Yesterday’s 2-0 win over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was another very positive step in the right direction under Antonio Conte.
There were many encouraging aspects of both the performance and ultimately, the result. Although the first-half performance was lacking in intensity and invention, the second-half response from the players was very encouraging.
Although we had 10 shots in the first half (stats courtesy of SofaScore), only one of those was on target. After the restart, we managed 11 shots, with 6 of those on target, 2 of those obviously yielding goals. While Everton missed 2 big chances on the break first-half, we restricted Everton to absolutely nothing shots-wise second-half.
What was even more encouraging about this response was how it came after several obstacles that ordinarily would conspire against us: a tough midweek European match; resolute opponents that had only conceded 9 goals up to yesterday’s match; and obviously, the loss of Richarlison 6 minutes into the second-half with a calf injury.
Ironically, Richarlison’s injury, although obviously a great shame and an unwanted, enforced change, ended up being the matchwinner for me – the switch to a midfield three saw us push further up the pitch, suffocating Everton (as shown by their lack of shots on goal), and allowed Hojbjerg and Bentancur to push on and drive at the visitors’ goal (as shown by their link-up for Hojberg’s goal.
Captured via the BBC, Hojbjerg himself spoke of how the formation change, albeit enforced, swung things in our favour after the restart:
“When you play with two in the middle and turn to three, it gives you an extra man. You can find your position and be a bit more patient. It helped us maintain the ball, which we need to do better.”
Indeed, Hojbejerg’s last words regarding what ‘we need to do better’ highlight how, despite sitting in third and a point from the top of the table, everything can still be deemed a ‘work in progess’ under Conte – after all, he’s not even been at the club for a year yet.
Yes, there are always things to work on and points for improvement – the first-half wasn’t great; without Kulusevski, we still look a bit clunky up top playing a 3-4-3; and our defending in recent weeks has left a lot to be desired.
However, our overall results and our position in the table up until now indicate that everything seems to be moving in the right direction, and last night was a further testament to that. COYS!
Everton basically came for a point so possession was never going to be a problem. In the first half we didn’t do a lot with it. Once we changed to a midfield three we were far more threatening, paradoxically with one less attacker on the pitch we were much more dangerous.
There were pluses and minuses from the game. An obvious minus was the injury to Richarlison, he left on crutches. The only consolation is Kulusevski is on his way back. A definite plus was Doherty. In the first half he was a little too deep but once we switched formation he looked really good, much more like the way he was playing at the end of last season. He’s a natural wing back while Emerson, who to be fair puts in plenty of effort, is a natural full back.
To me there’s a real question over what our best formation is. The fact that we can play with two or three in midfield means we at least have a Plan B which is obviously a good thing. But right now the three, seemingly not Conte’s preferred option, looks a better bet.
One interesting thing was Spence coming on for the last couple of minutes. In itself it was meaningless but did it indicate he’s now getting to the point where Conte will use him ?
I think with the removal of Richi, sad as the reason was, I wanted him off! it turned into a blessing in disguise, Bissouma coming on made a great deal of difference, he now obviously knows his job, the Conte way.
I also think the same for Spence, him now close to understanding the Conte way.
Many problems arising for the Gaffer in his selection process, all good for us. COYS
For all the negativity on VS about our play and Conte, we’re off to our best start since 1963.
23 points or 2.3 points per game. That would put us on 88 points over the course of the season. Well in the CL places and maybe even champion some years.
I still think City will prove hard to beat this year but the fact that we are still in the mix bodes very well.
BelgianSpur – Given Haaland will be having a nice rest while most of the top teams will be sweating on their best players at the World Cup I’d say City are probably going to be impossible to beat. Still top four and a domestic trophy would represent a step forward. The really encouraging thing is we haven’t got into top gear yet this season, winning without playing well has been a problem for us in the past.
It goes both ways. Haaland’s lack of games may also mean he’ll lack match fitness when the PL resumes.
I honestly believe we are playing within our means and a conserve energy game at the mo! 2nd n 3rd gear only, still getting results, time for the like of Biss n Spence to gel in to Conte’s way.
Also Kulu n Doh getting back to their best, others like Sarr starting to show etc, even Richi stop trying to impress and running around like a chicken without a head, bring to the team what you can add.
Then after the WC, hopefully all come back uninjured, start the slowly but surely step up into 3rd n 4th gear, Conte’s real team will be witnessed by all.
Said it before the Prem is a marathon not a sprint. COYS
The first half was poor and frustrating but with the change after half time made such a difference and worth watching . Not sure what Richi ‘s best position is as he doesn’t seem to contribute a great deal at present . His running and chasing down is very good however .
Bissouma must play regularly . He gave us speed and steel in mid field and I was impressed with his work rate . His introduction also helped create our 2nd goal .
Doherty appears to be improving and if he maintains this form hopefully he will keep Emerson out .
All in all the side is taking shape and will be interesting to see how we get on vs United .
Hi folk,
Difficult to find which page to post on.
Good game, great result
As has been said, they came for a draw or to steal a win(some how)
We limited them to absolutely no shots on goal, they talked up a couple of half chances, but in reality, we bossed them.
Looked better with Bissuma in the middle.
I’d argue every player was over 6 /10 with most of our team hitting 7.5 or 8.
It shows as we’re debating on other threads MOM and it’s between about 4 players.
We’ve actually beaten a ‘Park the bus team’
Need to ask why Pickford wasn’t sent off at the pen, as he made another two good saves, after that.
But as, PY and I are saying, I do think Conte is very much into game management, perhaps overly focused on ‘the art of defence’
However as I have been saying, it seems to be playing a bit cagey away espically against stronger teams. But at home the chains, are loosened a bit against lesser sides.
See, S’oton, Fulham, Leicester, now Everton.
The clues are there.
Games we lost last year are now being won.
Not a great watch at times, but aparrently effective.
We remain a work in progress and I still believe it’ll be January before we start seeing the best from this team. Realistically it is all about being in the mix until the WC, and the league will be won in the second half of the season.