Quite a crazy game from Palhinha, he had the most touches of any Tottenham player, the highest number of defensive actions and also the most passes into the attacking 1/3 (both sides), interpret that how you like.

Please don't think that a goal and a few strong tackles meant that the 2nd half performance was any better than what we've seen. Our in play possession was very much the same as the 1st half, we just won a few more of the duals.

Also too easy for Villa to play in midfield

Too easy for Villa to get into the attacking 1/3 (Half Time stats)

Before getting a star Left Winger, a second left-footed LB or improving CB depth. Spurs most urgent need, by far in my opinion, both tactically and in profile, is midfield passing. Thanks to @spursplstatsman.bsky.social for the viz.

Some more context on our long throws (Thread)

One thing I’d like to look at more is what happens after a progressive pass. (Thread) My progressive pass stats/visuals have had good interactions this season, but a pass I noticed yesterday was a reminder that the numbers on face value can sometimes be a little misleading.

Liverpool completed more passes in the 2nd half (280) than we completed in the entire of the Arsenal game earlier this season (274). For reference we completed 254 vs Crystal Palace and 264 vs Liverpool.

Mathys Tel had the 4th most touches (61) of any Tottenham player today. He's scored 2 in 5 Premier League starts this season, not insane, but today was the kind of performance I expected when we signed him. An attacking LW really doesn’t feel like our biggest January problem.

In comparison to other areas, it's a tiny issue, but it’s worth noting: Both of Lucas Bergvall’s long throws against Bournemouth were comfortably cleared. This season, we’ve only won the first ball from 3 of his 19 long throws, don't understand why we keep persisting with it.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur Stat Preview

Tottenham's Midfield vs Opposition’s Highest Progressive Passer (2025–26)

When you avoid control, go long from goal kicks, and don't win the 1st dual you open yourself to inviting pressure. That’s exactly why we conceded in the 2nd half yesterday (Thread).

Didn’t think I’d be posting about Ben Davies in 2026, but he showed value to having a naturally left footed LB. Don’t know much about Souza, but it’s good to see that we’re in the market for a young, left-footed left back.

Didn’t think the 1st half was anything special, but our final 1/3 passing really told a tale of two halves. 1st half: 61 attacking 1/3 passes (joint most from a half this season, level with Brighton). 2nd half: just 22.

May have to start making a thread on which opposition players are out performing our entire midfield. This week it's Granit Xhaka with 7 progressive passes. Bentancur (2), Gray (1), Palhinha (1), Odobert (2).

Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland Stat Leaders Preview

Mohammed Kudus was dispossessed 5 times vs Brentford, taking his Premier League total to 53, the most by any player this season.

This week on which opposition player has more progressive passes than our entire midfield 3 it's Jordan Henderson (10). Palhinha (5), Bentancur (2), Gray (1)

I'm not sure how we are going to progress under Frank based on our very limited in ball possession tactics, we had a lower pass accuracy and possession than Brentford. The Field Tilt viz shows which team is spending more time and passing more often in the final 1/3 (Brentford)

Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur Stat Leaders Preview

Tottenham are conceding from an average of 14.6 yards out, the 2nd highest distance in the league, with 7 goals coming from outside the box. Interestingly, tomorrow's opponents Brentford have scored just 1 goal from outside the box all season.

Loan Update: Yang Min-Hyeok scored a 98th-minute winner to secure Portsmouth a win over Charlton Athletic. Alfie Devine scored his fourth goal of the season for Preston in a 2-1 defeat to Wrexham.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Squad Rotation (2024-25)

Attacking 1/3 Touches per Match (Season Avg Since 2017-18)

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Squad Rotation (GW18 Update)

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Progressive Pass Comparison (66 vs 19)

Wharton having more than double the progressive passes (10) compared to our entire midfield three combined (4), while also completing almost the same number of passes (52 vs 45) says everything about how our midfield is set up. The structure is the biggest problem, not personnel

The 11th Premier League game of the season that we have finished the game with less than 1xG. From the previous 10 we have won just 1 of them (0.6 xG vs Leeds). 3 points today, but as we've already seen these performances are not sustainable to get results.