'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Are Tottenham playing a risky game by sitting back after scoring?
Despite its controversial nature, when Tariq Lamptey’s goal went in for Brighton tonight, Tottenham fans would’ve been forgiven for having feelings of déjà vu. After seeing their side allow leads to slip against Newcastle United and West Ham United earlier in the current season, it appeared that history was about to repeat itself.
Trending
Jose Mourinho’s side did find a winner in tonight’s game, but while they were deserving victors, it’s worth noting that they played a dangerous game. From the opening whistle, Tottenham seemed irresistible in attack and opened Brighton up on a handful of occasions. But once Harry Kane’s penalty went in, they suddenly switched their gameplan.
Mourinho’s men seemed happy to sit back and defend their lead, allowing Brighton to come to them and dominate the ball. The fact that Graham Potter’s side actually came away with 56% of the possession only tells part of the story. The Seagulls largely dominated Spurs for great swathes of this game, albeit without creating too many chances.
It makes sense that Tottenham would want to look for counter-attacks – it’s a hallmark of Mourinho’s teams over the years. It’s how they smashed Southampton 2-5 earlier in the season, but it’s also highly dangerous to sit back on a lead against any Premier League side. After being burned twice previously – and nearly being burned again here – it’s a lesson Tottenham need to learn in order to be true title challengers.
#4 Did Harry Kane go down too easily for Tottenham’s penalty?
It took Tottenham just 13 minutes to find themselves ahead in tonight’s game. And while Brighton’s eventual equalizer was definitely controversial, there can be no doubt that some fans probably felt the same about Harry Kane’s opener.
The goal came from the penalty spot after Adam Lallana’s odd challenge on Kane was determined to have taken place in the box. However, Sky Sports commentator Efan Ekoku no doubt echoed the feelings of plenty of fans when he questioned whether the England captain had gone down a little too easily.
Replays confirmed that while Lallana’s challenge was undoubtedly clumsy – his knee slammed high into Kane’s back – the Spurs striker had taken a glance back prior to it. It did appear that Kane was ensuring an opponent was in close proximity before moving towards him. So did the England man go down easily?
Well, yes. However, rather than accusing him of anything sinister, the truth is that this was simply smart play from Kane. Had Lallana not slammed his way into him, then no spot-kick would’ve been given. Kane simply banked on a clumsy challenge, and Lallana took the bait. This was great center-forward play, plain and simple.
#5 So are Mourinho’s men title challengers?
Following their win over Burnley on Monday, plenty of observers were talking up Tottenham as potential title challengers. That talk was tempered when Mourinho’s men slumped to a disappointing defeat against Royal Antwerp on Thursday. But after tonight, it may well start up again.
Tottenham weren’t great tonight. In fact, not only did Brighton come away with more possession, but the Seagulls also had nearly as many chances on goal as their opponents and largely restricted them. But in the end, Tottenham’s class shone through and two of their new signings combined for the winning goal.
Tottenham fans will have undoubtedly been most impressed this season with their side’s big wins over Southampton and Manchester United. However, the truth is that grinding wins like Monday’s against Burnley and this one are the results that win league titles.
If Tottenham can continue to pick up points in tough games like this – and can turn it on when they face the league’s bigger challenges – then there can be no doubt that they can challenge for the title. In fact, had VAR not awarded Newcastle a ludicrous penalty back in September, Mourinho’s men would sit at the top of the table right now.
Theoretically, Tottenham should pick up another three points next Sunday against West Brom. After November’s international break, the acid test will come when Mourinho’s men face Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in close proximity. Gain points from those games, and eyes may well begin to open.
