Retaining possession can be illustrated by looking at the areas on the pitch where these passes were made. Modric attempted more passes than Mata in each area with a far superior accuracy in a more advanced position. In the opposition half Modric has a 85% passing accuracy vs (67% for Mata) and an even more impressive 87% (vs 64% for Mata) in the final 3rd. This was despite attempting more passes than Mata in each of these areas.
Finally, we are able to look at the creativity of the respective playmakers.
Mata only managed to create one chance for Chelsea while Modric created 5, 3 of these being from open play. Modric also attempted more dribbles than Mata.
Redknapp’s team selection enabled Tottenham to ensure that Mata did not have time and space on the ball. With Sandro and Parker both sitting deep, it meant that Mata could not be as influential as he has been throughout the season. When he did get on the ball, he was shut down early leading to mistakes in his passing. In fact his 80% passing accuracy is the lowest that he has managed all season. The 64% that he managed in the final 3rd is also the poorest he has seen this season.
By playing with Sandro and Parker holding it allowed Tottenham’s more attacking players to get on the ball. It is not surprising that Spurs were able to dominate possession, with Modric being instrumental in this. What is maybe more surprising was that Chelsea were able to use this wings more than Spurs in this game to get crosses in. Tottenham are a team known for their expansive play and use of the flanks while Chelsea are considered to be a team that comes from central positions. However, despite attempting double the number of crosses, they were only successful with one more of them. The table below looks at a number of match stats, including the crossing stats.
The table above also shows how dominant Tottenham were throughout the game. The only thing that was missing was a goal. It was a professional away performance to ensure that we didn’t lose. With more clinical finishing, Tottenham would have won the 3 points their performance deserved.
Redknapp has been (rightly) accused of getting his tactics wrong in previous weeks, but he got his team selection spot on here. Hopefully that will continue for the remainder of the season as we battle for a top 4 position.
All of the stats from this article have been taken from the Opta Stats Centre at EPLIndex.com – Subscribe Now (Includes author privileges!) See Demo’s and videos about the Stats Centre & read about new additions to the stats centre.
