Tottenham threats and weaknesses: Where Sunderland’s clash could be won and lost | OneFootball

Sunderland host struggling Tottenham after the international break next weekend, with Roberto De Zerbi taking charge for the first time at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland Echo highlights the key Tottenham threats and flaws that could decide the contest. Le Bris’ side return from a 2-1 comeback at Newcastle, now 11th and five points off the top six, while Spurs are 17th, a point above trouble.

Despite defensive issues, Spurs have 40 league goals, the most among the bottom seven and eight more than Sunderland’s 32. Richarlison is the chief danger with nine in the league and 10 overall, including against PSG.

Four of his nine have come in the final 30 minutes, and he excels at unsettling centre-backs. Sunderland, sixth for cards, must keep their discipline. Mohammed Kudus could soon return from injury and has three assists for Richarlison, their pairing second league-wide behind Casemiro to Bruno Fernandes.

Set pieces are Tottenham’s clearest route. They have 14, behind Arsenal on 19 and Manchester United on 15, compared to 23 from open play. Sunderland have conceded 10 from dead balls, 27.78% of their total, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have four league goals apiece, all of the latter’s from set pieces.

Errors and ill-discipline are Tottenham’s biggest weakness. They top the league with 27 errors leading to shots, Djed Spence has four and Pedro Porro five, and they rank second for yellows and reds. Romero has eight bookings and two dismissals, the only player sent off more than once.

Sunderland can target those lapses through Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey, perhaps drawing a red card. Le Bris may also unleash Chemsdine Talbi and Enzo Le Fee to press high, and Le Fee has won possession in the final third 14 times this season.

Source: Sunderland Echo