Sky Sports present an impressive stat about red cards that some might see as a big endorsement of Ange Postecoglou’s methods.
Ange Postecoglou’s methods have been widely criticised
Postecoglou is not one to change his game plan even when Tottenham go down to ten men. In fact, the Australian demonstrated last season against Chelsea that he does not even want his side taking a more cautious approach when they have two men sent off.
The Spurs boss has been widely criticised for that approach, with many suggesting that it is naive and perhaps even suicidal for him to continue playing that way with a numerical disadvantage (ESPN FC).
However, Postecoglou will argue that it is that mentality and approach that has seen his side pick up points even when they go a man down as evidenced by the club’s 3-0 win over Qarabag last month.
Spurs outperform rivals with ten men
In contrast, we have seen the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United struggle to impose themselves on the game and get results when they have one less player on the pitch.
Sky Sports have now revealed that among the traditional big-six clubs, Tottenham have secured the most points per game over the last five years in matches where they have been down to ten men.
The Lilywhites have accrued an average of 1.44 matches per game when they have a man sent off, which is comfortably higher than some of the other sides.
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Is this proof that Ange’s methods are right?
Some might view this stat as evidence that Postecoglou’s philosophy of continuing to commit bodies forward in attack despite being down to ten men, is the right approach.
However, it is worth pointing out that this stat is calculated from 2019 onwards, well before the Australian took over at Spurs.
Besides, these numbers do not offer any context on how much time was left on the clock when these red cards were brandished and which opposition they came against, with those factors heavily influencing the average points per game.