Time is one thing Ryan Mason and his Tottenham team had on their hands leading up to Saturday's crucial 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Appointed in the hotseat three days before their draw against Manchester United, the 31-year-old has alluded to a lack of quality time on the training pitch with his squad in a number of his press conferences since taking on the position.
With no midweek fixtures following last weekend's agonising stoppage-time defeat away at Liverpool, Mason had a full week with his players at Hotspur Way and that, as a result, allowed him to implement his own system to take on the Eagles. Bringing Emerson Royal into the team on his return from injury as well as Clement Lenglet and Richarlison, Mason's setup was a talking point ahead of the match, with question marks over Emerson's position in the team and that of Pedro Porro.
Having previously opted for a back four in his time in charge of the team two years ago, Mason's decision against Crystal Palace was to line up in a 4-4-2 formation out of possession before then switching to the usual 3-4-3 when they were on the ball. Emerson's role in the Tottenham team was at right-back, with the player then shifting across to right-sided centre-back in possession to allow Ben Davies to push forward and operate as a left wing-back.
READ MORE: Why Porro applauded Emerson, big Son impact - 5 things spotted in Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
The system meant Porro would play in an advanced role, regardless of whether or not they were on the ball. Amid criticism over the defensive side of his game since joining from Sporting CP, with the likes of Newcastle United, Manchester United and Liverpool taking full advantage of his struggles, one thing you cannot question is his play going forward.
Scoring and assisting on a regular basis for Sporting CP, prior to the Crystal Palace encounter Porro had chipped in with two goals and one assist for Tottenham. The 23-year-old certainly benefitted from his attacking role against the Eagles and had a big say on proceedings.
Delivering some wicked set pieces at times throughout the encounter, including a corner in the first half that Cristian Romero headed against the crossbar, Porro's quality on the ball produced the telling moment on the cusp of half-time. Found in plenty of space down the right by Kane's fantastic hooked pass, the Spain international stood the ball up to the back post and Tottenham's No.10 made no mistake with a header that gave Sam Johnstone no chance in goal.
Porro carried on having an influence on proceedings in the second half and was unlucky with a deflected effort that forced the Palace shot-stopper to tip the ball over the crossbar with it looking destined for the net. The right-sided player did have another opportunity on the edge of the box but opted to shoot with his left foot rather than square to Son Heung-min, who was very unhappy with the player's decision making and duly let him know.
Having a big say on the game in terms of assisting Kane, the player was also given another key role in Mason's Tottenham system. Wanting to press Palace high up the pitch to ensure the Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha couldn't influence the game further forward, Porro was added as a sixth man into the press, joining Kane, Son, Richarlison, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp in upping the pressure on the visitors.
"Ultimately we wanted to engage Palace higher up the pitch because we know they have some individual brilliance, and we wanted to avoid them getting the ball in our final third and the box running at us," explained Mason when discussing his tactics in his post-match press conference.
"So we added a sixth man into the press and tried to be a bit more aggressive and I have to compliment the players because when you've been working in a certain way for so long, to make that change at this stage of the season, it's very positive for me."
Mason was also quizzed about Porro and dished out the praise to the club's January signing after a standout showing in an important win in their battle for a Europa League place.
"Pedro has been quite effective for us, even in the previous system," said the acting head coach. "He's scored goals, he's created chances. He's a good guy, he works hard, he fights for the team and I thought we saw that today."
He added: "Yeah, he's affected the game today with and without the ball. That was the job and the task that we set him. I'm very pleased. Very pleased with his performance for the team because we saw a desire to help his team-mate from a defensive point of view but also not losing that attacking threat that we wanted him to give us and he's been part of a clean sheet for the group but also got the assist for Harry, which is good for him."
Benefitting from Mason's formation of choice for the Crystal Palace match, Tottenham fans will be hoping that Porro can continue to play a key role for the Lilywhites in their final three games of the season as they chase European football. Showcasing on a weekly basis at Sporting CP just what he can offer in the final third, Tottenham's No.23 has now left fans wanting so much more after a very impressive showing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
READ NEXT:
Every word Ryan Mason said on Harry Kane, Emerson, Pedro Porro and changing Tottenham's system
Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Harry Kane scores as Romero, Porro and Emerson shine
Daniel Levy begins next Tottenham manager talks as Spurs hit reset button with drastic overhaul
Daniel Levy's next Tottenham manager will already have a 'new signing' to work with at Spurs
Spence Rennes omission, Lo Celso impact, Ndombele wait and Parrott blow - Tottenham loan latest
