EXCLUSIVE: Tudor Tactic Doesn’t Work as Tottenham Fall Short Against Arsenal
Tudor Tactic Doesn’t Work as Tottenham Fall Short Against Arsenal
Tottenham’s tactical gamble backfired badly as Archie Gray endured a difficult outing after being deployed out of position at right wing-back. The teenager never looked comfortable in the unfamiliar role, struggling from the outset to impose himself or influence proceedings in any meaningful way. Rather than showcasing his usual composure and technical quality, he appeared restricted and unsure, which ultimately prevented him from gaining any rhythm during the match.
Statistics provided by Sofascore underlined just how tough the afternoon was for the 19-year-old. Gray managed to complete only 16 passes across the entire contest and failed to beat his marker once, finishing with a dribble success rate of zero percent from the right flank. His delivery was equally ineffective: none of his attempted crosses or long balls found a teammate, meaning all six of those efforts went astray. For a player tasked with providing width and attacking thrust, those numbers highlight how ineffective the experiment proved.
The decision from Tottenham boss to deploy him there was certainly bold, but in hindsight it looked like a risk that simply did not pay off. While experimentation can sometimes uncover new tactical options, this particular switch seemed to blunt Gray’s strengths rather than enhance them, leaving the side exposed and lacking balance on that side of the pitch.
In contrast, Yves Bissouma produced one of his strongest performances in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt despite the disappointing result. Not long ago, the midfielder appeared to be drifting toward the margins in North London after struggling for Premier League minutes prior to the AFCON tournament. However, his displays since returning suggest a player revitalised, sharper both mentally and physically, and far more influential in midfield.
Against Arsenal, Bissouma was relentless. He registered 17 defensive contributions over the 90 minutes, including four tackles and four clearances, while also winning six duels. He drew a foul as well, yet impressively completed the match without conceding one himself — a sign of his discipline and timing. Among the players wearing white, he stood out as arguably the most effective performer on the pitch and can take pride in his individual display even though the final scoreline was frustrating for his team.
Tottenham Player Ratings vs Arsenal
Starters
Guglielmo Vicario – 4
Micky van de Ven – 5
Radu Dragusin – 4
Joao Palhinha – 4
Djed Spence – 4
Archie Gray – 3
Yves Bissouma – 7
Pape Sarr – 4
Conor Gallagher – 4
Xavi Simons – 3
Randal Kolo Muani – 6
Substitutes
Dominic Solanke – 4
Richarlison – 5
Mathys Tel – N/A Tottenham’s afternoon was defined by a failed tactical tweak and a lack of cohesion, though Bissouma’s commanding display in midfield offered a rare positive. If anything, the match served as a reminder that positional experiments can be costly when they disrupt a player’s natural strengths.