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Ange Postecoglou explains thinking behind Spurs’ 0-7-1 formation vs Chelsea

Published 10:58 7 Nov 2023 GMT

Updated 16:35 7 Nov 2023 GMT

Ange Postecoglou explains thinking behind Spurs’ 0-7-1 formation vs Chelsea

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Ange ball never stops.

Tottenham opted to deploy a 0-7-1 formation during their blockbuster game against Chelsea. Spurs looked to be in cruise control as Dejan Kulusevski’s deflected effort put the hosts in front. Heung-min Son then had a goal disallowed and after two Chelsea goals were ruled out, Cole Palmer equalised from the spot as Cristian Romero received his marching orders for a poorly timed challenge on Enzo Fernandez. Ange Postecogolou’s side were then reduced to nine-men as Destiny Udogie was shown a second yellow card for another poor tackle. Chelsea’s two-man advantage took its toll in the end and Nicolas Jackson was able to grab a first Premier League hat trick for his new side in a game where the Blues looked second best for the majority of the 90 minutes. https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1721663560667869354 With Spurs lacking in numbers, Postecoglou opted to keep his side as attacking as possible and decided to deploy a 0-7-1 formation to help defend against the Blues. He was asked about this decision after the game, and explained to the Sky Sports reporter that this is the philosophy his team will live and die by. "It's just who we are mate," he said. "It's just who we are. It's who we're going to be, as long as I'm here." "We go down to five men mate, we'll have a crack," he added.

For the large part, it appeared to work but given that they were playing such a high line, Chelsea were able to penetrate through and once Jackson had opened his accounts, the floodgates opened. Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen even tweeted: “Highest defensive line I’ve ever seen in my life.” The defeat was Spurs’ first of the season and leaves them two points behind league leaders Manchester City in second place.