Some Thoughts on Spurs and AVB's Current Predicament

• 11 international midfielders is far too many for one squad – one or two must be sold or loaned in January – Chadli or Sigurdsson would be my choice to be moved on.
  
• Michael Dawson is not top class and should'nt be starting for Spurs, he should have been sold with Caulker remaining and being pushed on. Chiriches/Kaboul should be playing alongside Vertonghen, at least when Rose returns. Dawson has been exposed as being completely incapable of dealing with any sort of pace and direct attacking from a dynamic player and ought to be dropped (see Torres and Remy as examples at White Hart Lane, and Aguero in the 6-0 rout away from home).
  
  
• Spurs need to at least attempt reverting back to the width that made the most of one of the smallest pitches in the Premier League and ensured they were such a threat under Redknapp.
  
  
• Townsend must be tried as a left winger with Lennon on the other side and Rose/Walker the marauding fullbacks behind them – this devastating pace would cause teams to be overwhelmed – like they were in the 09/10 season when Spurs finished 4^th. Instead of Lennon and Bale wide right and left as under Redknapp it should be Lennon and Townsend with Walker and Rose completing incredible pace on the flanks.
  
  
• Playing two ‘inverted’ wide men is not viable – to get the most out of one striker up front on their own the service must be quick – Townsend and Lennon or Sigurdsson cutting inside onto their favoured foot is far too predictable and slows the play down, resulting in a lack of opportunity for the front man.
  
  
• Playing 2 holding midfielders is not necessary and is arguably counter-productive at home, clogging up the centre of midfield, especially against lesser teams. Only one of Sandro, Dembele, Capoue and arguably Paulinho should play at home. The other central midfielder must be able to pass the ball incisively and positively - see Eriksen / Holtby.
  
  
• Adebayor, if in form, is undoubtedly the best forward option to suit the 4-2-3-1 formation AVB seems intent on playing.
  
  
• Lamela should be given game time in the number 10 role, he has incredible ability and has the creativity to unlock defences and provide for the striker.
  
• Spurs fans should not overreact, they are 4 points off 2^nd spot having lost their star player in Bale and signed so many players - this was always going to induce a tough start.
  
•  A potential Spurs solution at home:                    
                       
                           Lloris
  Walker Chiriches Vertonghen Rose
  Lennon Eriksen  Sandro  Townsend
                          Lamela
                         Adebayor
  
• A potential away formation:
  
                            Lloris
  Walker Kaboul Vertonghen Rose
  Lennon Sandro Dembele Townsend
                         Lamela
                        Adebayor

     
written by Richard Jaffa.