Tottenham Hotspur has allowed 36 goals in 29 Premier League games this season, averaging 1.24 goals per game. This season, only the top four and Wolves have a better defensive record, while Brighton’s is identical to Spurs’. When Antonio Conte’s team’s record is broken down, it looks better for him – they conceded 1.6 goals per game under Nuno Espirito Santo in the first ten games of the 2021-22 season, compared to just 1.05 since Conte’s arrival on November 2nd.
Tottenham appears to have improved defensively since the managerial change, but does this hold up when you look at the numbers? It is important to first note Tottenham’s inconsistency in defensive selections this season. Spurs have used nine different center-back combinations this season, which is the fifth most in the Premier League.
Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies had started each of the last seven Premier League games, with their only other appearance coming in Conte’s first league game as Tottenham manager when they kept their first clean sheet in eight league games. It’s a trio that may not be what Spurs need in terms of quality, but it certainly fits what Conte needs in terms of style – two wide center-backs who are comfortable on the ball and capable of stepping out of defense with or without possession, and a strong, aerially dominant center-back who can command the defensive line.
It is easy to focus solely on the fact that Spurs are conceding fewer goals under Antonio Conte, but the Italian will be quick to point out that he has added so much more to this Spurs defense. They’re forward-thinking when they have the ball, proactive when they don’t, and stabilizing this side in preparation for a top-four push.
Source- theanalyst.com.
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