Tottenham Hotspur secured a hard-fought victory against their opponents in Bilbao, clinching a win that marked a significant moment for the team and its head coach, Ange Postecoglou. Tottenham controlled Chelsea with a perfect defensive performance and tactical change. In doing so, they returned triumphant winners back to Nottingham with a narrow scoreline of 1-0 courtesy of a fantastic goal by Brennan Johnson.
Tottenham had just 37 percent of possession in the first half, a sign of their strategic approach to the match. By the time they moved full-time, that number had dropped to 27 percent, a testament to the team’s focus on maintaining a strong defensive shape. Even as they enjoyed little possession, Tottenham were able to piece together a complete conflicted performance, highlighting their capacity to do whatever required under fire.
Brennan Johnson’s match-winning goal was scored with one of just three efforts from Spurs all game. His first goal was a beautiful strike and the key to the team’s 1-0 upset victory. It further revealed just how deadly their sporadic, counter-attacking style could be. The young forward’s performance exemplified the potential of Tottenham’s attacking options, even when faced with adversity.
Ange Postecogloglou had a few tactical surprises up his sleeve coming into the game. He made the unconventional choice of fielding Richarlison on the left-wing instead of keeping the more experienced Heung-Min Son. In hindsight, this decision was fortuitous. Richarlison didn’t just bring an attacking threat, though that was the least of his contributions — he gave defensive support as well. Pape Sarr flanked Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma in the heart of midfield. As a duo, they became an intimidating defensive presence that helped on the transition both offensively and defensively.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero developed an intimidating defensive partnership. Combined, they successfully denied the opponent’s forays, most notably in their direct duels against Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund. Their collective work guaranteed that Tottenham held the three points’ lead from just five minutes in for the rest of the match.
Tottenham’s defensive diligence even stretched to Son, who dutifully operated as a support-left back in the dying minutes of the match. His eagerness to join the team’s defensive stand helped ensure his side kept the clean sheet. On the other hand, Destiny Udogie was a fighter, regaining his composure following a shaky start to the opening fixture.
One of the biggest moments leading up to the halftime break was down to Socceroos goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s excellent, one-handed catch, displaying remarkable calmness amidst a challenging barrage. Shortly thereafter, Dominic Solanke had to clear a loose ball from his own six-yard box, indicating the sustained pressure Tottenham faced throughout the contest.
Postecoglou’s team displayed incredible unity and fighting spirit, qualities that have served them well in times of adversity over the past months and years. This is no ordinary capital one cup victory; this was an astringent of the champions capital one cup winless run in finals for Tottenham that lasted three matches. Up until then, they had suffered losses to AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt.
The victory in Bilbao is a strong statement of intent as to what Postecoglou wants from his squad going forward. When hired, he noted his belief in the ability of his new team to achieve victory, adding, “I always win things in my second year.” This belief rings true to players and advocates alike as they head into even bigger challenges and opportunities in the next year.
Leave a Reply