Tottenham dangermen and flaws: where Sunderland’s game could be won and lost | OneFootball

The Premier League resumes next weekend with Sunderland hosting a struggling Tottenham. Sunderland Echo highlights the key Spurs threats and flaws that could shape the contest at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris’ team return after a 2-1 comeback at Newcastle, now 11th and five points off the top six. Spurs are 17th, one point above danger, with Roberto De Zerbi set for his first game in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Richarlison is the prime danger. Despite defensive issues, Spurs have scored 40 in the league, eight more than Sunderland’s 32, and the Brazilian leads them with nine, 10 in all competitions including against PSG.

Four of his league goals have arrived in the final half-hour, and his relentless movement can unsettle centre-backs. Sunderland, sixth for cards, must stay composed, while Mohammed Kudus could make the squad and has assisted Richarlison three times, a top-tier pairing in the division.

Set pieces are Tottenham’s clearest route. They have 14 set-piece goals, behind only Arsenal on 19 and Manchester United on 15, with centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven on four each, and Van de Ven’s all from dead balls.

Sunderland have conceded 10 from set pieces, 27.78% of their goals against. Yet Spurs are error-prone, with a league-high 27 errors leading to shots, heavy card counts of 75 yellows and four reds, and Cristian Romero on eight yellows and two reds.

That indiscipline offers openings for Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey, while Chemsdine Talbi and Enzo Le Fee could press high, Le Fee leading Sunderland with 14 final-third regains.

Source: Sunderland Echo