DANNY MURPHY: Ange Postecoglou must adapt otherwise Tottenham will suffer against Arsenal… it’s admirable to have strong principles but there’s nothing wrong with mixing things up

Tottenham do not tend to deviate from “Angeball”. Regardless of the opposition, they play up front with a high defensive line and attempt to pass through midfield.

It’s admirable to have strong principles, but in a one-off derby against one of the best pressing teams in the country, there’s also nothing wrong with mixing things up to avoid playing into the hands of Arsenal.

I wouldn’t see any shame in Ange Postecoglou presenting a few surprises to take Mikel Arteta’s title challengers out of their stride.

Tottenham usually invite teams to shut them down because they have confidence in the quality of their own players. But it would worry me when Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are the duo charging to win the ball.

It would be better for the Spurs to mix up their game and even go long at times. Bringing Richarlison back to start at centre-forward would give Arteta something different to think about.

Ange Postecoglou expected to introduce some surprises for Arsenal in Tottenham derby

Arsenal are one of the best pressing teams in the country and are top of the Premier League.

The Brazilian offers a physical presence that Son Heung-min lacks. Even if he doesn’t win every ball, Richarlison fights for everything and has a certain aggressiveness. This would also free up Son on the left, where Ben White would be wary.

Of course, it’s good for any team to have an identity, as Spurs do, but you also need to discourage the opposition from using their strengths.

We know where Arsenal are good. There is no one more athletic than Rice to disrupt the opposition lineup. And can you think of a No.10 who is creative or more disciplined in his defensive work than Odegaard?

In these circumstances, for Spurs, trying to continually play through Arsenal’s midfield poses a big risk. They were a failure at Newcastle in their last game, and Arsenal are even more intense in their desire to win the ball back.

Unfortunately, Postecoglou’s midfielders are not in the best time either. Yves Bissouma, who is having an overall impressive season, was replaced before the hour mark in his last two matches.

There is always a debate in football about whether a team should stick to their principles or adapt to the opposition. For me, it’s about balance. I don’t see the point in being too one-dimensional.

Manchester City is a great example of this. They are the best possession team in the world, but if they feel stifled by the press, Ederson is happy to throw a 60-yard pass to Erling Haaland or Phil Foden to relieve the pressure.

There’s no reason why Spurs can’t replicate that against Arsenal. They have defenders like Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero who can make good long-range passes. Richarlison, or even full-backs pushing high, can move into position to receive the ball, which would leave Rice and Odegaard caught in two minds: stay or twist.

Bringing Richarlison back to the top would give Arsenal something different to think about

If Postecoglou’s side can deter Arsenal from pressing, space in midfield would open up

Whatever the manager said to me before kick-off, if I saw Rice charging at me I’d be happy to take a touch and flick a pass into the channel. International players are allowed to take responsibility and take into account the circumstances of the game. This is called match intelligence.

If you can dissuade Arsenal from pressing all the time, you will find that space in midfield becomes more available as the game develops, and Spurs will then be able to return to their usual passing rhythm.

I believe in balancing your own core values ​​with the team you are facing. If Spurs were playing Manchester United you would want them to pass, pass, pass rather than going straight because United are not athletic and can’t press. You would wear them out by keeping the ball.

On the other hand, Arsenal are the best at recovering the ball. Spurs should plan accordingly.