Tottenham’s focus on defense under Thomas Frank is paying dividends, with a significant increase in clean sheets. While their defensive solidity has improved, their attacking output has diminished, something Frank aims to address to achieve a better balance for the team.
Tottenham Hotspur's shift in focus from outscoring opponents to prioritizing a solid defense is proving to be a game-changer this season. Under the pragmatic guidance of Thomas Frank, the team has adopted a 'clean sheet mentality,' resulting in a remarkable defensive turnaround. This new approach was evident in their recent Champions League opener against Villarreal, where they secured a 1-0 victory, marking their fourth clean sheet in just five games.
The stark contrast to last season, when Ange Postecoglou led a more attack-minded Tottenham, is undeniable. At the same stage last year, the team had managed only one clean sheet, highlighting the significant impact of Frank's tactical adjustments.
According to midfielder Lucas Bergvall, the emphasis on defensive solidity has been a key topic within the team. "We talked a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' this year because we conceded a lot last year," Bergvall told Amazon Prime. He also noted the team's success in limiting Villarreal's attacking opportunities, stating, "They [Villarreal] did not have a shot on target, so we did a really good job."
Defender Micky van de Ven echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Tottenham's newfound resilience. "I think we are a difficult team to play against, for sure. Structure-wise we are standing really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat."
The match against Villarreal showcased a more cautious and calculated Tottenham side compared to the swashbuckling style associated with Postecoglou. Despite being gifted an early lead due to a mistake by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior, Tottenham remained disciplined and focused on maintaining their defensive shape.
Van de Ven's outstanding performance in defense played a crucial role in thwarting Villarreal's attacks, ensuring that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had a relatively quiet night, not having to make a single save despite the visitors registering 10 shots. However, this defensive solidity came at a price. Tottenham managed only one shot on target throughout the match, leaving the home fans with little to cheer about in terms of attacking flair.
Frank acknowledged the team's defensive prowess while admitting that there is room for improvement in their attacking play. "We defended really well and gave little away throughout the game against a really good Villarreal side," Frank said. "I think offensively we didn't hit the highest level. There was definitely a spell in the second half where we decided let's give it to the Villarreal guys and then we'll sprint back, that's a very good fun thing."
He concluded, "It was a very even game that we just edged." This level of pragmatism has translated into tangible results, as Tottenham have only conceded one goal so far this season – in their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth. This represents a significant improvement compared to the previous campaign, where they conceded five goals in their first five games.
In the Premier League, Tottenham have already secured three clean sheets, bringing them close to equalling their total from the entirety of last season. While the defensive foundation is undoubtedly stronger, the reduced attacking output raises questions about the balance between solidity and creativity. With only one shot on target against Villarreal, it marks the second time in their last three games that they have struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Frank is aware of this issue and is determined to find solutions to improve their attacking play. "We have a very good foundation to stand on in terms of our defensive organisation and I think it's good and we gave little away," he said. "This is the Champions League against a good team. Also, I knew we took a step forward against West Ham, offensively is the area we need to get better."
The challenge for Frank lies in finding a way to unlock Tottenham's attacking potential without compromising their newfound defensive resilience. As they progress through the season, striking the right balance will be crucial for maintaining their competitive edge and achieving their goals.