Robert Vilahamn praises Tottenham spirits ahead of Villa Park trip | OneFootball

Robert Vilahamn spoke to the media to preview Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Villa Park this Sunday. Following a huge 4-0 win against Crystal Palace in their opening game of the season, the Lilywhites must remain grounded and focused on gaining another three points.

Aston Villa are a flexible and versatile team, proving a tough opposition for Spurs. Ahead of their journey up north, the team are performing positively in training. In particular, they are strengthening their tactical game and working as a collective to reach new heights throughout the season.

The squad

Tottenham Hotspur have a strong depth in the squad this season. After a successful summer transfer window, there are now several players competing for their spot in the starting 11.

For example, academy graduate Lenna Gunning-Williams is a young footballer who has captured the attention of many in recent weeks. In pre-season, she proved herself. Gunning-Williams trained with a higher intensity and work rate than before and found herself on the scoresheet multiple times. As a result, she made her senior debut on Sunday. Vilahamn sees a bright future ahead of her.

In fact, he believes an U23 Lionesses call-up is on the horizon, and that one day she will be a ‘future starting player’ at Tottenham. Vilahamn recognises the ‘strength they have now’ because of those like Gunning-Williams who are taking positive steps to enhance their game.

Vilahamn believes that creating a culture where players drive to improve on small aspects of their game will give his team an upper hand. Experienced players, such as Ash Neville and Amy James-Turner, are ‘shining’ and making huge improvements to their game at Hotspur Way. Yet, benched individuals are grafting hard and pushing for a start, more than ever before. Therefore, the squad is more completive than ever, boosting preparations ahead of a season full of ambition.

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Tactical aims

Vilahamn had nothing but praise for his team following the Crystal Palace fixture, especially the fast tempo and intelligent decision-making in the second half. Now, it is important for the players to continue with the tactical game practised in training.

One of Vilhamn’s key strategies is to implement a high press to the game. Whilst football is measured by goals and possession, he recognises how the constant intensity and press sparked the goalscoring opportunities on Sunday. Against Crystal Palace, the work rate was consistently high. This ultimately led to the chances created and reflected the scoreline. Additionally, four different players netted themselves a goal, proving the positive effects of teamwork and following a set tactical plan.

Ahead of Sunday’s fixture, Hotspur Way will be in good spirits. However, the Lilywhite’s will have all eyes on Aston Villa. The Villans are comparable to Spurs in many ways. Both sides are under new management and competing for an ambitious and high place in the league table. There is all to play for. The competitive environment and push to execute better attacking football give Tottenham Hotspur a good chance.

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