Donny van de Beek’s measured finish capped an excellent team goal to give Ajax a first leg advantage in the Champions League semi-finals at Tottenham on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old’s effort in the 15th minute, after latching onto Hakim Ziyech’s pass, was just reward for the away side after they dominated the early exchanges.

Tottenham grew into the game and had chances of their own, particularly in the second half but the Dutch side were able to come away with a 1-0 win.

Here, we analyse Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical input.

BASIC STATS

Goals – 0

Shots – 12

Shots on target – 1

Goals conceded – 1

Possession – 50%

Dribbles – 13

Tackles – 21

TACTICAL TALKING POINT

Switch in system

Granted, it may have been born out of Jan Vertonghen’s forced substitution through injury but switching to a back four transformed the game for Spurs. Ajax were having it all their own way up until then but an extra man in the middle allowed the hosts to play a diamond midfield and have more numbers push forward in attack.

They also virtually gave up attempting to play out from the back and focused on quick vertical passes instead to Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura. The diminutive Brazilian was a threat when he managed to bring the ball down and drive at Ajax’s defence while the runs of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli in support was another issue for Ten Hag’s side.

The full-backs stretched play but their delivery from wide areas was disappointing. Despite the fact that the change in shape made Spurs competitive in a game that seemed to be passing them by, it was all a bit chaotic in contrast to Ajax’s measured approach.

GOT RIGHT

Set-pieces

It was clearly an area Pochettino identified where he thought his side held the advantage. While their delivery from open play left much to be desired, Eriksen’s quality on the dead ball created chances for Spurs.

From indirect free-kicks, they were afforded a few opportunities, notably when Fernando Llorente and Toby Alderweireld each had free headers directed over the bar.

GOT WRONG

Initial set-up

Starting with three in defence, Spurs were unable to use the extra centre-back to help play the ball out due to Ajax’s intense counter-pressing. Meanwhile, they also didn’t have enough numbers further up to make something of their clearances. It was a double-edged sword.

VERDICT

In order to play his strongest side available, Pochettino seemed to choose a 3-5-2 formation by default, perhaps underestimating Ajax’s counter-pressing. That said, he turned things around excellently and thrust his side back into contention with his tactical and personnel changes. With a fit Harry Kane playing instead of Llorente, to whom promising moves went to die, maybe they would’ve even registered a result.

Rating 7/10