Jan Vertonghen responds to the unique 0-7-1 of ex-club Tottenham: “Highest defensive line ever seen” | Foreign Football

Vertonghen himself would have been horrified by it – especially in the twilight of his career. But with Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, Postecoglou has four defenders with very quick feet who enjoy the system that is quickly developing across the Channel. Ange Ball was proclaimed. Problem against Chelsea: in minute 55 Ange had lost the last one, after having also lost the first with a red card around the half hour.

Two very stupid exclusions, which the experienced Argentina international can certainly blame. Already at a very high level for a whole season, until the lights went out again for a while in the always charged derbies against Chelsea. Even before his red card, which led to the penalty and Cole Palmer’s 1-1, Romero could have already walked after kicking.

But then, instead of abandoning his high-press tactics, Ange Postecoglou refused to adapt. This led to an unprecedented 0-7-1. Everyone almost always goes to the center line, with only Son Heung-Min in the front. “This is just how we are, ‘mate’. This is just how we are,” the Australian said afterwards Sky Sports. “And this is what we’re going to be as long as I’m here. Even if there are still five of us, we will go for it.” Ange Ball without compromises.

It must be said: with a 1-2 score, Tottenham came close to an equalizer three times. Dier saw a goal disallowed due to very close offside, Bentancur headed wide from close range and Son found goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on the way. “This shows our great spirit and character. Although I must say that we have shown that mentality from day one. But today we faced too many problems. Ultimately that led to the bridge too far.”

Say that: in addition to the two red cards, Tottenham also lost the trendsetter James Maddison and the Dutch defender Micky Van de Ven in a fateful first half. Especially the latter was crying out in pain after probably a tear and could be out for a long time. If the Spurs already had title ambitions (the start was excellent with 26 out of 30), they can be put aside after the London derby.

The match started great for Spurs. Kulusevski was able to make it 1-0 after just six minutes and Tottenham seemed to be on their way to an easy evening. But the visitors showed resilience. First, Sterling’s goal was disallowed and afterwards the party was canceled for Caicedo, but the VAR saw how Romero went hard on his compatriot Enzo Fernandez. The world champion received a red card and Chelsea were allowed to kick a penalty. Palmer did that neatly: 1-1.

Ten minutes after the break, Udogie also received a red card and Tottenham had to survive another 35 minutes. That seemed to work for a while, but fifteen minutes before the end the spring broke. Jackson made it 1-2 on a pass from Sterling and the striker gained some extra confidence afterwards. He slipped through the offside trap twice more and scored the 1-3 and the 1-4.

The defeat leaves Tottenham unable to jump back into the lead over Manchester City. Chelsea, where Roméo Lavia is still in need, is tenth with 15 points. That is eleven fewer than the Spurs.

LOOK. Romero (Tottenham) takes red after VAR intervention

LOOK. Maddison and Van de Ven are injured at Tottenham

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