3-4-3 Or 4 At The Back – Which Works The Best For Tottenham?

Standing as the only team yet to be beaten in the Premier League this season, Tottenham Hotspur are yet again looking to challenge for a top-4 spot after a decent start to the season. They have managed to pick up just 4 points from the last 4 games, losing some ground in the points table. Though the lack of confidence had its say, injuries to key players was the major reason for the slump in form for the side early this season. However, with Harry Kane back, and Toby Alderweireld not too long away from a comeback, the squad will be back to its strongest leaving the manager with one burning question.

Interestingly, Pochettino, who lost Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies to injuries, decided to test a 3-man defense in the crunch game against Arsenal in the last round. Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen played on either side of Kevin Wimmer at the Emirates, and the trio managed to keep the exciting Arsenal attack at bay. Kyle Walker and Danny Rose provided the width in attack when needed but tucked back into defense constantly to keep Arsenal away from the goal and though they picked up just a point, it is a system that will get Pochettino thinking.

Neither of the injured defenders are back for the game against West Ham leaving Pochettino with a similar team setup for that game but should he stick to it in the long term? The likes of Antonio Conte and Slaven Bilic have been using this system to different effects this season and it underlines the fact that the system needs proper personnel to thrive in the Premier League. Dier and Vertonghen are more than capable defenders and though Wimmer is not yet in their league, he is decent and will provide enough cover at the back for the Spurs.

Harry Kane will still lead the side while Dele Alli, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele will all, overload the midfield and give Tottenham an extra man in the middle of the park. Walker is a genuine attacking full-back and is not a bad option at wing-back while Danny Rose with all his experience, is more than capable of playing that role on the other side. When Alderweireld is back, he will take Wimmer’s place at the back, making the defense even stronger.

A 3-man defensive system helps the team put in an extra member at every part of the field and allows the team to dictate terms when in possession. It sits well with the high-intensity game that Pochettino likes at the Lane and there are very few reasons for Pochettino to move back into a back-4 system.

The traditional system of a 4-man defense has given Pochettino loads of success but if the Spurs are to compete for the title for the second consecutive season, they need to do something that can allow them to take the next step and having failed to add world class stars to the squad, a change in system might be the way to go for Pochettino. They are expected to play a similar system against the Hammers and if it is successful, the manager should not hesitate to use it even after Alderweireld is back.

Do you think Pochettino should shift back to a 4-man defense after the return of Belgian defender from injury?