'They will hurt you': Arne Slot says where Tottenham are so dangerous despite Liverpool's win over them
Today at 02:37 AM
Given those who Ange Postecoglou was missing against Liverpool, it was always going to be tough for Tottenham Hotspur to get a result in N17 on Sunday evening.
Postecoglou was right to point out that even Liverpool would have struggled were they missing almost their entire back five, including their goalkeeper like Tottenham.
However, many would feel that in that situation, Arne Slot would adapt Liverpool's style – whether that would be making them more compact or simply setting up not to lose.
In typical Spurs fashion under Postecoglou, the home side did neither.
For the neutral, it's a brilliant thing – Tottenham are never involved in a dull game.
But for those wearing white in N17 watching their side concede six goals, such a performance may not be so enthralling.
Arne Slot explains why he’s a fan of Ange Postecoglou’s work at Spurs
That being said, when speaking to Sky Sports immediately after Sunday's result, Slot made some interesting comments about how Spurs continue to play under Postecoglou.
The Dutchman said he 'liked' what Postecoglou is doing at Tottenham, even if his side found it relatively easy to overcome their game plan.
Slot said: "The first 50-55 minutes is what you want, apart from the goal we conceded. 3-1 up and then it ended up being 5-1.
"We thought it was enough but Tottenham have far too much quality and they’re able to create and score.
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“In the games they’ve lost here against the bigger teams, they’ve been in the game. It was a really good performance from us apart from the 20 minutes we decided not to run anymore.
"That 15 minutes is maybe useful for us. It didn’t hurt us today but in other moments, it’s good.
“Against every team, there’s an opportunity. If they go for man for man which they did for the first goal, then it needs one player to outplay the other and then you have an extra man.
"They have a very good idea about football. If you give them too much space then they will hurt you.
"I like what Ange does. He is at a club where they don’t win that much in the last 15 to 20 years.
“They should be one of the best players in the world otherwise you don’t play for Liverpool.
"Mo [Salah] got two goals and two assists. He played a very good game. With Trent, the focus might be on the great cross for the first goal but playing against Son is not easy but he did very well."
Mohamed Salah praises Tottenham despite straightforward win
Interestingly, Mohamed Salah also commended Tottenham's approach immediately after Liverpool's 6-3 win in north London.
And whilst some of this praise will be welcome during a difficult period for Spurs, perhaps it shouldn't be too well received.
Tottenham would surely prefer Liverpool to be leaving N17 in glum mood, furious that their opponents had outwitted them on the pitch.
But this Spurs side are so open and honest – they're essentially there for the taking if you are as good as Liverpool.
Perhaps some will be pleased that Postecoglou refuses to change his style, even if several players are missing, but a bit of pragmatism would surely benefit results.
