Why Tottenham Hotspur Will Avoid Another Manchester City Drubbing

Last season Tottenham lost to Manchester City twice, quite badly. A 6-0 loss in Manchester in November was followed up with a 5-1 home defeat two months later. 

The two maulings came under two different managers and were, in truth, rather different games. 

The former was the first real nail in Andre Villas-Boas' tenure as Spurs boss. Conceding an unusual goal to Jesus Navas after just 14 seconds, Spurs were ripped apart and offered little response. The home thrashing was a game that felt beyond analysis. In a fixture typical of Tim Sherwood's Spurs, there was effort and attack but little in the way of a game plan. 

Now Tottenham once again face the ominous prospect of a trip to the Etihad. The champions sit only three points ahead of Spurs but having entered the international break on an impressive run of form. 

What remains to be seen is whether Pochettino can avoid the same fate as Spurs' last two managers against City. 

Despite Spurs' indifferent start to the season, there are reasons for optimism ahead of this litmus test. 

When Spurs faced Liverpool at home this season, the recent history of the fixture was virtually identical. Pochettino tried to attack and Spurs were badly beaten once more. Even so, the 3-0 defeat was far less embarrassing than the 5-0 home defeat that cost AVB his job in 2013 or even the limp 4-0 defeat at Anfield towards the end of the season. 

Spurs actually impressed early against Liverpool before a defensive lapse gave the Reds the lead. From that point, Liverpool were perfectly set up to exploit Tottenham as they pushed for an equaliser. 

Tottenham's defence is much improved since that match. They may set out with the same back line against Man City (Eric Dier, Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose) but it is a more familiar and ultimately more resilient defence. 

More informative is Tottenham's recent 1-1 draw at the Emirates. Having taken lessons from the Liverpool match, Spurs surprised many with their deep, defensive approach. Pochettino's tactics were highly effective and could have earned a rare victory against Arsenal. 

Spurs set out to exploit Arsenal's weak defence and lightweight midfield with rapid counter-attacks. Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli consistently found space as Etienne Capoue, Ryan Mason and Christian Eriksen looked to play the ball quickly to the flanks. 

If Pochettino sets out the same way, it will potentially nullify one of City's strengths. Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Fernando give City the most solid defensive midfield in the Premier League but if Spurs willingly concede possession, those players are asked to play a role in which, Toure aside, they do not excel in. 

Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis are both excellent central defenders but both are susceptible to pace on the break. Similarly, Joe Hart continues to be something of a liability in the City goal. 

Last season at the Etihad, Spurs played a high line and Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen were all exposed as Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo blew past them. The huge spaces between Spurs' back line and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made it easy for City to tear Spurs apart. 

Pochettino should adopt the same tactics that he did against Arsenal in order to both avoid last season's demolition and attack City's weakest points. 

It is likely that Manuel Pellegrini will select just one defensive midfielder as he did in City's recent 1-1 draw at home to Roma in the Champions League. That means Navas and Silva will likely start on the flanks. Playing deep does detract from Navas' impact but it opens the door for Silva to take control. 

Happily for Spurs, Samir Nasri will miss the match after undergoing groin surgery in September. Nasri has seemingly saved his best form for matches against Tottenham but his absence means Silva will take centre stage. Silva has been City's finest player this season and thrives in tight areas. Spurs will have to pay close attention to the Spaniard's movement. 

Tottenham are hoping that Nacer Chadli will recover from a hip injury aggravated on international duty but Andros Townsend is poised for his opportunity and Pochettino would likely select him if Chadli isn't fit to play. 

Against Southampton, Spurs adopted the high pressing game and it was very effective but it also allowed Saints far too many scoring opportunities. Against City that would be suicidal so Spurs should stick to the approach that worked against Arsenal. 

Two years ago, Spurs were at a similar level to Man City. The 3-1 win at White Hart Lane was fully deserved but in the intervening period the two clubs have diverged. City have strengthened across the pitch while Spurs are still recovering from the loss of Gareth Bale and several other senior stars. 

Spurs can win this match. They can beat City but only if they can demonstrate total tactical discipline and take their chances when they come. Against Arsenal they were wasteful but City are not such a soft touch. Either way, they should be fully capable of avoiding another heavy defeat.