James Maddison says Tottenham score so many late goals because opposition sides cannot match their intensity for 90 minutes and they often end up tiring towards the latter stage of games.
While Spurs remain a work in progress under Ange Postecoglou and are continuing to perfect the system, it is inarguable that the Lilywhites already play with a higher tempo than any other side in the division.
That is something Postecoglou himself noted last week, with the Australian pointing out that his side ranks top of most of the physical parameters in the Premier League this season (Football.London).
A pattern we have observed time and again with Spurs this season is that they often find it difficult to break down low blocks in the first half and usually give a much better account of themselves in the second period.
Tottenham score late goals by design
Maddison believes that it is a natural consequence of how teams set up to defend against Tottenham.
Following the club’s 3-1 win over Palace, the 27-year-old told supporters in attendance at the private members H Club at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (as recorded by WeAreTottenhamTV): “It’s very difficult to break down five at the back with four midfielders. But it’s also very tough to do that (defend) for 100 minutes.
“That’s why we score a lot of late goals. It’s not a coincidence. It’s because we make the same runs and patterns all games and you can’t track them at the end. It’s no coincidence we score a lot of late goals.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This is an important point and perhaps serves as a reminder to Spurs fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium not to moan and groan when the team finds it difficult in the first-half and to continue backing the players.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
