Opinion: Five things we learned from the 1-1 draw against Watford

Tottenham Hotspur dropped points yet again today in the Premier League, making it just three wins from nine league games so far this season.

Spurs conceded within the first five minutes against the bottom team in the League, before struggling to break down a stubborn defence.

Dele Alli eventually equalised after a Ben Foster mistake, but it will do little to silence Tottenham’s critics or the pressure on Pochettino.

Here are the five things we learned from the match:

Back three did not work –

It looked like Pochettino went for a back three today in order to sure up the centre of defence, as well as add some width to the flanks. However, Spurs conceded within five minutes and ended up switching to a back four at half time. Not exactly a successful experiment.

No creativity –

With Christian Eriksen coming to the end of his career, Dele out of form, Lo Celso injured, and Lamela on the bench, Spurs had no spark today. The days of old when Kane would get chance after chance are gone and Tottenham only managed a handful of shots on target against the bottom team in the league.

Toby and Jan past their best –

For years now, Toby and Jan have been the best central defensive pairing in the league for me. Not only did they used to be unstoppable at the back, but they would confidently carry the ball out of defence and make so much space for those in front of them. This season, they let forwards in on goal time and time again, and seem to struggle with basic ball carrying and passing.

Not good enough in the air –

Over the last twenty minutes, both Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela delivered some very impressive and testing crosses. However, Spurs barely won a single one, let alone directing them towards goal. The desire to clear the ball from Watford players was simply stronger than that of the Spurs attackers.

Poch under pressure –

Three wins from nine in the Premier League. Joint bottom of the Champions League group. Out of the Carabao Cup. Red Star Belgrade, Liverpool away, and Everton away next. Pochettino has never been under this kind of pressure in North London.

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