Tottenham are becoming deadly on the break – maybe they should embrace counter-attacking

Eight matches into the 2024-25 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur have found an unusual top scorer tactic: fast breaks. Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson lead with three goals each, yet seven out of Tottenham's 18 goals have come from fast breaks, including two own goals.

Tottenham’s counter-attacks have doubled their previous season’s total. Not since the 2019-20 season, when they scored nine fast-break goals, have they been this prolific. In a recent 4-1 win against West Ham United, Spurs’ first and third goals resulted from aggressive counter-attacks following long passes from the opposition.

A key feature of Tottenham’s play has been the advanced positioning of wingers during defensive phases, allowing them to exploit spaces quickly. This approach was evident as James Maddison drove a rapid attack forward, leading to a goal by Dejan Kulusevski after strategic runs and precise plays.

Despite registering a significant number of fast-break goals, defensive responsibilities were questioned when West Ham took the lead due to insufficient winger support in defense. The forward strategy, featuring retrieving the ball and transitioning rapidly, fits well with the player profiles like Son and Johnson, thriving on open space and speed.

Dominic Solanke’s versatility up front has allowed Tottenham to effectively bypass defenses and sustain unexpected attacks. The upward trajectory in transitional play addresses a previous underperformance in expected goals from counter-attacks.

While Tottenham’s organized build-up hasn't always broken through defensive lines, their knack for transitional plays offers strategic variety. Their resilience shines through, noted by strong performances from losing positions and situational adjustments during games.

Spurs’ balanced approach between direct attacks and controlled build-ups means counter-attacks won't dominate, but they remain crucial as Premier League competitions seek possession dominance, making such tactical agility increasingly valuable.