It was notable that when Jose was asked about this side leaking goals, that the answer didn’t involve some protracted nonsense about him being the coach, and his decisions had to be respected.
Instead, the new gaffer spoke head-on about the collective responsibility within the group.
It’s touches like this (which are far from signs for brilliance by the way, rather just pure common sense) that lead me increasingly to believe that unless Pochettino’s next side is packed with Galacticos, then the Argentine may well fall flat on his cherubic face.
Mourinho has unashamedly sought to achieve stability at Spurs.
This is a testament to his resolve, as this was a decidedly stale group of players that the Portuguese inherited.
And so Serge Aurier and Davinson Sanchez – who are almost certainly with us for the duration – are being shown some respect, by given a proper run out.
The ‘wildest’ change was Sonny over to the right to facilitate the arrival of Ryan Sessegnon, with some 15 minutes to go.
This was a mauling, but Jose will also be pleased by a far more coherent effort at covering our backline.
It’s worth adding here, that the Kosher One was two men down. Tanguy Ndombele has a big future ahead of him.
Looking at the expected goals also tells that the midfield improved. Harry Kane was far more effective taking 6 shots that resulted in 2 goals.
Kane also made 3 out 5 successful take-ons, the third highest of the game.
It will take time for Mourinho to fully put his stamp on this squad. What is immediately noticeable is that the smiles are back and the work ethic has improved.
