Opinion: Five things we learned from Mourinho’s first match in charge

Tottenham were back in action, Mourinho was back in the Premier League, and Spurs were back to winning ways in away from home for the first time since January.

Here are the five things we learned from the Special One’s first outing at the helm of the Lilywhites.

Taking the pressure off the defence

Under Poch, the emphasis was on playing out from the back every time, a tactic that has its rewards. However, Mourinho seems to have decided, for the time being at least, that it makes more sense to take the pressure off a nervy and out of form defence. Long balls, clips forward, and passes into the channels were a theme today, something that also played into the hands of the Spurs front four.

New formation

Spurs have struggled to fit their attacking players all into one formation of late, but perhaps Jose has found a plan that could work against certain teams. Move aside DESK, today we had SKAM, Son Kane Alli and Moura. A long ball or clever pass into one and Spurs suddenly had four v four in attack every single time, overwhelming the woeful West Ham defence. Arguably the best attacking football Spurs fans have seen in some time.

Moura needs confidence

It was a well-documented trend that Pochettino didn’t have much faith in Moura to start games for Spurs. However, the Brazilian is now one for one under Jose Mourinho, evening scoring to repay the favour. Moura looked impressive in that formation on the right-hand side, but one moment showed his lack of confidence. Through on goal with a rather simple finish needed, the forward tried to pick out a pass that simply was not on. Hopefully the confidence will come with starts.

Second chance for Dier

Eric Dier looked down and out for Spurs as a midfielder under Poch, but you get the impression that Mourinho is a big fan. The England man will have competition from the likes of Ndombele, Sissoko, and Winks, but perhaps Jose is the man to bring back the Dier of old.

An away win?!?!

Spurs have an away win in the Premier League for the first time this season! For that matter, it’s the club’s first away win in competitive action since beating Fulham in January. Surely, the only way is up from here!

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