You Have To Start Right, To End Right...
Andre Villas-Boas' changes may have helped Spurs beat Man City last week, but after two wins in six, Matt Stanger says the manager needs to work on his starting line-ups...
Despite Spurs snatching a late equaliser against Wigan, a 2-2 draw is a disappointing result for Andre Villas-Boas and his team as they remain outside the top four. Villas-Boas was deservedly praised for his match-winning changes against Manchester City last week, but Saturday's performance offered a different perspective on the manager's decision-making.
Being able to change a match to your team's advantage is only one part of a manager's job description and, more often than not, picking the right starting line-up is a more important test. Villas-Boas failed in this requirement against Wigan, with a three-man midfield of Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone and the exhausted Mousa Dembele lacking pace and urgency as Spurs toiled to their fourth 2-2 draw in five matches.
The thinking behind Villas-Boas' first XI was obvious - the manager stuck with the front three that all scored in the fight-back against City, while Huddlestone also kept his place after his impressive cameo. However, with Huddlestone flanked by Parker and Dembele - who unsurprisingly picked up an injury before half time - Spurs struggled to build swift attacks and get behind Wigan's porous defence. Parker had as many shots as Bale in the first half (both off-target) and when that's happening, something clearly isn't right.
Parker in particular seems to be restricting Spurs' fluency at the moment and it was no coincidence that the team's thrilling come-back against City was achieved after the 32-year-old was replaced. The midfielder has been substituted in each of his last four matches as Spurs' failure to control games has left Villas-Boas seeking new ways to grind out late victories.
This wouldn't be a problem if the manager was succeeding with his changes in every match, but Spurs have now won only two of their last six fixtures in the Premier League, leaving them a point behind Woolwich with four games to play. A big performance is needed against Southampton next Saturday before the crucial clash with Chelsea on May 7, which could decide the fate of both teams.
Fatigue is also an increasing concern for Villas-Boas at the end of the Portuguese's impressive first season at White Hart Lane and, while Aaron Lennon's return has provided the team with a timely boost, Dembele's muscle strain is a new blow.
Saturday's draw may have been a disappointing setback in Spurs' quest to finish in the top four but that aim is still not beyond them with four matches remaining. However, if they are to secure a Champions League place - and with it,
Gareth Bale's future - then Villas-Boas will need to start getting his team selections right first time rather than relying on in-game changes.
Matt Stanger