{"id":1412534,"date":"2025-11-24T13:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T13:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1412534"},"modified":"2025-11-24T13:00:17","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T13:00:17","slug":"tactical-analysis-tottenham-underlying-numbers","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-tottenham-underlying-numbers\/","title":{"rendered":"Tottenham analysis: Dire attacking numbers reveal a team drifting toward crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2018Oh, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/tottenham-hotspur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tottenham<\/a>, can\u2019t you go five seconds without humiliating yourself?\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Somehow, Tottenham outdid themselves in Sunday\u2019s North London Derby defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having put up an xG return of just 0.1 in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea earlier this month, they went one better and mustered just 0.07 in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal. \u201cWe can only apologise to the fans for this performance,\u201d Thomas Frank said after another drab display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-tottenham-offering-little-in-possession\" data-level=\"3\">Tottenham offering little in possession<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-wins-masking-underlying-problems\" data-level=\"3\">Wins masking underlying problems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-key-absentees-hurting-spurs\" data-level=\"3\">Key absentees hurting Spurs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apologies are hollow if nothing is done to right the wrongs. And let\u2019s be honest, the Dane has shown no sign he is able to drag Spurs out of the self-inflicted mire. Having finished 17th in the Premier League last season \u2013 something Frank was willing to point out on Sunday evening \u2013 the club dismissed Ange Postecoglou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Australian had made good on his promise and delivered silverware in his second season at Spurs. The Europa League triumph in May was a first major trophy in 17 years. It was Tottenham\u2019s first European trophy since 1984. That night in Bilbao seems a long time ago now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Postecoglou prioritised free-flowing attacking football, with the onus to play on the frontfoot. The playing style pendulum swung the other way when Spurs named Frank as Big Ange\u2019s successor. Out went the manifestation of \u2018To Dare is To Do\u2019. In came a pragmatic alternative that has failed to cut the mustard in N17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spurs made a quietly efficient start to life under Frank, which just about sums him up. Spurs were minutes away from Super Cup success over PSG in August, and followed up with four wins from the opening five games. They included a 2-0 win at Manchester City a 1-0 home triumph over Villarreal in Frank\u2019s Champions League managerial debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tottenham-offering-little-in-possession\">Tottenham offering little in possession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the proceeding weeks, however, Spurs haven\u2019t gone forward. In fact, they\u2019ve continued to sit deeper. The north London side don\u2019t exactly sacrifice the ball in a bid to hit teams on the counter. Spurs, after all, rank sixth for possession (52.9%) in the Premier League this season. Opponents <em>actively<\/em> want Spurs to have the ball, and can you blame them?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1412536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/24124905\/SpursPassingNetwork_24112025.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frank\u2019s side do very little when they <em>do <\/em>have the ball. The routine is so often the same. Pass out to the deeper central midfielder, who plays the ball to a centre-back out wide. They look to play the ball up the flanks. Spurs lose possession and the pressure is back on. Rinse and repeat. The above passing network tells an all-too familiar story of Spurs\u2019 season so far. The striker and number 10 cut incredibly isolated figures. Spurs are essentially playing with nine men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, it\u2019s no wonder are averaging the third fewest chances created per 90 (6.67) in Engand\u2019s top tier this term. 15 big chances created is fewer than relegated threatened Leeds (20). They\u2019ve attempted just four through balls in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. 19 players, including centre-backs James Tarkowski (6) and Marcos Senesi (5), have attempted more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unsurprisingly, only Burnley (8.17) are averaging fewer shots per 90 than Frank\u2019s side (9.17) in England\u2019s top tier this term. Spurs are putting up the sort of numbers you\u2019d expect from a team battling to beat the drop, not one playing in the Champions League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wins-masking-underlying-problems\">Wins masking underlying problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s what makes Spurs\u2019 position on the table all the more bewildering. Even after a 4-1 loss, they sit ninth, just three points off a top four spot. 20 league goals is the fourth most in the division. Then again, you assess the calibre of opposition Spurs have beat and the goals they have scored. Indeed, Frank has overseen 3-0 wins over Burnley, West Ham and Everton over the course of the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Clarets were not expected to put up much of a fight on their first game back in the Premier League. Two of the three goals West Ham conceded came after they\u2019d been reduced to 10 men. They set-pieced their way to victory at Everton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s hardly \u2018To Dare is To Do\u2019 and more \u2018To Dare is To Not Lose\u2019. Yet even then, the defensive resolve that Frank, to his credit, implemented upon his appointment has since dissipated. Spurs now rank ninth for shots conceded per 90 (12.1) in England\u2019s top tier this term. They would have conceded more than 14 league goals were it not for Guglielmo Vicario\u2019s shotstopping heroics, the Italian ranking fifth for saves (38).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-absentees-hurting-spurs\">Key absentees hurting Spurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather the defeat they received on Sunday at the Emirates had been a long time coming. Admittedly, Frank hasn\u2019t been helped by another injury crisis. He\u2019s yet to have Dominic Solanke available for a prolonged period of time, and they so desperately miss the striker\u2019s hold up play. Creative stars Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are long-term absentees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even so, Frank\u2019s pragmatism suggests he wouldn\u2019t even be able to maximise the trio anyway. Just look at how Xavi Simons has been underutilised since joining from RB Leipzig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chelsea defeat was an embarrassment. The Arsenal defeat was an embarrassment. And things hardly get any easier for Spurs as they gear up for a daunting midweek meeting with PSG. Their Tottenham Hotspur Stadium record will be tested when they host Fulham and Brentford. There is a trip to Newcastle sandwiched between the games against the west London pair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having risen to a false position in the Premier League table, Spurs are reverting to type under Frank. If he keeps this up, then he won\u2019t last until Christmas, and Spurs will have wasted another season.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2018Oh, Tottenham, can\u2019t you go five seconds without humiliating yourself?\u2019 Somehow, Tottenham outdid themselves in Sunday\u2019s North London Derby defeat. Having put up an xG return of just 0.1 in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea earlier this month, they went one better and mustered just 0.07 in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal. \u201cWe can only&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1412537,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Spurs\u2019 false league position hides deep structural flaws as Frank\u2019s passive system delivers minimal creativity, heavy losses and growing pressure ahead of a brutal run of fixtures.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1412534","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tottenham 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Thomas Frank, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. 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