Are Spurs Closer to Winning Silverware Than You Think? The Data Says Yes!

EPL Attacking Passes Per Sequence

So let's take this a step further because these could be passes along the back line and narrow it down to the number of 'Attacking Passes Per Sequence'.

That moves Tottenham up to 3rd place only bettered by Liverpool and Manchester City which tells you we go for it as well as the best do.

Attacking Passes per Sequence is a more specific version of the general "Passes per Sequence" stat that we just looked at, but it focuses only on sequences that occur in the attacking third of the field. Here's how it breaks down:

1. What does "Attacking Passes per Sequence" measure?

It measures the average number of passes a team makes during a sequence of possession in the attacking third of the field. The attacking third is the portion of the pitch closest to the opponent's goal, where a team is looking to create goal-scoring opportunities.

2. What this stat tells us

This stat helps to understand how a team behaves when they get the ball into a dangerous area:

• High attacking passes per sequence: This suggests that the team is patient and deliberate in the attacking third, preferring to pass the ball around to break down the defence or find an opening. Teams with a possession-based style, like Manchester City or Barcelona, often have higher attacking passes per sequence, showing they tend to probe the defence with multiple passes before attempting a shot or crossing the ball.

• Low attacking passes per sequence: This indicates a more direct or fast-paced attacking style. Teams with lower attacking passes per sequence tend to move the ball forward quickly, attempting to capitalize on swift opportunities, such as through crosses, direct passes, or quick combinations, rather than patiently building up the play. A counter-attacking team, for example, might have fewer attacking passes per sequence because they look to exploit space quickly when they get the ball in the final third.

3. Why is it important?

• Team Strategy: It provides insights into a team's strategy in the final third. A higher number of passes per sequence might indicate a team that emphasizes control and precision, while a lower number could suggest a more aggressive and direct approach to finishing attacks.

• Offensive Pressure: It can also reflect how much offensive pressure a team applies. Teams that manage to string together multiple passes in the attacking third tend to exert sustained pressure on their opponent's defence, forcing them to chase the ball and potentially make mistakes.

• Efficiency and Creativity: In addition to possession, this stat shows how creative or incisive a team can be when they have the ball in dangerous areas. A balance between a reasonable number of passes and the ability to finish the play often reflects a well-rounded attack.

Example:

• Team A (possession-oriented) may have 6-8 passes per attacking sequence. They rely on passing combinations to open up the defence, patiently looking for the right opportunity to shoot.

• Team B (counter-attacking) might average 2-3 passes per attacking sequence. They focus on getting the ball quickly into the box for a shot or cross with minimal buildup.

Practical Use:

For coaches and analysts, looking at "Attacking Passes per Sequence" can help fine-tune offensive strategies:

• A team struggling to create chances might find that they're either making too many passes without threatening or too few passes before losing the ball.

Attacking Passes per Sequence is a key stat for evaluating how a team handles possession when they're in a dangerous attacking position and how their approach affects their ability to create and finish goal-scoring opportunities.

EPL Passing Sequences Ending with Box Entry

OK, now a stat that will surprise you. It one that shows the strength of a sides attacking ability against their defensive ability which grades each team for effectiveness.

It does this by looking at how often an attack goes into the box, both for and against to evaluate the strength of attacking threat against a sides defensive ability to keep them out of their own box, generally considered to be the danger area and where most goals are scored.

The stats tell us these tactics work, if you put the ball in the net, hence why Postecoglou has won wherever he has been including international football winning the Asia Cup.

Passing Sequences Ending with Box Entry is a soccer statistic used to evaluate a team's ability to progress their play into the most dangerous area of the field: the opponent's penalty box. 

1. Box Entry

A box entry occurs when a team successfully moves the ball into the opponent's penalty area, usually a key objective when attacking. The penalty box (or 18-yard box) is the most dangerous zone where chances of scoring increase significantly.

2. What does "Passing Sequences Ending with Box Entry" measure?

This stat counts the number of passing sequences that result in the ball being played into the opponent’s penalty box. Essentially, it tracks how effectively a team is able to:

• Retain possession through passing sequences.
• Progress play up the field.
• End those sequences by getting the ball into the penalty area.

