Premier League 2019-20: 3 reasons why Tottenham have been rejuvenated under Jose Mourinho

#2 A more direct approach at the back

Tottenham's defenders - including Toby Alderweireld - have used a more direct approach under Mourinho

The system of “playing out from the back”, popularised by Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka style, is one that many clubs have attempted to implement over recent seasons, but while it’s worked well for the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, other clubs have struggled with its use.

Tottenham were one of these sides, as they tended to attempt to play out from the back under Mauricio Pochettino, and it got them into trouble on numerous occasions. Earlier this season, for example, Hugo Lloris conceded a ridiculous goal against Southampton following a back pass – but Pochettino immediately shouldered the blame as he “demanded him to play that way”.

That appears to have changed under Mourinho though, as while Tottenham still like to play attractive football, at the back, in particular, they’ve become more direct. The short goal kicks appear to have been banished – with Paulo Gazzaniga now preferring to use longer balls – and Spurs’ defenders now appear much more likely to clear their lines rather than dallying.

The effect has been instant, as despite conceding 8 goals in 5 games under the Portuguese, they’ve looked more robust at the back than they did under Pochettino – and the use of long balls from Toby Alderweireld led to two goals against Bournemouth. It appears that for Tottenham, a more direct approach definitely works.