Tottenham managed a 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, ensuring they moved into second place in the Premier League table, for the time being at least.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham 2-2 Brighton:
Tottenham high line frustrates in first half but improves after the break
It would have been a frustrating first forty-five minutes for Thomas Frank’s men, who started brightly, looked to take the game to Brighton and pressed them high.
It was a clear shift from what we witnessed in matchweek three, where Tottenham were lacklustre against Bournemouth and failed to show any bite in attack.
This fixture also marked the return of a more aggressive defensive shape, as Frank wanted to squeeze the pitch and make it harder for Brighton to play through his side.
It was a sensible idea, but the execution let him down, as the defensive line was far too loose for Brighton’s opener.
The midfield was non-existent when Rutter picked up the ball deep, before Micky van de Ven stepped up to press the Seagulls’ number ten, who quickly slipped a pass behind the backline, leaving Minteh free to run in on goal.
It was disorganised play, very reminiscent of Ange-ball. However, after the break, it was far more effective, with Cristian Romero and van de Ven aggressive in their tackles and stepping up with intent to win the ball high.
It is a reminder for Tottenham fans that Frank will not stick to one template but will vary his approach depending on the opponent.
Destiny Udogie impresses on his first start of the season
This clash against Brighton also marked the return of Destiny Udogie, who made his first start of the season after a handful of cameos from the bench.
The Italian looked bright across his ninety-minute run, especially in the first half, where he bombed down the left flank, making overlapping runs beyond Wilson Odobert.
It is a significant boost for Frank to have Udogie fully fit, as the left-back’s natural balance on his left foot gives the Dane greater tactical options over the course of the long season.
Tottenham waste good crosses and cutbacks
Frank will likely take several positives from the fixture, one of which is the fighting spirit shown by his side, as coming from two goals down to secure a point is always a commendable effort.
However, there will also be questions about what might have been had Spurs been more ruthless in front of goal.
Kudus, Udogie and Odobert worked the flanks well, reaching the byline and firing in dangerous crosses.
Yet too many of these deliveries were cut out by Brighton defenders. On the rare occasions when they did find a Tottenham player, the chances were not converted, with Xavi Simons missing more than one good opportunity from cutbacks.
There must be greater movement in the box, particularly with attackers making runs across the front post when crosses are flashed in.
Xavi Simons shows promise in first run as number ten
Some supporters may have been surprised when Frank’s starting line-up did not include Simons, as Odobert was preferred on the wing.
However, this gave Spurs fans the chance to see their new signing in his natural number ten role when he came off the bench.
It was a bright cameo from the Dutchman, who created chances, forced a save with a shot on target, and looked dangerous when driving at Brighton’s defence.
Given that this is his preferred role, it should not come as a surprise, and the expectation will now be that Frank uses him there more often as the season progresses.
Thomas Frank still weighing up left-wing options at Tottenham
We are only five games into the campaign, but Tottenham have already seen several players used on the left wing.
Brennan Johnson has been given opportunities there, Mathys Tel has featured in the role, Simons has filled in during the last two games, and against Brighton, it was Odobert.
It is evident that Frank is not yet settled on his preferred option on the left, unlike the right flank, where Kudus and Pedro Porro are beginning to build an effective partnership.
For Johnson, Tel and Odobert, there is a clear opportunity to stake a claim for that position, but someone must grasp it soon if Spurs are to find greater consistency in attack.
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