3. What this stat tells us

• Attacking Efficiency: A high number of passing sequences ending with box entries shows that a team is effective at moving the ball into dangerous positions through controlled possession and build-up play. It indicates that the team is able to get the ball into the penalty area consistently, where most scoring opportunities occur.

• Build-up Play: Teams that generate a high number of these sequences are likely comfortable in possession, build attacks patiently and emphasize progressing play through the midfield and final third.

• Creativity and Penetration: Teams that can consistently end their passing sequences with box entries are also good at breaking down defences, often using clever movement, quick passing combinations and creativity in the final third.

4. Low Number of Passing Sequences Ending with Box Entry

If a team has a low number of passing sequences ending with box entries, this might suggest that:

• The team is struggling to break into the final, dangerous areas of the field.
• Their build-up play lacks penetration or final execution.
• They might be relying on more direct play (long balls, crosses) rather than structured passing sequences.
• The opponent’s defence is effectively blocking access to the box.

5. Why is it important?

This stat gives a clear picture of how well a team turns possession into attacking opportunities:

• Measure of penetration: It shows how often a team’s possession actually results in entering the most dangerous zone for scoring, which is, of course, crucial for creating goal-scoring opportunities.
• Style of Play: It helps to analyze whether a team is using a patient, possession-based approach to get into the box or if they struggle to get the ball into the penalty area despite having possession.
• Comparative Performance: Coaches and analysts can use this stat to compare a team’s performance to their opponents or other teams, showing how effective they are at turning possession into meaningful attacks.

Example:

• Team A (e.g., Manchester City): They might have a high number of passing sequences ending in box entry because they focus on controlling possession and methodically working the ball into the opponent’s penalty area. This shows their ability to penetrate defences through sustained passing sequences.

• Team B (e.g., a counter-attacking team): They might have fewer passing sequences overall but still manage to get into the box efficiently through quick transitions, so their ratio could be quite favourable.

6. How to interpret it:

• High number of passing sequences ending with box entry: Indicates a proactive, possession-based team that successfully converts possession into attacking threats. Such teams are good at dominating the ball and working into dangerous areas, like teams that play a "tiki-taka" style.

• Low number of passing sequences ending with box entry: Indicates a team that may have possession but struggles to turn it into meaningful chances, or perhaps a team that prefers a more direct route to goal, bypassing the traditional build-up in the final third.

Practical Application:

• For Coaches: This stat is crucial for assessing how well their team can penetrate the opposition’s defence. If box entries are lacking, it might indicate that the team is not creating enough chances or needs to improve their movement and passing in the final third.

• For Analysts: It provides insight into how a team’s possession translates into attacking opportunities and whether their build-up play is efficient or too slow and predictable.

Passing Sequences Ending with Box Entry is an excellent stat for understanding how effectively a team transitions from possession into creating real scoring opportunities by entering the opponent's penalty box.

But how effective is all this attacking passing? 

EPL Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot

OK, let's look at the percentage of these passing sequences that end with a shot at goal.

Frustration is the order of the day, our game is fine, it's our finishing that is holding us back so we all have to hope that summer transfer window signing Dominic Solanke really is the answer and that these youngsters we have, develop their finishing abilities, which I'm adamant a sports psychologist would do.

A striker who is anxious misses, a striker on a bad run gets anxious and makes matters worse, anxious means poor decision-making and poor application of technique.

Take away that anxiousness and you have the opposite effect. A sports psychologist will help you to train your mind to have positive thoughts and not these negative ones, with the resulting upturn in decision-making, application and therefore ability to score goals when under pressure.

Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot is a statistic that evaluates how efficiently a team’s possession leads to goal-scoring opportunities. 

1. Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot

This specific stat tracks the number of passing sequences that conclude with the team attempting a shot on goal. It measures how frequently a team's possession and build-up play lead to a shot, indicating the team's ability to translate possession into goal-scoring opportunities.

2. What does this stat tell us?

• Attacking Efficiency: A higher number of passing sequences ending in a shot suggests that a team is efficient at converting possession into direct attacking opportunities. The team’s passing sequences are productive, leading to shots, which is critical for creating scoring chances.

• Build-up Play Quality: This stat reflects how well the team can move the ball through the field, progress into the attacking areas and ultimately generate shots. It shows the effectiveness of their final pass and how often their possession play leads to actual attempts on goal.

