Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Swansea City

This is only the 11th time the two teams have met in the Premier League, and Spurs are yet to taste defeat with eight wins and two draws. Last season they drew at the Liberty Stadium 2-2, two free kicks from Christian Eriksen. At White Hart Lane Spurs came from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Nacer Chadli and Danny Rose. In October after a slow start Swansea replaced their manager with Bob Bradley, who became the 1st coach from the USA to manage in the Premier League. He has managed over 500 games in domestic and International football, and has a 49.73-win percentage. Swansea have been in the Premier League since 2011, but this season and last they have started to struggle. Since being promoted to the Premier League Swansea are now on their 5th manager, with all managers trying to stick to their core footballing principles.

Since Bradley took over Swansea predominantly use a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Swansea like to keep possession of the football and like to pass the ball they average 418.31 per game. Although their pass success rate is down at 78%, which is 13th in the league. Gylfi Sigurdssson is being used in a striker in a front three and he is involved in everything going forward for Swansea. He takes free kicks, corners and penalties he has been directly involved in eight of sixteen goals, scoring four and four assists. Swansea’s defence has been their problem, with just two clean sheets and twenty-six goals conceded. Spurs mainly use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Arsenal away being the exception. The last few games Spurs have failed to maintain the high tempo and pressing that was so prevalent last season. Spurs are also struggling for consistency with Pochettino having to constantly change the starting line-up due to injuries and suspensions. Spurs will be looking to add more goals as they have only scored 2 or more in 4 Premier League games this season.

Swansea managed to win a high score encounter at home to Crystal Palace winning 5-4 in added time. This win was much needed and took Swansea off the bottom of the league. It was Bob Bradley’s first win, it leaves Swansea in 19th position on 9 points. Spurs were left disappointed losing 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, making it 26 years without a win there. Spurs took the lead through Christian Eriksen, his 1st Premier League goal since March. Chelsea scored right on half time and six minutes into the second half and Spurs were unable to respond. The encounter was less brutal than last time round with only three bookings instead of the twelve from last season. This was their 1st loss of the season leaving them in 5th position on 24 points.

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