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Tottenham have some distinct advantages over Manchester City
Tottenham host Manchester City in the biggest Premier League matchup of the weekend. Spurs are second in the league table, just four points behind the visiting City. Pep Guardiola’s side has looked unstoppable this year, but Spurs have what it takes to slow down their dangerous attack.
Of course, it’ll take more than just stopping City’s attack to win the match. Tottenham will also need to score goals of their own. That’s been a bit of an issue for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as of late. Spurs will again be missing Harry Kane due to his ankle injury.
That will put striker Vincent Janssen under the most intense microscope he’s ever experienced. Fortunately for the Dutch striker, he’s got some talented offensive teammates to help him on Sunday. Even with their assistance, it’s important for Janssen to play a vital part in his club’s attack.
Many pundits are expecting Manchester City to roll into White Hart Lane and capture all three points. I’m not nearly as convinced. Here are five reasons why Tottenham will protect their home ground and send Guardiola’s squad home with a defeat.
5. Spurs can expose John Stones
I’m a firm believer in John Stones’ ability to grow into one of the best central defenders in Europe. He’s playing for the right manager, and Guardiola will be the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Stones isn’t up to that level yet though.
Stones also can be guilty of spending too much time with the ball at his feet. If he plays around with the ball against Spurs’ high press, it could lead to serious problems for Manchester City. He’ll need to make sure he doesn’t commit any costly giveaways.
I think the English international is likely to struggle against the Tottenham attack on Sunday. In particular, he may struggle mightily against the aforementioned Vincent Janssen. Stones does not like to go up against really physical centre forwards. Janssen is nothing, if he isn’t a physical forward.
John Stones is going to be an excellent defender for Manchester City for years to come. It just so happens that he might not be prepared for the challenge that awaits him on Sunday.
4. Son Heung-Min is still on fire
Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you know that Son Heung-Min is in the midst of an amazing run of form. He’s a good bet to continue his blistering play in his club’s biggest match of the season.
Son will likely find himself matched up against Bacary Sagna for much of the match. Suffice it to say, I like the Korean’s chances to find success. The French right back has been decent, but not spectacular on the young season. He’ll need to be at his best to keep up with Son’s clever movement.
The key for Son will be to remember that he’s a part of a pretty talented attacking ensemble. He doesn’t need to try to take Manchester City’s defense on single-handedly. Trusting his teammates could be the easiest way to get his club the three points they need.
Manchester City will focus a ton of defensive energy on Son Heung-Min Sunday, but it won’t be enough. He’s playing at a too high of a level right now for the City back line to bring him back down to Earth.
3. The Tottenham supporters
Tottenham’s passionate fan base will be in rare form on Sunday. Spurs fans know this will be one of the last really big matches to take place in White Hart Lane.
Some skeptical pundits don’t think that crowds impact professional football players, but I’m not in that camp. A truly raucous atmosphere can serve to intimidate even the most talented veterans that make up a visiting squad.
Manchester City may not know it, but they are going to be walking into a real hornet’s nest on Sunday. It should be a truly unique atmosphere. The Tottenham crowd in such full voice will be a spectacle to behold.
The support of the fans will be particularly impactful for Tottenham’s young players. Many of them thrive on the energy the crowd provides. It also fuels Pochettino’s high-press. Spurs won’t be short any motivation or support on Sunday.
2. City will miss Kevin de Bruyne
Tottenham aren’t the only club in this match who will be short one of their top attackers. Manchester City will certainly feel the absence of Kevin de Bruyne on Sunday.
Outside of Son Heung-Min, de Bruyne might have been the hottest attacker in the Premier League prior to his injury. Even a team with the offensive talent of City can’t just ignore such a significant loss.
De Bruyne’s absence will probably mean the insertion of Leroy Sane into Guardiola’s starting XI. Sane, like John Stones, will almost certainly be a world-class player one day. Also like the English centre back, Sane isn’t ready to fill that kind of role as of yet. It’s a definite downgrade for City.
The absence of the classy midfielder will also allow Spurs to pay the proper attention to City striker Sergio Aguero. He’s terrorized Tottenham in the past, but de Bruyne’s absence will allow the club’s back four to focus their energies on stopping their Argentinian nemesis.
1. Tottenham’s superior fullbacks
Spurs might have the best combination of fullbacks in the Premier League. Kyle Walker and Danny Rose not only hold down starting positions for their club, they also are the first choice fullbacks for England.
Walker has quietly been one of Tottenham’s best players on the young season. HisWhoscored.com player rating average of 7.39 is one of the best marks for a right back in all of Europe. He’s used his combination of athleticism and physicality to dominate the opposition.
If both Rose and Walker are at their best, they could be the two most important men on the field for Tottenham. Each star provides width for the Spurs attack, while also offering immense support to the club’s centre backs. They’ll need help in both areas to overcome the significant challenge that is Manchester City.If Walker has been very good, Danny Rose has been great. His average player rating is even better at 7.51. The only trouble about Rose, is that he faces a pre-match fitness test to determine whether or not he’s ready to play the full 90 minutes. He’s rejoined his club in training this week, which would seem to be an encouraging sign.
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