning around in his mind like some LSD induced game of swing ball, for the last few weeks.
Dropping the want-away superstars Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose was long overdue.
Rose being removed from proceedings entirely was fitting, given the boy’s disinterest in hanging around to watch his England teammates, in the recent break.
It was equally to Pochettino’s credit, that even towards the close of this bloodbath, he stood firm and didn’t allow the Dane on the pitch.
This was Pochettino playing it calm, alright. Against a side that were colossal underdogs, the Argentine lined up quite conservatively, and kept a straight bat for 46minutes, despite being 3 goals to the good at that stage.
Whilst the gaffer is frequently criticized for being slow to make substitutes, what he is notorious for, is tinkering with the in-play formation.
One could argue that Harry Kane’s 9th minute goal ruled his actions, but the Argentine hasn’t let that stop him from tweaking in the past.
Another plus point was the continued deployment of NDombele on the right of midfield.
To the best of my knowledge, this was the only place that had pointed out on several occasions that this is where Tanguy predominantly played before we signed him. It’s difficult to believe the lad’s improvement is unrelated.
Tactically, the visitors had a lot less to think about, other than hoping for something on the break, perhaps survival.
Dele Alli was on the pitch too long, but we’ll look at that in greater detail, elsewhere.
Don’t lose at Anfield, and people will be talking up a revival.
That group I mentioned few weeks back to keep an eye on is carrying on so far the same. Zenit 1 up at Leipzing. Lyon should get a result in Benfica later too, hasn’t been one favourite win yet in that group.
Ali played alright last night. Cant say I ‘enjoyed’ his performance but I made a deliberate attempt to watch him off the ball and thought he was dictating the forward press and was slightly let down by Sons lack of covering on the left (which was obviously mitigated by his awesome attackingness).
Harry – sort out the comments? This is getting weird. With regards to Alli, I didn’t watch the game, but I was told he did well. I don’t doubt the stats, and the fact I think even I could have “done well” last night, but why didn’t they take him off and play Moura, Son and Kane for a bit? Then take off Kane to rest him for the boy Troy?
Or re-signing with us…and adding no extra value as he realises his dreams are fading. No kid grew up dreaming to be a pro footballer, to make it and then dream of winning the top 4 trophy year after year.
His options certainly seem to be shortening,silly boy.He’ll probably end up in the two bob French league with PSG earning mega dosh and cruiseing week in week out.But not before signing a pre-contract and leaving us for nothing,thereby giving two fingers to Levy/ENIC.That would be the only upside of his departure.