• Team Strategy: Teams with a higher number of passing sequences ending in a shot often have structured build-up play and are patient in possession, working through the opposition to create quality chances. A lower number may indicate a team that is either inefficient in converting possession to shots or a team that favours other attacking strategies like long balls or counter-attacks.

3. Low Number of Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot

If a team has a low number of passing sequences ending in a shot, it could indicate:

• They struggle to convert possession into meaningful chances.
• The team might have a lot of possession but lacks creativity or cutting edge in the final third.
• The opposition’s defence may be strong, limiting their opportunities to take shots.
• The team may rely more on direct play (e.g., long balls or quick counter-attacks) rather than building up through passing sequences.

4. Why is it important?

• Effectiveness of Attack: This stat shows how well a team’s possession translates into goal attempts, which is the primary objective of attacking play. Teams that generate a high number of shots from passing sequences are generally more threatening and effective in their attacking movements.

• Decision Making in the Final Third: It provides insight into how decisive and creative the team is when they get near the opponent's goal. Teams with good decision-making and execution in the final third are more likely to end their passing sequences with shots.

• Balance of Play: While some teams might dominate possession, this stat helps to differentiate between teams that are possession-heavy but ineffective in generating shots and teams that turn possession into genuine goal-scoring chances.

5. Examples of Team Styles

• High number of passing sequences ending in a shot: Teams like Manchester City or Barcelona, often have a high number of passing sequences that result in shots. Their emphasis on patient build-up and intricate passing in the final third often leads to a shot after sustained possession.

• Low number of passing sequences ending in a shot: Teams that focus on quick transitions or long-ball play, like some counter-attacking teams, might have fewer sequences overall, but when they do have possession, they are less likely to string together many passes before a shot. They might still create scoring chances but via different methods, than sustained passing sequences.

6. Interpreting the Stat

• High passing sequences ending in a shot: A team that frequently ends their possession with a shot is efficient in attack. They’re able to generate multiple chances from their build-up play. These teams typically dominate possession and translate that dominance into opportunities to score.

• Low passing sequences ending in a shot: A team that has possession but struggles to end their sequences with shots might be lacking in creativity, penetration, or decision-making in the final third. It can indicate a team that holds the ball but doesn’t generate many real chances to score.

Practical Example

• Team A (Possession-heavy): Suppose Team A completes 50 passing sequences in a match and 12 of those sequences result in a shot. Their efficiency in turning possession into shots is 24%. This would indicate a team that builds up play and is reasonably successful at getting to the point of taking a shot.

• Team B (Direct play): Team B might only have 25 passing sequences in a game but manages to end 8 of them with a shot. Even though they have fewer passing sequences overall, they are quite efficient, with 32% of their sequences resulting in a shot. This could indicate a more direct or counter-attacking style of play.

7. Applications for Teams

• Coaching and Strategy: Coaches can use this stat to identify whether their team is effectively translating possession into shots. If a team dominates possession but isn’t creating enough chances, this stat can help diagnose where the build-up is breaking down (e.g., lack of final pass, poor decision-making in the final third).

• Opposition Analysis: Analyzing an opponent’s passing sequences ending in shots can provide insights into how to disrupt their attacking play. If a team consistently ends their sequences with shots, a defence can focus on breaking up those sequences before they progress into the final third or box.

Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot is a key metric for understanding how well a team turns possession into concrete goal-scoring opportunities, giving insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of a team’s attacking play.

EPL Opposition Passing Sequences Ending in a Shot

Let's look at opposition passing sequences that lead to us conceding a shot.

Spurs are flying high with The Eagles (Crystal Palace) and Liverpool.

EPL Efficiency In The Box

The next stat shows the number of touches in the opponent's box over touches in the final third, converted to a percentage and the same thing for the opposition when we are defending.

A lower percentage when defending indicates the defence is preventing the opposition from entering the penalty area often, even if they have possession in your defensive third.

What this tells us:

• High offensive efficiency means a team is getting into dangerous areas (the box) often compared to their overall time spent in the final third.
• Low defensive efficiency (for the opponent) means the defending team is doing well at stopping opponents from getting into their penalty box, even if the opponents have possession in the defensive third.

Why is this stat valuable?

