Roberto de Zerbi will face the glare of the cameras at Sunderland on Sunday – the third man in Tottenham’s dugout this season with the task of reviving the Europa League holders as they stare down the unthinkable prospect of relegation from the Premier League.
De Zerbi has – in some quarters – already been questioned by virtue of his methods requiring time before players adjust. Time is one thing Tottenham do not have.
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So where might there be quick wins for Spurs and their new leader? Such are the fine margins between success and failure at the bottom of the table, a few subtle tweaks may be all that is needed to at least fall over the safety line and create room for a wider overhaul during the summer.
Stop making mistakes
Tottenham are ranked joint-bottom for errors leading to goals this season, on 12 with Aston Villa. Spurs are out on their own as the worst side in the league for errors leading to chances on 39. So, put simply, stop the errors. Can De Zerbi influence the mindset whereby some confidence is injected, paving the way for clearer decisions and fewer mistakes?
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De Zerbi’s Brighton side of 2023-24 were second-worst in the league for errors leading to goals (nine) and fifth-worst for errors leading to chances.
Be more incisive
Spurs – historically viewed as a creative, flair-rich club – are blunt this season. There are mitigating circumstances with game-changing attacking options injured on the sidelines. But, through the entire campaign, data from statisticians Opta shows Tottenham have played a total of 22 through balls. That is the worst figure in the league, behind Wolves on 24. For context, Manchester City have played 105. So can De Zerbi cut out the errors leading to chances at one end while encouraging his players to embrace a bit of risk at the other? This is a time for heroes and, in most comic books, heroes score goals or play through balls.
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Brighton played with a bit more risk in De Zerbi’s final season – their haul of 62 through balls put them 10th in the Premier League.
Embrace the Bale memories
We all remember the sight of Gareth Bale powering down the left flank, at pace, defenders shaking in peril as a fast break overwhelms them. It is a good job Spurs fans have such memories as, this season, their mark of 14 fast breaks is a league low. Some pace and ferocity on the counter have been sorely missing. De Zerbi would be wise to introduce it.
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This looks unlikely to change as in his last season at Brighton, De Zerbi’s side delivered 10 fast breaks – the lowest in the Premier League.
Corner kings – keep it going
There is something in the water in north London this season given the corner joy both Arsenal and Spurs have enjoyed. This facet of Tottenham’s play is bang on point and that has to remain the case. They have scored 14 times from corners, with only Arsenal bettering the tally on 16. Whatever is being coached in this area, De Zerbi must welcome with open arms.
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This is a bonus for De Zerbi to inherit as his last incarnation of a Brighton side were average when it came to scoring from corners, with seven goals in 2023-24.
So from a data perspective, the stand-out areas where crucial points can be edged Tottenham’s way are focused on reducing errors, adding some bravery in cutting edge, breaking with a bit more zip and continuing to deliver from dead balls.
Is there anything that has been missed? Tell us of one key thing you think De Zerbi must change.
[BBC]