Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged that while Tottenham and Brighton both like to dominate the ball and dictate proceedings, there are key differences between the tactical set-up of the two sides.
Spurs and Brighton are arguably the two most entertaining teams to watch for neutrals, with both sides tending to score as well as concede a lot of goals.
That comes from the emphasis that Postecoglou and Roberto De Zerbi put on being positive irrespective of the game situation, with neither the Australian nor the Italian being the ones to abandon their principles.
Many pundits have noted the similarity between the two sides ahead of this afternoon’s game and have predicted a high-scoring affair (Paul Merson – Sportskeeda).
While Postecoglou admitted that the two sides do share some common principles, he pointed out that there are some stark differences when one gets into the details.
Postecoglou won’t copy other Premier League managers
The Tottenham head coach told Football.London: “There are probably similarities there but the approaches are different in terms of when you look at the positioning of players and the methodology of how we get from point A to B.
“The underlying premise is both teams would like to have dominance of the ball, play through the lines to get to the outcome and be aggressive on the press. There is absolutely some synergy in the underlying philosophy, but the actual detail of it, there are differences there, which is only natural.
“You can’t just go along and copy other methodologies, you have to bring your own spin and personality. That’s where the differences lie. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are underlying stats that are really similar but how we get to that point, there is a difference between the two teams.”
The Seagulls emerged 4-2 winners in the reverse fixture in the Amex Stadium back in December against what was a severely understrength Spurs side.
When asked if his side can take any learnings from that fixture, Postecoglou responded: “Not a lot, we got to keep going. I thought it was a good game, it probably should’ve finished 4-4 to us, we were a bit unlucky towards the end.
“You know what you’re going to get with Brighton, they’re going to play their football and we’re going to play ours. Hopefully, this time we prevail. It’s not going to be a dull affair and it should be exciting for everyone to watch.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The one thing we know about Brighton is that just like us, irrespective of their form, they will approach every game the same way. They will dominate proceedings and put us under pressure if we let them.
I do not think Postecoglou will let his players take the Seagulls lightly and he will demand that they come flying out of the blocks and put the away side on the back foot.