• Attacking Perspective: Teams can use this metric to evaluate their attacking efficiency. A team might have plenty of touches in the box but need to work on their decision-making or finishing to increase the number of shots and goals from those touches.

• Defensive Perspective: On defence, this stat shows how well a team defends its most vulnerable area. A team that concedes few shots or goals from box entries has a strong defensive structure, even when allowing the opponent into dangerous areas.

• Tactical Adjustments: Coaches can use efficiency in the box to make tactical changes. For instance, if a team has low attacking efficiency in the box, they might focus on improving their final pass or movement off the ball. If their defensive efficiency is low, they might need to tighten up marking or address weaknesses in dealing with crosses or set pieces.

Efficiency in the Box is a critical measure of how effectively a team capitalizes on its opportunities inside the penalty area and how well it defends against the opponent's chances in that same area. High offensive efficiency and high defensive efficiency are essential for winning games and maintaining a balance between attack and defence.

EPL Box Efficiency: Conversion and Protection

Get the blooming sports psychologist to work. All the players have the skill, all the players have the technique so it's not a skill problem is it.

This metric was the problem last season (we were basically the worst in the league) and we finished 5th despite it.

Box Efficiency: Conversion and Protection refers to how well a team performs both offensively (conversion) and defensively (protection) within the penalty area, or "the box." 

These two aspects of box efficiency, conversion (attacking) and protection (defending), are critical indicators of how effectively a team takes advantage of opportunities and prevents their opponents from doing so in the most dangerous zone of the pitch.

1. Box Efficiency: Conversion (Attacking Efficiency)

Conversion in the box refers to a team's ability to convert opportunities in the opponent's penalty area into shots, goals, or meaningful attacking outcomes. Essentially, it measures how clinical and effective a team is when they manage to get the ball inside the opponent's penalty area.

Key Metrics for Conversion Efficiency:

• Touches in the box to shots ratio: How many touches inside the opponent's penalty area result in shots. A high ratio indicates a team that is quick to turn possession into attempts on goal.
• Shots to goals ratio (conversion rate): How many of those shots are converted into goals. This shows the finishing quality of the team when they get into scoring positions.

What this tells us:

• High Conversion Efficiency: This indicates a team that is very effective and clinical when inside the box. They can quickly generate shots or score goals with relatively few touches in the opponent's penalty area. Teams with high conversion efficiency often rely on quick decision-making, good positioning and strong finishing ability.

• Low Conversion Efficiency: A team with low conversion efficiency might dominate possession or have numerous touches in the box, but they fail to generate quality shots or convert those opportunities into goals. This could be due to poor final passes, indecisiveness, or weak finishing.

2. Box Efficiency: Protection (Defensive Efficiency)

Protection in the box refers to a team's ability to protect their own penalty area from opponents, limiting the number of shots, dangerous chances, or goals they concede when the opposition gains possession in this area.

Key Metrics for Protection Efficiency:

• Opponents' touches in your box to shots ratio: How many times the opponent touches the ball inside your penalty box compared to how many shots they generate. A low ratio means the team is effectively preventing the opponent from converting touches in the box into shots.
• Opponents' shots to goals ratio: How many of the opponent’s shots inside the box result in goals. This gives a measure of the team's ability to block shots, force difficult attempts, or rely on strong goalkeeper performance.

What this tells us:

• High Protection Efficiency: If the opponent gets into your box but struggles to convert touches into shots or goals, it means your team has a solid defensive structure in place. A high protection efficiency could indicate good positioning, effective marking and quick reactions to clear the ball or block shots.

• Low Protection Efficiency: A team with low protection efficiency is vulnerable in the box, allowing the opponent to generate too many shots or goals from relatively few touches. This suggests weaknesses in defensive organization, marking, or goalkeeping.

3. Why Box Efficiency (Conversion and Protection) is Important

• Conversion (Offensive):

  • Maximizing chances: Scoring in soccer is often about making the most of limited opportunities. Even dominant teams may only get a handful of touches in the box, so being efficient with those touches is crucial.
  • Winning matches: Teams that are efficient at converting touches into goals often win games, even if they have less overall possession or fewer touches in the box. Clinical finishing is a key component of successful attacking play.

