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Dec 15, 2023 14 tweets 6 min read Read on X
Tottenham need to capitalise off of their beating of Newcastle, and a win against Nottingham Forest is imperative for them to continue this momentum into January.

How Ange Postecoglou can set up tactically to come out with a result, what to expect, and my predictions.

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The ongoing tactical odyssey at Nottingham Forest, under the guide of Steve Cooper, has been an interesting watch of adaptation and experimentation. While the team has predominantly adhered to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation this season, recent deviations towards a back five during preseason and in the latest fixture have added layers to the tactical evolution.Image
Cooper's tactical approach is a bit confusing, alternating between his inclination for possession-based football and the pragmatic necessity of a counter-attacking low block. The tactical pendulum swings between a back five, a familiar setup from the Championship, and a standard back four, reflecting an ongoing quest to play a more sustainable brand of football.Image
Cooper leans towards possession-based football, yet the squad's limitations often necessitate a pragmatic shift to a counter-attacking strategy—most notably against footballing giants, particularly teams who tend to invert their fullback, like Manchester City and Liverpool.

The challenge is apparent in the struggle to seamlessly transition between these distinct styles, raising questions about Forest's individual tactical adaptability and the potential frustration encountered by Cooper.Image
The tactical trajectory is entwined with player availability, with a back five seemingly better suited to the squad's composition. However, the occasional shift to a back four against specific opponents reveals a desire for tactical diversity. The mixed results from these experiments hint at the ongoing challenge of striking a balance between tactical fluidity and a coherent defensive structure.Image
But against Tottenham, it is almost certain Steve Cooper will opt for a Back 5. I have mentioned several, several times, teams that invert often face a big problem with a lack of width. And after adapting a similar system in their game against Wolves, where they received their first point since November, Steve Cooper, out of necessity will be forced to revert back to such a style.

I would be very surprised if Cooper opts for anything else, considering it has been a general success during his tenure in the league, especially against the big teams.Image
For Tottenham, deciphering Forest's tactical intricacies becomes paramount. The expected use of a back five suggests Forest will look to exploit Tottenham’s lack of width, presenting an opportunity for Spurs to exploit through central build-up. Image
Forest's key assets, particularly their threat on the counter-attacks and set-piece proficiency, are likely to play a significant role.

Elanga, in conjunction with Gibbs White, with their prowess in transitional play, stand out as potential game-changers. Image
Furthermore, the duo of Gibbs White and Chris Wood on set pieces will be an issue Tottenham have to take care of, even with the return of Romero. Whilst it is true that Tottenham have yet to concede from a corner, Tottenham also have some of the worst collective aerial win percentage.Image
For Tottenham, the tactical focus must revolve around patient build-up, central play, and minimizing the risk of counter-attacks. The influence of players like Kulusevski becomes paramount, as their ability to control the midfield can dictate the flow of the game via elite ball retention.Image
A tactical dilemma for Tottenham lies in the ability of Son to drop deep and contribute to central congestion, because you want to avoid the wide areas as much as possible. You want to add more bodies centrally and create exploitations like that.

Richarlison, in contrast, is unable to do this to the same extent, lacking in build up more.

However, I am also fond of the “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”, so I would not change anything. But The dynamic interplay between Son and Richarlison's adaptability can be a pivotal element in Tottenham's strategic approach.Image
Similarly, the use of inverted wingers here could also pose a small threat. But it is not a change that will be done. However, this is a game I think I would utilise Son in his typical Left Wing role, as opposed to how he was utilised against Newcastle. An inside forward almost. Like I said, to avoid playing in the wide areas, cutting in directs the ball more centrally.Image
Furthermore, to aid with even more central congestion, during build up it is very likely that Romero plays more advanced than he usually does, oftentimes advancing almost as a 6, and I would expect Porro and Udogie to undertake more defensive responsibility than creative responsibility in a game like that, whilst Romero acts as yet another DLP almost.Image
Overall, this is not an easy game. Forest play a compact game. And Steve Cooper’s job is on the line, whilst you are playing away from home in one of the most intimidating grounds in the country against a tactical mismatch. But really, as difficult as the game should be, it will be very disappointing if Tottenham do not capitalise off of their poor form. A draw should be the minimum result.

As for my prediction, I will say 2-1. But this is just for fun.

Elanga, Son, and Sarr are my predicted scorers. But I would not rule out Richlarlison.Image

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More from @InvertTheWing

Jul 13
Chelsea today, go in as underdogs. As they usually do. The whole world against them, and are ready to prove the doubters wrong.

Here is how Enzo Maresca should set up to maximise his chances of winning, and completing another underdog story.

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PSG are of course the best team in the world right now, nobody is naive enough to disagree. But to those thinking Chelsea will get humiliated, you are in for a BIG shock.

Chelsea defensively are the best teams in the world, they have one of the best midfields in the world, and love to circulate the ball. They are very, very hard to bypass.

It will not be more than 1 deficit loss, if anything.Image
But my main main worry in this game is PSG's press against Robert Sanchez. He is very error prone, and honestly, at times just a ticking time bomb.

That intense, front foot press by Dembele will give him a hard time, either by forcing an error, or forcing him to give PSG possession by kicking it out of bounds.Image
Read 13 tweets
Jul 8
Chelsea have just gotten one of the most promising young wingers in the WORLD.

