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The Game

Spurs lined up with a somewhat unfamiliar side, with several key players either seemingly rested ahead of the FAYC game against Arsenal, or not involved due to appearances in the UEFA Cup for the first team (Dean Parrett and Jonathan Obika, although Obika was with the group in Coventry doing some light training). In Obika’s absence, U-16 player Kudus Oyenuga started up front with Ryan Mason. In central midfield, Sam Cox was joined by Jake Livermore (as one of the three permitted overage U19 players, I believe), given some playing time after recovering from a long term injury.

The unfamiliarity contributed to a sluggish start by Spurs, and Coventry had several chances in the opening minutes, mostly from set pieces, one of which they took. With Livermore and Cox unable to assert themselves centrally, it was hard to see how Spurs could get a foothold in the match. Fortunately, that opportunity came from a set piece - the excellent Calum Butcher (captaining the side) heading in Andros Townsend’s corner at the near post. Shortly before half time, John Bostock replaced the injured Mason in a straight swap

At half time, Alex Inglethorpe made some key changes to both personnel and system. Livermore was replaced by Yaser Kasim in a central midfield three alongside Bostock and Cox, and Townsend and Paul-Jose Mpuku were pushed forward on the flanks to make a 4-3-3, with Oyenuga at point. Almost immediately, Spurs looked more comfortable. In Kasim, there was finally a player to both bring the ball forward and dictate play from central midfield, and with the added security of the three in the middle, Adam Smith at right back was able to get forward. These two key elements were in full effect for the winning goal - Kasim bringing the ball forward and slotting an excellent through ball in behind Coventry's left back for Smith to pick up, cut back onto his left, and put a cross-shot inside the far post, courtesy of a deflection.


The Players

In defence, Calum Butcher was particularly impressive. With his partner Caulker struggling at times, it was often left to Butcher to retrieve the situation with a last ditch tackle or interception, which is one of the strongest features of his game. It was also encouraging to hear him being a vocal captain, not afraid, for example, to send some stern words in Bostock’s direction after some sloppy play.

In goal, Oscar Jansson looked quite shaky, particularly on crosses, and the defence in general looked vulnerable in that regard. Nathan Byrne was quietly impressive at left back - quite solid in his defensive positioning and in one-on-one situations, as Coventry looked to attack mainly down his flank.

The player who probably most changed the game though, was Kasim. As I’ve said before, a very tactically and technically impressive player, who with Cox given the main defensive responsibilities, was able to showcase more of the attacking side of his game on this occasion. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, aware of movement and options around him and usually choosing the right one. It probably says it all that Kasim tends to be the first player the coaches look to when passing instructions and tactical changes to the team.

Further forward, it wasn’t really a good day for the attackers. Townsend and Mpuku didn’t get much joy out of a pretty resolute Coventry side, and Oyenuga, despite physically being the equal of the older players he is playing with and against, showed that he is still learning the game, particularly in terms of the movement and decision making required when playing as the most advanced forward. Bostock also struggled to get into the game, and his involvement was mainly limited to a few long range shots.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning Mason. Until Kasim came on, Mason looked the most likely to create something, playing in the hole behind Oyenuga. Much like Kasim, technically sound, and with what appears to be a good footballing brain, I’m pretty sure he’s the kind of player that Spurs fans will appreciate as they (hopefully) get to see more of over the coming years.