SpursIQ
@spursiq.substack.com
Data-powered insights on Tottenham Hotspur — breaking down stats, tactics, and trends.
spursiq.substack.com
spursiq.substack.com
A clear tactical shift under Thomas Frank has started to emerge. Since the Everton match last week, Spurs have consistently lined up in possession as a back three, with Udogie pushing high and wide almost as a left winger.
(Thread) 🔽
(Thread) 🔽
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
A clear tactical shift under Thomas Frank has started to emerge. Since the Everton match last week, Spurs have consistently lined up in possession as a back three, with Udogie pushing high and wide almost as a left winger.
(Thread) 🔽
(Thread) 🔽
From a 1–0 collapse to a 4–0 masterclass - a rollercoaster week even by Spurs standards.
My full SpursIQ review looks at what went wrong vs Chelsea, what changed vs Copenhagen, and why the difference might be more about execution than tactics.
#COYS
My full SpursIQ review looks at what went wrong vs Chelsea, what changed vs Copenhagen, and why the difference might be more about execution than tactics.
#COYS
November 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM
From a 1–0 collapse to a 4–0 masterclass - a rollercoaster week even by Spurs standards.
My full SpursIQ review looks at what went wrong vs Chelsea, what changed vs Copenhagen, and why the difference might be more about execution than tactics.
#COYS
My full SpursIQ review looks at what went wrong vs Chelsea, what changed vs Copenhagen, and why the difference might be more about execution than tactics.
#COYS
This actually aligns with what I discussed in my article from a couple weeks ago. We actually seem fairly good at getting into 'threatening' positions but are terrible at converting that into good chances, which can explain partially the major xG issues we see: spursiq.substack.com/p/reading-be...
November 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
This actually aligns with what I discussed in my article from a couple weeks ago. We actually seem fairly good at getting into 'threatening' positions but are terrible at converting that into good chances, which can explain partially the major xG issues we see: spursiq.substack.com/p/reading-be...
Improve xG with this one simple trick
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Improve xG with this one simple trick
Spurs’ pass map against Everton this past weekend looked a lot more balanced this match overall relative to many of our previous matches this season.
We were able to progress more centrally on occasions, which I believe can be attributed to: (See thread)
#COYS
We were able to progress more centrally on occasions, which I believe can be attributed to: (See thread)
#COYS
October 29, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Spurs’ pass map against Everton this past weekend looked a lot more balanced this match overall relative to many of our previous matches this season.
We were able to progress more centrally on occasions, which I believe can be attributed to: (See thread)
#COYS
We were able to progress more centrally on occasions, which I believe can be attributed to: (See thread)
#COYS
Opta’s xPoints table had Spurs 14th after seven matches, even while sitting 3rd in the real table.
Naturally, the questions came fast: “Are Spurs lucky? Is this sustainable?”
I looked back at last season, plotting each team’s xPosition after seven matches vs their final place.
#COYS #THFC
Naturally, the questions came fast: “Are Spurs lucky? Is this sustainable?”
I looked back at last season, plotting each team’s xPosition after seven matches vs their final place.
#COYS #THFC
October 16, 2025 at 6:31 PM
xG didn’t tell the full story
The stats make it look like Leeds were better, but context matters.
Their xG was inflated by the 1st goal, while we had multiple sharp attacking sequences that don’t rate high on xG.
The match was more even than the numbers suggest.
The stats make it look like Leeds were better, but context matters.
Their xG was inflated by the 1st goal, while we had multiple sharp attacking sequences that don’t rate high on xG.
The match was more even than the numbers suggest.
October 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
xG didn’t tell the full story
The stats make it look like Leeds were better, but context matters.
Their xG was inflated by the 1st goal, while we had multiple sharp attacking sequences that don’t rate high on xG.
The match was more even than the numbers suggest.
The stats make it look like Leeds were better, but context matters.
Their xG was inflated by the 1st goal, while we had multiple sharp attacking sequences that don’t rate high on xG.
The match was more even than the numbers suggest.
Bentancur and Palhinha double pivot provided needed defensive stability.
Leeds are physical and direct, and Bentancur with Palhinha gave us control and protection for both fullbacks.
It also freed Xavi to focus on creating higher up the pitch.
Image shows Bentancur's cover of Porro on the right
Leeds are physical and direct, and Bentancur with Palhinha gave us control and protection for both fullbacks.
It also freed Xavi to focus on creating higher up the pitch.
Image shows Bentancur's cover of Porro on the right
October 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Bentancur and Palhinha double pivot provided needed defensive stability.
Leeds are physical and direct, and Bentancur with Palhinha gave us control and protection for both fullbacks.
It also freed Xavi to focus on creating higher up the pitch.
Image shows Bentancur's cover of Porro on the right
Leeds are physical and direct, and Bentancur with Palhinha gave us control and protection for both fullbacks.
It also freed Xavi to focus on creating higher up the pitch.
Image shows Bentancur's cover of Porro on the right
Xavi + left-side connection
Xavi looked far more comfortable as a central creator, linking perfectly with Udogie and Odobert.
