Premier League Round 7 Preview: Spurs Need Tactical Flexibility, United's Inconsistent Player Form

The seventh round of the Premier League continued on September 30, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United both in the spotlight. Spurs, despite securing a hard-fought draw against Arsenal in the North London Derby, have faced criticism for their possession-based tactics. On the other hand, Manchester United's players have shown inconsistent form, making it difficult to determine a convincing starting lineup. However, one thing is clear: Erik ten Hag has unwavering trust in Antony.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool - Spurs’ Tactical Adaptation Needed

Tottenham Hotspur managed to secure a point from their North London Derby against Arsenal, but it was not without scrutiny. Manager Ange Postecoglou's tactical approach has been questioned. Spurs attempted to use their short passing game to break through Arsenal’s high press, but their execution was far from flawless. The lack of speed and cohesion in their passing meant that Arsenal’s pressing often resulted in Tottenham losing possession. Each Spurs player seemed unsure of their teammates' positions, leading to hasty and inaccurate passes. Under such high pressure, Tottenham frequently passed into empty spaces rather than to a teammate, increasing the likelihood of Arsenal intercepting the ball. It was fortunate for Spurs that these mistakes did not lead to conceding goals.

As for the goals they conceded, they resulted from forced errors under Arsenal’s relentless pressure. It was not so much defensive lapses as it was the high press that caused these errors. Tottenham’s first goal came from a moment of luck when James Maddison outmaneuvered Bukayo Saka, who seemed momentarily disoriented. Maddison’s clarity in driving towards the goal allowed Son Heung-min to capitalize perfectly. The second goal was more a consequence of Arsenal’s substitution strategy, which inadvertently benefited Spurs.

Liverpool, meanwhile, secured a victory over West Ham United, a team that had been a surprise package this season. West Ham’s previous form was nowhere to be seen at Anfield, as Liverpool dominated in all statistical measures. Darwin Nunez, who had shone in the Europa League, was back in the starting lineup and scored again. Nunez’s back-to-back goals are not a common occurrence, and his absence from the League Cup match against Leicester City suggests he was being rested for the clash against Spurs. It’s expected that Nunez will start once again against Tottenham.

Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace - The Quest for a Stable Starting XI

Manchester United's September began disastrously with three consecutive losses. It wasn’t until they faced weaker opponents in recent games that they found their way back to winning ways. In their match against Burnley, United managed a narrow victory, but they did not dominate as other teams had against Burnley, securing only a single-goal win. Their midweek League Cup match against Crystal Palace saw their attacking prowess fully unleashed, resulting in a 3-0 victory, which will undoubtedly boost their confidence for the upcoming league match.

After six games, Crystal Palace has accumulated eight points, comfortably sitting in 10th place, well clear of the relegation zone. For Palace, this standing is quite satisfactory. Veteran manager Roy Hodgson appears rejuvenated. Their last league match against Fulham was a cautious affair, with both teams seemingly prioritizing securing a point, leading to a goalless draw. As for their League Cup defeat to Manchester United, it might have been a strategic sacrifice.

It is difficult to determine if Manchester United rested their key players in the League Cup match, as many of their current squad members do not consistently perform at a starting caliber. Erik ten Hag was eager to announce Antony’s return, signaling his reliance on the Brazilian winger, though his impact remains questionable.

Tottenham’s Need for Tactical Versatility

Postecoglou's Tottenham needs to be more adaptable in their tactical approach. The North London Derby exposed their vulnerabilities in relying too heavily on short passes under pressure. Spurs must be willing to employ a more direct, long-ball counter-attacking strategy if their short passing game is not yielding results. This flexibility is crucial, especially against a high-pressing team like Liverpool.

Liverpool's recent form and Nunez's resurgence pose a significant challenge for Spurs. The Reds’ dominance over West Ham showcased their ability to control the game and capitalize on opportunities. Tottenham's defense will need to be particularly vigilant, and their midfield must support both offensive and defensive transitions more effectively.

Manchester United’s Unsteady Ground

Manchester United’s inconsistent player performances have left ten Hag with a challenging task in determining his best starting XI. The victory against Crystal Palace in the League Cup provided a glimpse of their potential, but sustaining that level of performance in the Premier League is another matter. United’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play has been evident, and this inconsistency could be their downfall against more organized teams.

Crystal Palace, under Hodgson, will likely approach the game with a well-structured defensive setup, aiming to exploit United’s vulnerabilities on the counter. Hodgson’s experience and tactical acumen could make it difficult for United to break them down, especially if their key players do not perform to their potential.

The Key Players and Tactical Battles

For Tottenham, Son Heung-min and James Maddison will be pivotal. Son’s ability to exploit spaces and Maddison’s creativity in midfield are crucial for breaking down Liverpool’s defense. However, Spurs must also be wary of Liverpool’s attacking threats, particularly Nunez, who is finding form. The battle in midfield, where Liverpool’s intensity often overwhelms opponents, will be crucial.

Manchester United will look to Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes to provide the spark in attack. Rashford’s pace and Fernandes’ playmaking skills are essential for unlocking defenses. However, the uncertainty around Antony’s form and the general lack of consistency among United’s players pose a significant challenge. Crystal Palace will rely on their disciplined defensive setup and look to Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze to provide moments of magic on the break.

As Premier League Round 7 approaches, both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United face crucial tests. Spurs must demonstrate tactical flexibility to overcome Liverpool’s high press and offensive prowess. Manchester United, meanwhile, needs to find a consistent and effective starting lineup to secure a win against a well-organized Crystal Palace side. The outcomes of these matches could significantly impact the trajectories of both teams in this early stage of the season.