Spurs vs Marseille Preview
Hopefully I'll get the Jag back soon. The garage have had it a week with a fuel problem getting to three of the injectors, cars are something I know nothing about.
Apparently it has been traced back to the rear fuel pump being worn out, just as the AA man suggested.
I have a lot of meeting awaiting that I can have once I'm mobile again.
However, there is no rush as my eyes have been poor. I have been fighting off the development of eye ulcers, which entails getting my eyes in the dark as much as possible, so an afternoon sleep, little TV and early to bed.
A week or so of that and I think I have broken the back of it, so if I'm careful and don't strain my eyes I should recover soon.
The eyes have stopped the permanent watering to protect themselves and I can handle daylight better (eye ulcers react against light).
It's a rare condition, but somebodies got to have it.
Today is match day and our return to the top flight of European football.
First up it is French Ligue 1 runners-up Marseille, who might provide us with more problems than some are expecting.
I took a lot into their tactics and gave some ideas of what may happen yesterday, so if you haven't read up on the tactics new Marseille Head Coach Igor Tudor employed at Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona yet, then do so here:
COYS
FURTHER READING
This article asks Is VAR just a marketing tool and looks at Marseilles tactics.
Fraser and Son
This is Tottenham's squad, the pictures tell a story.
New number two goalkeeper Fraser Forster, a former England international, saw Sonny sitting on his own having been substituted, not looking particularly happy.
Forster decides to do something about it, nobody else is taking any notice, they are engrossed in the game.
Fraser engages Son in conversation and Sons mood picks up. Just one of the generally unnoticed things a squad player can get involved in.
Assists Chart
Richarlison 2 in 167 minutes
Perišić 2 in 281 minutes
Kulusevski 2 in 433 minutes
Davies 1 in 446
Son 1 in 493 minutes
Royal 1 in 529 minutes
Heung-min Son has had 17 shots in 6 games, with 8 of those on target (47.1%).
Harry Kane has had 22 shots in 6 games, with 10 of those on target (45.4%). One being a penalty.
That shows you Sonny isn't hiding, he is still making the runs, still getting into the positions and still getting sots on target, just that none have gone in yet.
They will and tonight might be that opportunity, if you have read yesterday's piece on the tactics employed by Igor Tudor, now the head coach of Marseille.
In a nutshell they play a high pressing game, look to get players into the opposition half to play 7v7 and a risky attacking game.
How will he temper his tactics for the Tottenham front three, if he will.
He could have his wing-back sit to create a back five, but more likely to continue his press high game.
Spurs will have to pass through this high press or go over it.
It will be a very interesting night to see how it pans out against our toughest opponents (on paper) in Group D.
Marseille haven't lost away this season, collecting 7 points from wins and 1 draw. Indeed with 5 wins and 1 draw, Marseille, like Tottenham, remain unbeaten this season.
Marseille Attacking Threat
Nuno Tavares has scored 3 goals having had 11 shots in 6 games, with 5 of those on target (45.5%).
Alexis Sánchez has scored 3 goals having had 10 shots in 5 games, with 6 of those on target (60%). One being a penalty.Luis Javier Suárez has scored 2 goals having had 11 shots in 5 games, with 6 of those on target (54.5%).
Tavares shoots from an average distance of 18.6 yards
Sánchez shoots from an average distance of 13.6 yards
Suárez shoots from an average distance of 11. yards
Son shoots from an average distance of 13.9 yards
Kane shoots from an average distance of 18.4 yards
Kulusevski (8 shots) shoots from an average distance of 16.8 yards
Richarlison (6 shots) shoots from an average distance of 12.2 yards
In total this season Tottenham have had 93 shots, 35 on target (37.6%) from an average distance of 15.5 yards.
In total this season Marseille have had 86 shots, 31 on target (36%) from an average distance of 15.4 yards.
In total this season Tottenham have conceded 87 shots, 16 on target (18.4%) from an average distance of 17.9 yards.
In total this season Marseille have conceded 71 shots, 17 on target (23.9%) from an average distance of 18.6 yards.
Passing
Tottenham have completed 2,609 passes with a success rate of 84.7%
Marseille have completed 2,583 passes with a success rate of 81.9%
Tottenham have conceded 2,493 completed passes with a success rate of 82.3%
Marseille have conceded 2,060 completed passes with a success rate of 71.5%
That 71.5% figure really show a high pressing game with interceptions.
Tottenham have progressed the ball 16,374 yards, opponents progressed it 13,249 yards.
Marseille have progressed the ball 15,828 yards, opponents progressed it 14,238 yards.
Next let's look at the success rate of the three lengths of passes.
Short (between 5 and 15 yards)
Medium (between 15 and 30 yards)
Long (over 30 yards)
Tottenham have completed 1,036 short passes, a success rate of 91.1% and conceded 1,031 to a success rate of 90.6%
Marseille have completed 1,070 short passes, a success rate of 88.2% and conceded 858 to a success rate of 87.1%
Tottenham have completed 1,139 medium range passes, a success rate of 89.9% and conceded 1,053 to a success rate of 88%
Marseille have completed 1,151 medium range passes, a success rate of 87.9% and conceded 844 to a success rate of 84.1%
Tottenham have completed 390 long passes, a success rate of 69.4% and conceded 362 to a success rate of 62.1%
Marseille have completed 315 long passes, a success rate of 61.4% and conceded 332 to a success rate of 57.9%
Best of luck to the boys tonight.
Until next time.
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