• Protection (Defensive):

  • Reducing risk: The penalty box is the area where goals are most likely to be scored. Strong defensive efficiency here can significantly reduce the opponent's chances of scoring.
  • Solid defensive foundation: Teams that are difficult to break down in the box are typically hard to beat. This could be due to excellent individual defending, good goalkeeper performances, or a well-organized defensive line.

4. Applications for Teams and Coaches

Improving Conversion Efficiency (Attacking)

• Focus on quality over quantity: Teams can work on creating high-quality chances rather than just getting the ball into the box. This involves improving the timing and quality of final passes, as well as player positioning.
• Finishing drills: Enhancing players' ability to finish from various positions inside the box, whether it's one-touch shots, headers, or reacting to rebounds.
• Quick decision-making: Teams should practice reducing time on the ball in the box, making quicker decisions to shoot or pass.

Improving Protection Efficiency (Defending)

• Defensive positioning: Ensuring defenders are in the right positions to block shots or prevent passes that would lead to high-quality chances.
• Communication and organization: Defenders and the goalkeeper must work together, particularly when defending crosses, cut-backs, or set pieces.
• Closing down space quickly: Teaching defenders to react quickly and block shots or intercept passes as soon as the opponent gets into the box.

5. Examples of Teams Excelling in Box Efficiency

• High Conversion Efficiency: Teams like Manchester City or Liverpool, during their dominant seasons, often had high conversion efficiency. They are adept at turning possession in the box into quick shots and goals through intricate passing, fast decision-making and excellent finishing.

• High Protection Efficiency: Teams with strong defensive records, like Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone, often excel in protecting their box. Even when opponents manage to get into the box, they struggle to get clean shots due to Atlético's disciplined defending, shot-blocking and compact shape.

6. Why Conversion and Protection Must Be Balanced

A successful team often balances both aspects:

• A team with high conversion efficiency but poor protection might score plenty of goals but also concede too many, making them vulnerable in high-scoring games.
• A team with high protection efficiency but poor conversion might struggle to score enough goals to win games, even if they defend well.

The most successful teams, particularly over a full season, often demonstrate strength in both conversion and protection, meaning they can both score efficiently when they have chances and defend resolutely when under pressure.

Box Efficiency: Conversion and Protection gives a comprehensive view of a team’s effectiveness in both attack and defence in the most critical area of the field—the penalty box. 

Conversion efficiency reflects how well a team turns possession in the opponent's box into shots and goals, while protection efficiency measures how well a team defends its own box, limiting the opponent’s ability to convert touches into chances. 

Together, these two metrics are powerful indicators of a team's overall performance and ability to control the most decisive moments of a match.

EPL Pressing Intensity v Possession

Pressing Intensity vs Possession is a fascinating aspect of modern soccer analytics that highlights the relationship between how much a team presses (defensive work to regain possession) and how much they control possession during a game. These two metrics—pressing intensity and possession, offer insights into a team's tactical approach, both in and out of possession.

1. What is Pressing Intensity?

Pressing intensity refers to how aggressively a team attempts to regain possession of the ball when the opponent has it. It is typically measured through metrics like:

• Passes per Defensive Action (PPDA): This measures how many passes the opposing team is allowed to complete before the pressing team makes a defensive action (such as a tackle, interception, or foul). A lower PPDA means higher pressing intensity because the team is allowing fewer passes before applying pressure.

EPL Pressing Intensity v PPDA

Pressing Intensity and PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) are closely related metrics in soccer that describe how aggressively a team presses to win back the ball from the opponent. They both reflect the team's defensive approach and tactical style, but they measure pressing in slightly different ways.

1. What is Pressing Intensity?

Pressing intensity refers to how aggressively and frequently a team applies pressure on the opposing team to regain possession. It's an indicator of how often a team tries to disrupt their opponent’s build-up play, win the ball back, or force mistakes.

• High pressing intensity: A team puts constant pressure on the opponent when out of possession, often high up the pitch (e.g., in the opponent's half). They try to close down space quickly, engage in tackles or interceptions and limit the opponent’s ability to pass freely.
• Low pressing intensity: A team applies less frequent pressure on the ball and may sit deeper, allowing the opposition more time and space to pass, focusing on defensive shape rather than constantly chasing the ball.

2. What is PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action)?

PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) is a widely used metric that quantifies pressing intensity in soccer. It measures how many passes a team allows the opponent to make before engaging in a defensive action such as a tackle, interception, or foul.

