Southampton look very potent exploiting the wide space surrounding Spurs’ compact block. The key would be getting the spare fullback to receive with an open crossing lane on their second touch. This is done by creating a wide three (near side) or a quick switch (far side).
Crucially, they’re showing no fear in build-up despite Spurs pushing high with a view to pressing. This allows Southampton to attack while the pitch is stretched, rather than exclusively when Spurs are in a comfortable block. Broja’s runs into depth are crucial in this regard.
Perhaps more crucially, Southampton aren’t forcing the issue prematurely. They aren’t just seeing the availability of players high/wide as a primary option, but rather with a view to get them to receive as a third man/with an advantageous/exploitable scenario.
Which in turn, ties in with sustaining attacks and prospering with more dangerous scenarios than you’d otherwise achieve by merely being “positive” in possession without any other regard.
Similarly, this principle is why I think West Ham have been so successful in the last year/two; despite primarily being a team that don’t look to dominate possession/territory. They generate favourable scenarios on the attacking third without compromising their plan for solidity.
Back to Southampton, I remember their pragmatic masterclass vs Liverpool (1-0 W) last season. The midfield duo were technically secure operators who merely bumped the ball away from central areas which Liverpool could exploit with transition-like scenarios in congested areas.
Their midfielders reminded me of pinball flippers, controlling 2nd balls and directing all play away from the central middle third. That’s where physically/technically dominant teams (so basically all your superior teams) will look to dominate you territorially and threaten.
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