The impact Antonio Conte has made in north London in ten months has exceeded expectations. The Italian led his side to a top four finish last season, securing them Champions League football for the 2022/23 campaign.
It was very much a rollercoaster season for Spurs, with a mixture of performances and results, throughout the season. The Lilywhites beat Man City 3-2 at the Etihad and drew 1-1 to Liverpool at Anfield last season, which led to criticsm from Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, regarding Conte's tactics.
"They played the way I expected them to play. They were good in the build-up and created a lot of space to run on the counterattack, but in general we coped well and played a good game," Guardiola admitted, after the match in February.
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"I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about [Spurs' defending] because I don't like this kind of football. But that is my personal problem. I think they are world-class and I think they should do more for the game," Klopp explained in May.
"It's a game against Liverpool, they have 36 per cent possession. But that is my problem. I cannot coach it. So that is why I cannot do it. World-class players, [who] block all the balls. It is really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, whatever, absolutely fine, it's just I can't. But yes I respect everything they do. But it's not me."
Conte hit back at the Liverpool boss' comments. "He was a bit frustrated after the game but at the same time for every coach it is important to learn to be focused on your team, not the opponent. It means you want to find an excuse or an alibi because your job was wrong." The Italian also took to social media with a video of one of Tottenham's goals, captioning it, "Counterattacks?!? Maybe not…"
The goal showed the play starting right from Spurs' defence, moving all the way up the pitch before scoring - a real team goal. Playing out from the back is something that Conte likes to do and although the Lilywhites may also create a number of chances from counterattacks, that is not all they do.
This was highlighted again on Saturday, in Tottenham's 4-1 victory over Southampton. For the equalising goal, Spurs were in the attacking half and the ball went from Rodrigo Bentancur, to Cristian Romero, who then passed it to Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian made the pass to Dejan Kulusevski on the wing, who whipped it in for Ryan Sessegnon to head home. Of course, Tottenham made full use of their counterattacks too and the own goal came from Royal's tackle on an opposition player.
However, it is clear to see how cohesive the squad is now becoming. Conte playing out from the back has been a style he has implemented at other clubs, particularly at Inter Milan previously.
This is helped by the vital role the wing-backs play and the back line also helping in attack. Ben Davies had a couple of shots on goal on Saturday and both Dier and Sessegnon were on the scoresheet, highlighting the impact the whole team is having, without always relying on the front three.
It has only been one game of the season but if Tottenham can continue to learn and develop under Conte, as well as continuing to produce solid performances, it could be a very successful season for the north London club.
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