Brighton host Spurs in battle of the high defensive lines
Remember when Tottenham Hotspur last came to the Amex back in December? For all the criticism Roberto De Zerbi received later in the 2023-24 season of having no plan B, the fiery Italian did a tactical number on Spurs.
Despite being without any of Kaoru Mitoma, Simon Adingra, Solly March or Ansu Fati, De Zerbi’s wingless wonders sauntered into a 4-0 lead by taking ruthless advantage of Tottenham’s high line.
When Joao Pedro went racing clear of the visiting defence for the 275th time on the night, everyone inside the Amex was wondering the same thing – why isn’t Ange Postecoglou doing something about this?
Well, life comes at you fast. 10 months later and De Zerbi is gone. Fabian Hurzeler is here and Brighton now follow the lead of Tottenham by also playing a very, very high line.
Such tactics have come in for criticism in recent weeks from, well, virtually everyone. Alan Shearer on Match of the Day flagged the dangers when the Albion conceded two poor goals when drawing 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last time out at the Amex.
The Guardian had an incredibly descriptive piece about the insanity of playing a high against Chelsea’s frighteningly quick front four.
Chelsea predictably had a field day with Cole Palmer becoming the first player since Sky Sports invented football in 1992 to score four times in a single half.
Even my barber was talking about it when I went to get my hair cut on Thursday afternoon. If the high line is being discussed by the stylists of Shoreham-by-Sea, surely Hurzeler must see a potential rethink is needed?
The youngest permanent manager in Premier League history has talked a good game in this regard. Hurzeler said after the questionable defensive performance at Stamford Bridge that he would learn and adapt from Brighton conceding four times in a game during which they could easily have shipped eight or nine.
Will he though? The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. To see Spurs thrash Manchester United at Old Trafford was to be reminded over how good Tottenham can be on their day, even without Son Heung-min.
If Brighton are as poor at the back against Spurs as they were facing Chelsea, it could be another long afternoon for the Seagulls resulting in more questions for Hurzeler over his approach.
Knowing that Postecoglou will not compromise at least means there should be goals at the other end for Brighton – presuming Hurzeler can come up with a plan akin to De Zerbi’s last season to capitalise on Tottenham’s own high line.
A game in which both defences are camped in the other’s half has the potential for a ridiculous level of entertainment. The world and his wife will tune into the Amex expecting goals galore.
Which probably means it will finish 0-0. And do you know what? I would take that after sitting through the defensive horror show that was the first half at Chelsea last week.
