Clean Sheet Mentality: Practical Approach Proving as Vital for The North London Club
Overpowering the opposition was the approach at Spurs last year but now the emphasis is on preventing goals at the other end of the field.
Tuesday's narrow win versus the Spanish side in Tottenham's UCL first match was the fourth consecutive clean sheet they had achieved in the first five games so far.
By comparison, they had kept just one at the same stage of last term, when the more forward-thinking their previous manager was in control.
“We spoke a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' this year because we allowed a lot last year,” Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall stated.
Center-back the Dutch international added: “I think we are a difficult team to play against, for sure. Tactically we are set up really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat.”
The strategy of Spurs against Villarreal was in clear contrast to the attacking football played under Postecoglou.
They were much more reserved, even after being handed a fourth-minute opener thanks to a disastrous mistake by their rivals goalkeeper Luiz Junior.
Stronger Defensive Line but at an Goal-Scoring Cost?
The North Londoners have let in only one goal to date - in the one-nil loss to the Cherries.
That is a big improvement on how they began the prior campaign, when they conceded multiple goals in their first five games.
In the Premier League they have kept three already - meaning they are just two from replicating their total for the entire of last season.
The more stable platform is possibly coming at a cost, however, with their single effort on target against their European foes the another instance in their last three games they had managed so few efforts on goal.
The boss acknowledges this is an area that has to develop.
“We have a very good base to stand on in terms of our defensive structure and I think it's good and we gave very little away,” he said.
“We are in the UCL against a quality team. Moreover, I knew we took a step forward against West Ham, going forward is the area we need to enhance.”
