Two recent errors highlighted Kieran Trippier’s defensive vulnerabilities and the stats show it might be in Tottenham’s best interests to drop the full back.
All the pre-match talk for Manchester City involved the wobbly turf at Wembley, but it was a route one long ball that undid Tottenham. Kieran Trippier terribly misjudged a header back to his keeper before Raheem Sterling sold him like a cut price iPhone on Black Friday and set up Riyad Mahrez for the only goal of the game.
Less than a week later, the full back recklessly attempted a nutmeg on the edge of his own box which almost proved the catalyst for a Spurs collapse. But this is not just a knee jerk response to a couple of errors; his defensive vulnerabilities have left Tottenham exposed at the back for quite some time.
Earlier this season, StatsBomb published an article using xG against figures (the expected number of goals a side should concede based on the quality of opponent’s opportunities) to trace a downturn in Tottenham’s defensive performance back to March.
From the start of last year’s campaign up until the Manchester United fixture of this one (a 42 game period), eight of Tottenham’s ten highest xG against scores occurred from March 7th onwards (an 11 game period).
The metrics are seriously worrying and gave credence to Poch’s ‘perception versus reality’ comments. Delving into the root of the problem, StatsBomb provide a heat map of the key passes and shot assists that Tottenham conceded during the defensive slump.
The results were overwhelmingly damming for Spurs’ right side. The area appeared scorching hot due to yielding in excess of a 100 more passes on this flank compared to the left.
It must be pointed out that the blame can’t solely be attributed to Trippier. Lacklustre cover from Eric Dier or the right-sided centre back may have contributed to the inordinate numbers; moreover, Trippier did not start every game during the spell in question.
But after seeing such figures it has been hard to watch Trippier play without noticing how often Tottenham’s right side gets carved open like a glazed turkey at Christmas dinner.
The meticulous Pochettino is obviously aware of the situation and tried to combat the weakness by tinkering with the formation. Playing three centre backs allowed the former Burnley man licence to get forward while offering more defensive cover. However, Spurs didn’t quite click in the system and an injury to Jan Vertonghen confirmed a return to a default back four.
It is obvious why Poch wants to keep Trippier in the side: he is one of the best crossers in the division. He had a phenomenal World Cup where he created 24 chances; while, prior to his gaffe on Saturday he arrowed one right onto Lucas Moura’s head with William Tell-esque accuracy. But are such defensive vulnerabilities worth an assist every five or so games?
The alternatives
Spurs do have other viable options for the right back position in Kyle Walker-Peters and Serge Aurier. The pair started against West Ham last week but unfortunately neither made a resounding statement for a place in the side.
Walker-Peters seems to possess the endeavour and athleticism congruent with success in the position; but, despite overall positive performances for the first team, the manager clearly doesn’t feel he is ready.
Positionally sound and reliable may not be the first words one would use to describe Serge Aurier, but he is a more naturally adept defender than Trippier. Of course, there is a rashness to the Ivorian’s game but the only way to iron out such flaws is through a consistent run in the team.
It would be reasonable to claim both players have a higher potential ceiling that Tripper. Poch has a stellar record in tutoring full backs and investing some time and patience in either could result in a much healthier long-term situation for Tottenham.