— How he would fit into Enzo Maresca's system at Chelsea.
— His potential.
— Why he has a case to make England's World Cup Squad 2026.

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Another lad who I have been following since his days in the EDS, albeit less extensively than the likes of Palmer, Delap, etc.

But I was always surprised he didn't get more time/more of a chance. Because he is an absolute FREAK.

No hyperbole, but this is potentially one of the best 1v1 dribblers England has ever seen. And based on that alone, it makes him an elite talent.Image
One thing I do not want people falling for is hatred and propaganda from Dortmund fans who speak ill of him.

And that is the first misconception I want to clear up in this thread.

Dortmund fans who claim that he is not good, or that they are happy to get rid of him either:

A) Do not understand football remotely.
B) Are saying it from a place of bitterness because he wants to leave.Image
Read 13 tweets
Jun 22
Ryan Mason has potential to become one of the greatest English coaches of all time.

He has the tactical foundations required to transform West Bromwich Albion into one of the best teams in The Championship, and have them back in The Premier League.

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Ryan Mason has learned from Pochettino, Conte, Mourinho, and Postecoglou.

3 all time greats, and another brilliant manager.

This knowledge alone is what most players DREAM of. He's been exposed to multiple styles of football, both attacking (Pochettino, Postecoglou), and more defensive (Conte, Mourinho).

And both these styles are very apparent in what we have seen from him so far.Image
It is quite clear that Mason's biggest inspiration is not from Mourinho or Conte, but Pochettino. Right now, it is difficult to know how much Ange Postecoglou has inspired him, due to limited postmortem knowledge.

But he large giveaway his style reflects more of Pochettino is his pressing patterns, and more positive philosophy of football in general.Image
Read 16 tweets
Jun 11
Thomas Frank is one of the best managers not only in The Premier League, but also the WORLD.

Here is how he can create a dynasty at Tottenham, and build off of the glory in Bilbao.

A tactical breakdown on Thomas Frank, and how his ideas will translate to Tottenham.

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Thomas Frank much before any sort of Tottenham link is someone who I called a Top 5 manager in the league, and one of the best in the world.

So no, before you try insinuate that I am a Tottenham fan, I spoke of him highly much before Tottenham links.

It just happens that he is now employed by Tottenham. Perfect!Image
What Thomas Frank did was take a midtable Championship side into a Premier League side challenging for EUROPE.

All in just under 7 years. On a shoestring budget.

And do you know how a manager is TRULY great? They got it out of the mud. They didn't need any nepotism. Any handouts. The reason they're at the top is because of the brilliance of their tactical brain, nothing more.

Much like Postecoglou, Frank was not a recognised footballer with established connections in the industry. He had to work his way up.Image
Read 24 tweets
Apr 8
Bayern Munich today face their biggest task yet. Their most difficult task yet.

Simone Inzaghi's Inter Milan.

A chance to get one step closer to The Champions League Final in Munchen. At home.

Here is a tactical insight into how they should lineup, and predictions.

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Simone Inzaghi is one of the best coaches in Europe. His combination of compact football, and emphasis on defensive structure, without being afraid to control tempo, and also push forward to attack is hard.

Especially in a European setting, this style and shape matches up incredibly well against "modern" teams.

However, his system fundamentally relies on the quality of the fullbacks to be able to stretch oppositions in attack.

The issue for Inzaghi? Both Denzel Dumfries and now, after writing this, Federico Dimarco are out.

Huge.Image
Inzaghi's system revolves around the wingbacks being able to stretch the pitch. Otherwise very fluid, with a lot of positional rotation amongst the central players, it at times can become very rigid and claustraphobic.

That is why the wingbacks are so, so crucial. Because even though these rotations can disrupt opposition central structure, that's not possible without the use of quality, dynamic wingbacks to stretch the pitch and discourage opponents from playing narrow and counteracting this.Image
Read 13 tweets
Nov 21, 2024
In 2025, 3 talents that have the potential to be the sport's biggest superstars for the next decade will be joining Chelsea.

Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez, and Aaron Anselmino.

— An analysis on each player. Strengths, weaknesses.
— Their best role in Maresca's system. Maximising said strengths, minimising weaknesses.
— Future development plans.

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2025 will be a terrifying year for the league.

Guardiola's potentially last season, Phase 3 Postecoglou, and the most terrifying of them all?

Maresca's Chelsea with 3 generational talents in the midst.

Can you imagine if Chelsea do go all the way this season, and compete for the title until the very end - how TERRIFYING Phase 2 Maresca would be?

Making an already strong squad with versatile profiles even stronger.Image
And the most important thing is none of these players are "luxury", they are either signings in the areas Chelsea desperately need, or at the very least unique profiles that Chelsea appreciate.

That is what makes them especially terrifying. This is not like Real Madrid signing Mbappe.

This is like if Manchester City had signed Mohamed Salah after winning the treble.

— Estevao provides Chelsea an immense player in their weakest 2 attacking areas (RW/Right 8).
— Paez provides the same.
— Anselmino also addresses Chelsea's weakest area, centre back depth.Image
Read 36 tweets

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