How Spurs Can Exploit West Ham's Tactical Weaknesses

Pressing for Victory: Exploiting West Ham's Defensive Gaps and Counter-Attacks

Based on both teams' performance in the early stages of the 2024/25 Premier League season, several patterns emerge.

Hello once again folks and welcome to another tactical preview post.

The Spurs v West Ham encounter is always a big one for the fans and players like Eric Dier really bought into this game. Who can forget his goal from right-back with commentators asking what was he doing there as he scored a last gasp winner.

Let's hope it is an easier victory this time around.

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Tottenham's Likely Approach:

Ange Postecoglou will stick to his philosophy of possession-based, high-pressing football, looking to dominate West Ham in terms of ball control and tempo. 

Spurs will push forward aggressively, especially through the full-backs (Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie) and wingers to stretch West Ham's defence. 

James Maddison, as the creative engine in midfield, will look to exploit spaces between the lines, while Son Heung-min and Johnson will lead the charge in terms of runs behind West Ham's defence.

Postecoglou’s Spurs have shown both brilliance and inconsistency this season, with some games displaying exceptional fluidity, while others have been marked by defensive lapses, especially when holding a lead. 

After a tough loss to Brighton where we let a 2-0 lead slip, Tottenham will be keen to tighten the defensive organization while maintaining our attacking threat​.

West Ham's Tactical Approach Under Lopetegui:

West Ham United, under Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, have adopted a more compact defensive structure, relying on counter-attacks and set-piece situations to generate chances. 

Despite a difficult start to the season, their away form has been relatively strong, with results in three road trips so far (W1, D2), showcasing resilience in hostile environments. 

Their defence tends to sit deep, inviting pressure but aiming to break quickly when possession is won, particularly through wide outlets like Jarrod Bowen and the versatile Mohammed Kudus.

Strengths:

• Counter-attacking prowess: West Ham’s ability to quickly transition from defence to attack is a major strength, with players like Kudus and Bowen excelling in moving the ball upfield swiftly. Kudus has been instrumental in their offensive output, contributing to high-scoring games and showing consistent form​.
• Set-pieces: With tall, physical players like Nayef Aguerd and Tomas Soucek, West Ham is a threat from dead-ball situations. Tottenham must be wary of conceding free-kicks in dangerous areas or corners​.

Weaknesses:

• Struggling to control possession: West Ham tends to sit back and allow the opposition more of the ball. Against Tottenham’s possession-based, high-pressing system under Ange Postecoglou, West Ham could find it challenging to cope with prolonged periods of pressure​.
• Defensive lapses: Despite their compact structure, West Ham has had moments of defensive frailty, especially when pressed aggressively. They often struggle to maintain shape when forced to defend for extended periods​.

How Tottenham Can Exploit West Ham’s Weaknesses:

• High-intensity pressing: Tottenham should capitalize on West Ham’s tendency to invite pressure by employing Ange Postecoglou’s signature high press. Disrupting their buildup play, especially when playing out from the back, could force turnovers in dangerous areas. West Ham's defence tends to be vulnerable when hurried​.

• Exploiting wide areas: West Ham’s counter-attacks rely heavily on wide players, but defensively, their flanks can be exposed when they fail to transition quickly. Tottenham’s full-backs Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro should push forward and stretch West Ham’s defensive line, creating space for James Maddison and Son Heung-min to exploit​.
  
  Alternatively, our wingers should hug the touchline and Spurs should look to switch the play quickly to create one-on-ones.

• Targeting set-piece defence: West Ham can be vulnerable to crosses and aerial challenges, despite their strength at attacking set-pieces. Tottenham can focus on drawing fouls and winning corners, targeting players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in the box​.
  
  Alternatively crosses into Dominic Solanke could prove to be a goalscoring opportunity.

Players to Watch:

• James Maddison: Maddison’s creative play from midfield has been pivotal, especially in breaking down low-block defences like West Ham's. His ability to pick out key passes in tight spaces will be crucial.
• Dejan Kulusevski: In his new midfield role Kulusevski's intelligent flicks around the box could see him assisting a goal.
• Mohammed Kudus: For West Ham, Kudus’ recent form makes him a danger both on and off the ball. His ability to find space and contribute to fast breaks means Tottenham's midfielders and defence must stay alert.

The THBN Wrap-Up

While West Ham poses a counter-attacking threat, Tottenham’s high press, quick transitions and wide play can overwhelm them, particularly if Postecoglou’s side can maintain control of possession and tempo throughout the match.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs score from a turnover from a high press or a Solanke header.

Fingers crossed.

COYS