The left side finally clicked: Xavi drifting central, Odobert making runs, Udogie overlapping with good timing.
Xavi looked far more comfortable as a central creator, linking perfectly with Udogie and Odobert.
The left side finally clicked: Xavi drifting central, Odobert making runs, Udogie overlapping with good timing.
October 9, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Xavi + left-side connection
Xavi looked far more comfortable as a central creator, linking perfectly with Udogie and Odobert.
The left side finally clicked: Xavi drifting central, Odobert making runs, Udogie overlapping with good timing.
Xavi looked far more comfortable as a central creator, linking perfectly with Udogie and Odobert.
The left side finally clicked: Xavi drifting central, Odobert making runs, Udogie overlapping with good timing.
Kudus was brilliant again.
A goal, an assist, constant outlet, and composure under pressure. An extremely impressive 6/6 dribbles too.
He’s been our most consistent player this season and gives us a different level of physicality and creativity up front.
A goal, an assist, constant outlet, and composure under pressure. An extremely impressive 6/6 dribbles too.
He’s been our most consistent player this season and gives us a different level of physicality and creativity up front.
October 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Kudus was brilliant again.
A goal, an assist, constant outlet, and composure under pressure. An extremely impressive 6/6 dribbles too.
He’s been our most consistent player this season and gives us a different level of physicality and creativity up front.
A goal, an assist, constant outlet, and composure under pressure. An extremely impressive 6/6 dribbles too.
He’s been our most consistent player this season and gives us a different level of physicality and creativity up front.
Spurs finally broke the pre-international break curse and ended Leeds’ 1-year home streak.
Not a perfect performance, but a really resilient and important away win.
Here’s what stood out tactically and in the data 👇 (Thread)
Not a perfect performance, but a really resilient and important away win.
Here’s what stood out tactically and in the data 👇 (Thread)
October 9, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Spurs finally broke the pre-international break curse and ended Leeds’ 1-year home streak.
Not a perfect performance, but a really resilient and important away win.
Here’s what stood out tactically and in the data 👇 (Thread)
Not a perfect performance, but a really resilient and important away win.
Here’s what stood out tactically and in the data 👇 (Thread)
Multiple takeaways from Spurs’ big win at Leeds this weekend.
full analysis here:
spursiq.substack.com/p/premier-le...
#COYS
full analysis here:
spursiq.substack.com/p/premier-le...
#COYS
October 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Multiple takeaways from Spurs’ big win at Leeds this weekend.
full analysis here:
spursiq.substack.com/p/premier-le...
#COYS
full analysis here:
spursiq.substack.com/p/premier-le...
#COYS
Thank you. Finally some sense. He is a very good player.
September 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Thank you. Finally some sense. He is a very good player.
Xavi struggles, not because of LW.
Sloppy touches, misplaced passes, and little overall influence. This was not about being on the left wing. His movement inside matched the system’s demands, but his execution fell short.
Sloppy touches, misplaced passes, and little overall influence. This was not about being on the left wing. His movement inside matched the system’s demands, but his execution fell short.
September 29, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Xavi struggles, not because of LW.
Sloppy touches, misplaced passes, and little overall influence. This was not about being on the left wing. His movement inside matched the system’s demands, but his execution fell short.
Sloppy touches, misplaced passes, and little overall influence. This was not about being on the left wing. His movement inside matched the system’s demands, but his execution fell short.
2nd Half:
Wolves’ switch to a back three flipped the match:
- Spurs lost their rhythm.
- Vicario’s mistake gifted Wolves the opener.
- Bentancur was subbed, Xavi shifted into the 10 role and Spurs looked worse, not better.
Subs failed to add quality, and Kudus struggled after moving over to LW
Wolves’ switch to a back three flipped the match:
- Spurs lost their rhythm.
- Vicario’s mistake gifted Wolves the opener.
- Bentancur was subbed, Xavi shifted into the 10 role and Spurs looked worse, not better.
Subs failed to add quality, and Kudus struggled after moving over to LW
September 29, 2025 at 5:55 PM
2nd Half:
Wolves’ switch to a back three flipped the match:
- Spurs lost their rhythm.
- Vicario’s mistake gifted Wolves the opener.
- Bentancur was subbed, Xavi shifted into the 10 role and Spurs looked worse, not better.
Subs failed to add quality, and Kudus struggled after moving over to LW
Wolves’ switch to a back three flipped the match:
- Spurs lost their rhythm.
- Vicario’s mistake gifted Wolves the opener.
- Bentancur was subbed, Xavi shifted into the 10 role and Spurs looked worse, not better.
Subs failed to add quality, and Kudus struggled after moving over to LW
First Half:
Spurs controlled possession, created attacking momentum, and should have scored:
- Kudus was denied by a great save.
- Kudus and Bergvall combined for a goal, but it was ruled offside (0 xG).
- Bergvall whiffed a golden chance in front of goal (0 xG).
