On January 17, 2021, Sheffield United faced Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League match at Bramall Lane. Tottenham emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, demonstrating their attacking prowess and solid defensive organization.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Sheffield United: 1 (David McGoldrick 59′)
- Tottenham Hotspur: 3 (Serge Aurier 5′, Harry Kane 40′, Tanguy Ndombele 62′)
- Possession:
- Tottenham held 55% of the possession, while Sheffield United had 45%. Tottenham’s ability to control the ball allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, particularly in the midfield.
- Shots:
- Tottenham registered 14 shots, with 6 on target, highlighting their efficiency in creating scoring opportunities. Sheffield United managed 11 shots, with 4 on target, showing some offensive efforts but lacking in finishing quality.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Tottenham displayed good ball control with an 84% passing accuracy, completing 432 passes out of 515 attempts. Sheffield United had a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 331 passes out of 429 attempts. This difference in passing accuracy contributed to Tottenham’s ability to build up play more effectively.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Tottenham made 15 tackles, while Sheffield United made 12. Tottenham’s defense was disciplined, allowing Sheffield United limited clear chances. Sheffield United committed 10 fouls compared to Tottenham’s 8, reflecting a competitive but controlled game.
- Set Pieces:
- Tottenham’s opening goal came from a set piece, with Serge Aurier scoring a header from a corner delivered by Son Heung-min. Set pieces were a key aspect of Tottenham’s game plan, and they utilized them effectively to gain an early advantage.
- Individual Performances:
- Harry Kane scored a well-taken goal, showcasing his clinical finishing. Tanguy Ndombele’s goal was a standout moment, a stunning lobbed effort that demonstrated his technical skill and creativity. Serge Aurier was also notable, not only for his goal but for his overall defensive and offensive contributions.
- Tactical Overview:
- Tottenham employed a 3-4-3 formation, with wing-backs providing width and supporting both defense and attack. Sheffield United used a 3-5-2 formation, aiming to crowd the midfield and use wing-backs for wide play. However, Tottenham’s tactical setup allowed them to exploit spaces and maintain control.
- Disciplinary:
- The match was relatively disciplined, with only two yellow cards issued, one for each team (John Lundstram for Sheffield United in the 44th minute and Tanguy Ndombele for Tottenham in the 72nd minute).
- Corners and Offsides:
- Tottenham won 5 corners compared to Sheffield United’s 3, maintaining pressure on the hosts. Tottenham were caught offside twice, while Sheffield United had no offside calls, reflecting Tottenham’s forward play and Sheffield United’s defensive positioning.
Summary
Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Sheffield United was marked by a strong start and effective game management. Early goals from Serge Aurier and Harry Kane put Tottenham in a commanding position, and Tanguy Ndombele’s exquisite goal sealed the win after David McGoldrick briefly gave Sheffield United hope.
Tottenham’s disciplined defense and efficient use of set pieces were key factors in their success. The win solidified Tottenham’s position in the league, while Sheffield United continued to struggle near the bottom of the table.
