Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Antonio Conte says two Tottenham forwards are key for his squad’s success
Tottenham Hotspur put in another fine performance under Antonio Conte as they saw off Crystal Palace with ease to pick up three points on Boxing Day.
Goals from Harry Kane, Lucas Moura, and Heung-Min Son helped Spurs see off Palace, who played with ten men for much of the game thanks to a Wilf Zaha red card. However, that shouldn’t take anything away from Tottenham. Conte’s side were well-drilled, hard-working, and took their chances when they came.
Methods
The ways of Conte are starting to become obvious to onlookers. Spurs are now a high-pressing team who try to win the ball back quickly. Indeed, it’s become obvious how important the front three are going to be for Conte’s Tottenham in the coming months.
But while the likes of Kane and Son will take a lot of plaudits, Conte believes having players with speed and energy like Steven Bergwijn and Lucas, is just as important.
“I think we have the strikers that are very good at receiving the ball and creating something important, to make assists. At the same time we have very good strikers when they have space in front of us to attack”, Conte told when pressed on the importance of Lucas.
“We’re trying to improve both situations. When you find a team that stays in their half, you have to be good to use more quality. Not run but to use all your quality to make a good pass, to beat a man in a small space. But for us it’s great to have these type of strikers. Steven Bergwijn is another player with these characteristics.”
TBR’s View: Bergwijn Getting A Second Chance Under Conte?
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like Bergwijn could leave. Likewise, there have been murmurings about Lucas at times as well. However, both players could now be key for Conte.
Lucas, as we know, is already a vital cog for the Italian. But Bergwijn did well today and he could end up being a surprise package for the the new Spurs boss.
Playing high-tempo football with a press needs players who are fit and have speed. Bergwijn and Lucas fit that description. And with Son and Kane finding form, the Spurs duo could be just as crucial.