Spurs controlled possession, created attacking momentum, and should have scored:
- Kudus was denied by a great save.
- Kudus and Bergvall combined for a goal, but it was ruled offside (0 xG).
- Bergvall whiffed a golden chance in front of goal (0 xG).
September 29, 2025 at 5:53 PM
First Half:
Spurs controlled possession, created attacking momentum, and should have scored:
- Kudus was denied by a great save.
- Kudus and Bergvall combined for a goal, but it was ruled offside (0 xG).
- Bergvall whiffed a golden chance in front of goal (0 xG).
Spurs controlled possession, created attacking momentum, and should have scored:
- Kudus was denied by a great save.
- Kudus and Bergvall combined for a goal, but it was ruled offside (0 xG).
- Bergvall whiffed a golden chance in front of goal (0 xG).
Kudus has been very impressive so far this PL Season 📊
- Most successful take ons (19)
- Most accurate crosses (12)
- Tied 2nd most assists (3)
- Tied 2nd most duels won (39)
- Only player in Europe’s top 5 leagues with 10+ Dribbles, Key Passes, & Tackles (19,11,10)
What a signing #COYS #THFC
- Most successful take ons (19)
- Most accurate crosses (12)
- Tied 2nd most assists (3)
- Tied 2nd most duels won (39)
- Only player in Europe’s top 5 leagues with 10+ Dribbles, Key Passes, & Tackles (19,11,10)
What a signing #COYS #THFC
September 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
New substack article just published!
Carabao Cup Match Review:
A look at the data and tactics behind Spurs’ 3–0 victory
Some highlighted topics:
- Midfield formation and Gray in his best position
- Palhinha Surprise role + epic goal
Link: spursiq.substack.com/p/carabao-cu...
#COYS #THFC
Carabao Cup Match Review:
A look at the data and tactics behind Spurs’ 3–0 victory
Some highlighted topics:
- Midfield formation and Gray in his best position
- Palhinha Surprise role + epic goal
Link: spursiq.substack.com/p/carabao-cu...
#COYS #THFC
September 25, 2025 at 3:27 PM
New substack article just published!
Carabao Cup Match Review:
A look at the data and tactics behind Spurs’ 3–0 victory
Some highlighted topics:
- Midfield formation and Gray in his best position
- Palhinha Surprise role + epic goal
Link: spursiq.substack.com/p/carabao-cu...
#COYS #THFC
Carabao Cup Match Review:
A look at the data and tactics behind Spurs’ 3–0 victory
Some highlighted topics:
- Midfield formation and Gray in his best position
- Palhinha Surprise role + epic goal
Link: spursiq.substack.com/p/carabao-cu...
#COYS #THFC
Another clean sheet, some rotation, some goals ✔️
Gray and Johnson very good matches.
Sloppy start to the 2nd half from the team but overall deserved winners #COYS
Gray and Johnson very good matches.
Sloppy start to the 2nd half from the team but overall deserved winners #COYS
September 24, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Another clean sheet, some rotation, some goals ✔️
Gray and Johnson very good matches.
Sloppy start to the 2nd half from the team but overall deserved winners #COYS
Gray and Johnson very good matches.
Sloppy start to the 2nd half from the team but overall deserved winners #COYS
Agreed. Gray was excellent. He has quality on the ball and decision making. Nice to see him playing higher up the pitch.
September 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Agreed. Gray was excellent. He has quality on the ball and decision making. Nice to see him playing higher up the pitch.
Both Gray and Bentancur having good matches.
Bentancur more sitting back as a 6. Gray playing higher up the pitch on the right side, making some deep runs into the right channels. calm on the ball and good decision making. #COYS
Bentancur more sitting back as a 6. Gray playing higher up the pitch on the right side, making some deep runs into the right channels. calm on the ball and good decision making. #COYS
September 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Both Gray and Bentancur having good matches.
Bentancur more sitting back as a 6. Gray playing higher up the pitch on the right side, making some deep runs into the right channels. calm on the ball and good decision making. #COYS
Bentancur more sitting back as a 6. Gray playing higher up the pitch on the right side, making some deep runs into the right channels. calm on the ball and good decision making. #COYS
Looks like Palhinha at CB actually
September 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Looks like Palhinha at CB actually
Likely starting lineup. I think Frank sees Gray as CB as a Romero type of replacement with his passing and carrying abilities which we rely on for progression
Not sure I agree though. doubt Palhinha will be at CB but could see him slotting into back for cover when Gray progresses forward. #COYS
Not sure I agree though. doubt Palhinha will be at CB but could see him slotting into back for cover when Gray progresses forward. #COYS
September 24, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Likely starting lineup. I think Frank sees Gray as CB as a Romero type of replacement with his passing and carrying abilities which we rely on for progression
Not sure I agree though. doubt Palhinha will be at CB but could see him slotting into back for cover when Gray progresses forward. #COYS
Not sure I agree though. doubt Palhinha will be at CB but could see him slotting into back for cover when Gray progresses forward. #COYS