• Low PPDA: Indicates high pressing intensity. If a team has a low PPDA, it means they allow the opponent to make fewer passes before stepping in with a defensive action. This means they are pressing frequently and aggressively, especially high up the pitch.

• High PPDA: Indicates low pressing intensity. A high PPDA suggests that the team allows the opponent to make more passes before engaging with defensive actions. This reflects a more passive or conservative defensive approach, where the team may sit back and allow the opponent time on the ball, focusing on defending in a compact shape.

3. Relationship Between Pressing Intensity and PPDA

Pressing intensity and PPDA are directly related, with PPDA serving as a numerical representation of pressing intensity. Essentially, PPDA gives a more measurable, objective way to quantify how intensely a team presses.

• High pressing intensity = Low PPDA: Teams that press with high intensity will have a low PPDA because they are constantly challenging the opponent’s passing rhythm, not giving them time to build up comfortably.

• Low pressing intensity = High PPDA: Teams that press less frequently, often using a deeper or more compact defensive block, will have a higher PPDA because they allow the opponent more time and space to complete passes before attempting to win the ball.

4. Why PPDA is Important for Measuring Pressing Intensity

PPDA is a valuable metric because it provides a clear, quantifiable measure of pressing intensity across different teams and leagues. It helps differentiate between teams that press aggressively and those that adopt a more passive or organized defensive strategy.

Interpreting PPDA in Context

• Teams with Low PPDA (High Pressing Intensity):

  • These teams apply pressure quickly, often higher up the pitch (in the opponent’s defensive or middle third). They look to force turnovers and disrupt the opponent’s play immediately after losing possession.
  • Example: Teams like Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp (using gegenpressing) or Manchester City under Pep Guardiola (focusing on quick recovery of possession) often have very low PPDA values.

• Teams with High PPDA (Low Pressing Intensity):

  • Teams with a higher PPDA are often more content to sit back and defend in a compact block, only engaging the opponent when they move closer to their goal or into key areas. These teams may prioritize conserving energy or focusing on maintaining defensive shape rather than constantly pressing.
  • Example: Teams like Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone, who often defend in a low block and press selectively, may have a higher PPDA, indicating a more measured pressing strategy.

5. Examples of PPDA Values

• Low PPDA (High Pressing): A team with a PPDA of 5 might allow only 5 passes before engaging in a defensive action. This team would press intensely, applying pressure to regain possession as soon as possible.

• High PPDA (Low Pressing): A team with a PPDA of 15 allows the opponent to make 15 passes before pressing. This reflects a team that presses less frequently, focusing more on keeping their defensive shape rather than pressing aggressively.

6. Practical Example: PPDA and Pressing Styles

Let’s compare two hypothetical teams to understand how PPDA reflects their pressing intensity.

• Team A (High Pressing Team):
  • PPDA: 6 (low PPDA).
  • Pressing intensity: Team A applies pressure as soon as the opponent receives the ball, looking to disrupt their build-up immediately. They engage in frequent tackles, interceptions and fouls to win the ball back quickly.
  • Playing style: High-pressing, proactive and aiming to regain possession high up the pitch.
• Team B (Low Pressing Team):
  • PPDA: 14 (high PPDA).
  • Pressing intensity: Team B allows the opponent to pass the ball more freely in their own half or the middle third. They don’t press aggressively and only apply defensive actions when the opponent enters their defensive third or into more dangerous areas.
  • Playing style: More conservative, sitting deeper and focusing on defensive organization rather than immediate pressing.

7. Why Teams Choose Different Pressing Intensity

• High Pressing Intensity (Low PPDA): Teams that play high-intensity pressing tend to have a proactive, aggressive style. They aim to control the game by recovering the ball quickly, often leading to higher chances of regaining possession in dangerous areas (closer to the opponent’s goal). This style is energy-intensive and requires players to be well-coordinated and physically fit.

• Low Pressing Intensity (High PPDA): Teams that adopt a lower pressing intensity and higher PPDA often do so because they want to prioritize defensive stability, stay compact and conserve energy. These teams may allow the opponent to dominate possession but look to strike on the counter or when the opponent moves into their final third.

