What's behind Tottenham's defensive woes against Arsenal?

Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday has raised concerns about the team's defensive solidity. While Arsenal's superior quality on the day was evident, MOTD pundit Danny Murphy pointed out that the Gunners also exploited a tactical weakness in Spurs' setup.

"They were attacking from every angle in the end," Murphy said, highlighting the way Arsenal's attacking players interchanged positions and created chaos in the Tottenham defense. This tactical flexibility allowed Arsenal to find spaces and create scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to their two goals.

One of the main issues for Tottenham was their inability to cope with Arsenal's high press. The Gunners' energetic and coordinated pressing game forced Spurs into mistakes, with the home team often resorting to long balls to escape the pressure. However, this approach played into Arsenal's hands, as they were able to win the ball back quickly and launch counter-attacks.

Tottenham's defensive woes were further exacerbated by their narrow midfield setup. With both Spurs' full-backs pushing high up the pitch, the space behind them was often left exposed. Arsenal's attacking players were quick to capitalize on this, making runs into the channels and causing problems for the Tottenham defense.

The defeat has raised questions about Tottenham's tactics and their ability to adapt to different opponents. While they have been successful in recent weeks, the loss to Arsenal has highlighted the need for greater flexibility and creativity in their approach.

In particular, Spurs' manager Antonio Conte will need to address the team's vulnerability to high-pressing teams. This may involve making adjustments to their midfield setup, such as introducing a more dynamic and creative player to help control the tempo of the game.

Ultimately, the defeat to Arsenal serves as a wake-up call for Tottenham. While they have made significant progress under Conte, they still have work to do to become a top-tier team. By addressing their defensive weaknesses and developing a more flexible tactical approach, Spurs can take the next step in their development and challenge for major honors.

Sources:

• Danny Murphy, MOTD pundit