Thomas Frank seeks his first win against Unai Emery at the sixth attempt when their in-form sides meet on Sunday. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into that match. Pragmatism is bringing points for Spurs, at an average of two per game so far under Frank.
Thomas Frank seeks his first win against Unai Emery at the sixth attempt when their in-form sides meet on Sunday. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into that match.
Pragmatism is bringing points for Spurs, at an average of two per game so far under Frank. Their tally of 14 points from seven matches is as many as they managed in the last 19 league fixtures of Ange Postecoglou's reign.
A more compact Spurs look defensively sound, with only Arsenal conceding fewer top-flight goals this season. The next step for Frank is to improve his side's attacking cohesion.
Tottenham have been clinical in the league this season – scoring five more goals than expected given the quality of chances they have had, and boasting a shot conversion rate only bettered by Manchester City. However, only one in every 13 of their passages of play - 7.8% - has ended in an attempt on goal. Only five teams have a lower percentage, while it is Tottenham's lowest figure for six seasons.
A long-term injury to Dominic Solanke has robbed Spurs of a focal point at the apex of their attack; he would be a natural fit for their more direct style under Frank.
Xavi Simons added some ingenuity in the number 10 role away to Leeds before the international break, but it was Mohammed Kudus who again stood out. The £55m summer signing scored his first goal for the club and, as so often this season, provided the bulk of their attacking threat. He has made the most successful dribbles in the division, provided a joint-high four assists and ranks in the top five for most chances created and most instances of carrying the ball at least five metres upfield.
Sunday's match against Aston Villa is the start of a tough-looking run of fixtures for Spurs. They next travel to Everton, who are unbeaten at home, before successive games against Chelsea,Manchester United and Arsenal.
Villa have responded to their longest winless start to a season since 1964 with four straight victories – a current run only matched by Arsenal among Premier League teams.
Like Spurs, Villa are showing signs of finding a better balance in attack, albeit they have faced obliging opponents of late. Their growing confidence will be put to the test over the coming weeks, with three successive Premier League fixtures against Champions League sides. After Spurs, they host Manchester City and then face Liverpool at Anfield.
Emery will be aware of the need for improvement against the top teams – Villa only earned one point from their six away league fixtures last season against current Champions League sides.
Category: General Sports
