Football Analysis: Rafael Benitez got his formations wrong, reason for defeat
A couple of days back, Tottenham ‘demolished’ reigning European champions Inter Milan 3-1 in the Champions’ league group phase. Tottenham had already showed in their away game against Inter Milan at San Siro that they have the ability
to stretch any defence and score goals. They were trailing 4-0 at half time at San Siro but thanks to an inspired hat trick from ‘man of the hour’ Gareth Bale, almost got a point from the game before eventually losing out 4-3.
That performance should have worried Inter Milan and manager Rafael Benitez more as Tottenham Hotspurs are one of those few English football teams that play free flowing football rather than sitting back and protecting a lead.
Rafael Benitez insisted on pushing up when Inter Milan went to White Harte Lane even when it was 0-0 seemed nonsense when the forwards (Tottenham) were out pacing the fullbacks (Inter Milan). Two weeks ago, Maicon was having a hard time
catching up Gareth Bale and this time it was an embarrassment for the Brazilian who is considered to be the best right back in the world. One should feel pity for the Brazilian as he should have given some cover in front of him.
Moreover, it was foolish thinking on both Maicon’s and Benitez’s part to allow the Welsh speedster 30 to 40 yards as Bale made full use of the distance and ran Maicon ragged all night long. It was a grave and suicidal mistake by Rafael
Benitez who has always been an astute tactician.
But that was not the only mistake of the night. Sticking up two holding midfielders in front of Modric and Huddlestone was just the thing that cost Benitez a lot last season when he was at Liverpool when he deployed Lucas and Mascherano
after the departure of Xabi Alonso. The pairing of Modric and Huddlestone embarrassed the Inter pair of Sulley Muntari and Saviero Zanetti and once again reminded everyone of the negative tactics that Rafael Benitez started using at Liverpool that eventually
cost him a lot.
The tactical flaw seemed evident when Modric’s beautiful pass dissected Inter’s midfield and found Van der Vaart who easily put the ball in the net. Such a pass could never have come from either Zanetti or Muntari. Inter got a chance though
through a Sneijder free kick but it was saved by Cudicini.
Gareth Bale was excellent as usual throughout the night and his two assists put the game beyond Inter Milan. The Welsh international has been in great form from the start of the season and was a constant presence in the Inter Milan half
as he absolutely harassed and embarrassed Maicon.
In the 61st minute, Bale set up Peter Crouch as Spurs totally outclassed Inter Milan in all departments. Apart from Bale, Van der Vaart, Lennon, Modric and Huddlestone were all really good and the Tottenham midfield
showed just why it needs to be feared by any European team.
Samuel Eto’o scored in the 80th minute and was replaced by Diego Milito who just came back after an injury. It was good news for Inter as the Argentinean striker looked sharp and almost scored before hitting the
bar minutes later. Bale once again got in the thick of things as he set up Roman Pavlyuchenko who scored Spurs’ third of the night.
Inter Milan and Tottenham are leading Group A with 7 points and are going to qualify for the next round without any doubt but the Italian giants need to get their tactics right next time they meet a strong team if they are to retain their
Champions League title.
Coutinho’s introduction in the 70th minute was a positive decision by Rafael Benitez as the young Brazilian created a few problems for the Spurs’ defence and should have started ahead of Zanetti or Muntari. The
youngster should be starting more often as he provides versatility and vision to the Inter Midfield whenever he comes on.
Man of the Match
Gareth Bale is having a great season and right now, there is no player in Europe who is in such great form. There is no reason why the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan are chasing the 21 year old. If Tottenham
are to go far in the Champions League this season, Gareth Bale’s form and presence will be very vital for Harry Redknapp’s side.
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