After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Leicester City last season, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur have managed to backup their previous season with a decent run in the domestic league this campaign. They are currently 2nd in the points table, with just ten games to go and are also into the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Though they may go trophy-less (at the worst) yet again, the manager’s stint at the White Hart Lane should be termed a success as his team have now turned into regular contenders for a place in the top-4 come the end of the season. But how has Pochettino managed to do this at the White Hart Lane? Here are three reasons why the Argentine has been successful at the club this season:
His system:
The Argentine manager wants his players to put in their 100% in every game and needs them to show enough intensity in games against the smaller sides in the competition. Spurs have a direct approach to their game that allows them to put pressure on the opposition as soon as they are in possession of the ball while their pressing when in rhythm is just impossible to beat. Pochettino has got a set of players playing together every week and the chemistry in the whole team is showing in almost every game this season. His system usually takes clubs by a storm early in the game, not giving them time to settle and this has often worked for Pochettino, helping his side to a place in the top-4.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli:
Undoubtedly one of the best-attacking partnerships in the Premier League and also in Europe, the English duo of Harry Kane and Dele Alli have been on fire this season. Alli has 17 goals and 8 assists in all competitions this season while Kane has scored 24 goals and picked up 4 assists in all competitions. Both players have taken the bulk of responsibilities in the final third and have been consistent this season, helping the club to some important victories. The understanding between the two players, who play together for club and country is only blossoming by age and their ridiculous returns has been a major reason for Pochettino’s success at the White Hart Lane this season.
His defense:
The most important reason for Pochettino’s success this season has been the consistency of his back line. Though constantly hit by injuries, the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have formed a solid partnership at the back which is among the most consistent in the Premier League this season. Alderweireld is easily one of the best defenders in the league at the moment and his Belgian teammate is surely following his path. Kyle Walker, one of the most productive defenders with 6 assists to his name and Danny Rose, who has 2 goals and 3 assists to his name this season, are also one of the best, if not the best in their position. Hugo Lloris and his 10 clean sheets this season have also helped but the fact that all five players at the back for Spurs are first team stars for their country, and that tells a lot about their solidity. Surely, it is the major reason why Pochettino has been so successful this season.
