Copenhagen: Tottenham's Data-Driven Demolition and Fan Stunners

Julian Vance: Tottenham's Win Over Copenhagen - More Than Meets the Eye?

Tottenham's emphatic 4-0 victory over Copenhagen in the Champions League certainly looks good on paper. An xG (expected goals) of 3.31 versus Copenhagen's paltry 0.33 tells a story of dominance. But digging deeper, as always, reveals a more nuanced picture.

The Kotarski Catastrophe and the Pressing Question

Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the mustached man in the net. Copenhagen's goalkeeper, Dominik Kotarski, had a match to forget. The article's author playfully dubs him "Keeper McMustache," and it’s hard to disagree. He seemed directly responsible for at least two goals, and generally looked like he was auditioning for a blooper reel. But here's the question that nags me: Was Tottenham that good, or was Copenhagen that bad?

The article notes Copenhagen's peculiar decision not to press Spurs. This is…odd. Modern football is built on pressing; to simply cede possession is practically unheard of at this level. Could Tottenham’s attacking prowess be, in part, a mirage created by Copenhagen's tactical ineptitude? Without the pressure, Spurs had ample time on the ball, leading to more opportunities. It's like giving a data analyst all the time in the world - eventually, they will find something. I wonder, what would the xG have looked like if Copenhagen had implemented even a moderate press?

Individual Brilliance vs. Systemic Success

The contributions of individual players also warrant a closer look. Micky van de Ven's "worldy" goal, as the article puts it, certainly shifted the atmosphere. The comparison to Son Heung-Min's Puskas Award-winning goal is apt; a central defender covering nearly the entire length of the pitch to score is a rare sight. (And a defender scoring such a goal definitely warrants double points in my book.) But is this sustainable? Can Tottenham rely on individual moments of brilliance to consistently overcome opponents? As Tottenham 4-0 Copenhagen: Van de Ven stunner gives fans reason to smile notes, it gave the fans reason to smile. But is that enough?

The article also highlights the promising partnership between Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert on the left flank. Their coordinated overlapping runs caused confusion in the Copenhagen defense, culminating in Odobert's goal. This is encouraging, but it's just one game. We need to see consistent performance over a larger sample size to determine if this is a genuine tactical advantage or just a lucky break.

Brennan Johnson's red card also raises questions. While the article argues it was a "soft red," the fact remains that he made contact with his studs. This highlights a potential area of concern: discipline. Can Tottenham maintain their attacking intensity without crossing the line into recklessness? (And can Johnson control his tackles?)

Simons and Kolo Muani: The Jury is Still Out

The article touches on the somewhat rocky start for summer signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani. Simons, after a period of adjustment, provided a crucial assist for Johnson's goal. Kolo Muani, despite missing several clear chances, did manage to set up Odobert's goal with a slick first touch.

Here's the part of the report that I find puzzling. Both players arrived with high expectations (Simons was Plan B after Spurs missed out on Gibbs-White and Eze!), and both have shown flashes of brilliance. But they also seem to be struggling to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League. Are these mere teething problems, or are they indicative of a deeper issue? Will they ever live up to their price tags?

The article notes Kolo Muani should have had a hat trick, but didn’t. This discrepancy between potential and actual output is a key metric to watch. He was getting chances, yes, but the conversion rate is what truly matters.

Richarlison's late missed penalty only adds to the sense that Tottenham's victory, while comprehensive, was not without its flaws. Is he cursed? Probably not. But the data doesn't lie: his finishing needs improvement.

The Data Doesn't Lie: It's Complicated

Tottenham secured a decisive win, boosted by a combination of individual brilliance, Copenhagen's tactical missteps, and a bit of luck. But it's too early to declare them Champions League contenders. The underlying data suggests that there are still areas for improvement, particularly in defensive discipline and the consistency of new signings. The question isn't whether they can win, but whether they can win consistently against tougher opposition. Only time, and more data, will tell.