8. How PPDA Helps in Tactical Analysis

PPDA offers clear insights into a team’s tactical approach:

• Identifying press-heavy teams: Teams with low PPDA are more likely to play a high-pressing game, seeking to dominate and control possession through relentless pressure on the opponent.

• Understanding low-block teams: Teams with high PPDA may use a low-block system, prioritizing defensive shape and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities.

9. Trends in Modern Football

Modern football has seen a growing number of teams adopt high pressing strategies, leading to lower PPDA across many top leagues. High-pressing teams seek to regain possession quickly after losing the ball, disrupting the opponent's build-up and generating opportunities from turnovers.

However, some teams maintain a low pressing intensity (higher PPDA), especially in leagues or situations where teams focus on defensive solidity and compactness over chasing the ball.

Pressing Intensity and PPDA are two sides of the same coin. 

Pressing intensity refers to how aggressively a team presses, while PPDA is a concrete, numerical way to measure it. A low PPDA reflects a team that presses frequently and with high intensity, while a high PPDA shows a team that allows more passes before engaging defensively, indicating lower pressing intensity. 

Understanding these metrics helps in analyzing teams' defensive strategies and overall approach to the game.

Pressing Intensity v Defensive Height

EPL High Turnover v PPDA

EPL High Turnover v Defensive Height

Postecoglou’s Tottenham: Pressing Intensity, Defensive Height, and High Turnovers

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham offers a fascinating case study in how pressing intensity, defensive height and high turnovers are utilised to reshape the team’s identity. 

Under Postecoglou, Spurs have adopted a high defensive line, pushing their back four higher up the pitch, especially when in possession. 

This approach compresses the space between defence and attack, allowing the team to press more aggressively and regain possession in advanced areas.

The team’s pressing intensity has increased under Postecoglou compared to previous seasons. 

His focus is on regaining the ball quickly, often through coordinated pressing in the middle third, while leaving opponents with little time to settle. 

This has led to more high turnovers, as the team presses aggressively to win the ball in positions where they can transition into attack swiftly.

The shift to a high defensive line and more proactive pressing is a stark contrast to the more cautious approaches seen in the past, such as the deeper, compact defensive blocks used under José Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo and Antonio Conte. 

This high-risk, high-reward system can occasionally leave space behind, making Spurs vulnerable to quick counter-attacks. However, the trade-off is clear: the team has become more dynamic in possession, with more high turnovers offering frequent attacking opportunities.

Yet, the system isn’t perfect. While Tottenham's pressing and high turnovers have improved their control in games, two key areas remain problematic: finishing and defending inside the box. 

These are critical in maximising the benefits of our pressing game. 

Often, despite creating chances from high turnovers, the team struggles to capitalise, with a lack of clinical finishing letting down the overall attacking play. 

Defensively, the high line can be exploited when defending inside the box, where moments of lapse in concentration or positioning have led to plenty of avoidable goals.

Postecoglou is banking on Dominic Solanke to convert more of our chances than we did last season.

The Wrap Up

Tottenham under Postecoglou is a team on the rise. 

The increased pressing intensity, high defensive line and ability to win high turnovers have transformed Spurs into an exciting, proactive side that takes the game to opponents. 

The tactical changes have given the team control, flair and purpose, creating a solid foundation for future success.

However, it's clear that the areas needing improvement are finishing and defending inside the box. 

Despite the tactical advances, Tottenham have been let down by these critical moments, especially when it comes to converting chances and dealing with opposition attacks in the penalty area.

These aren’t massive structural issues but more refinements that need to be made in key moments. 

With the finishing sharpened and a bit more steel in the box defensively, Tottenham fans have every reason to believe that their exciting style of play can lead them to greater success under Ange Postecoglou. 

There’s plenty to be optimistic about, if you avoid the knuckle draggers on social media and Spurs are closer than ever to being a serious contender, provided we tighten up these final aspects.

Your Questions Answered

1. What tactical changes has Ange Postecoglou made at Tottenham?

2. Why is Tottenham's high defensive line risky?

3. How does Tottenham’s pressing intensity compare to previous seasons?

4. What are Tottenham’s main weaknesses under Postecoglou?

5. How can Tottenham improve their performance under Postecoglou?

THE FANS BIG QUESTION

Is Postecoglou’s system bringing Tottenham closer to winning a trophy?

COYS