Stellini's attacking lineup backfires
Ever since taking on the hotseat following Antonio Conte's departure at the end of March, Tottenham fans have been desperate for Cristian Stellini to stamp his own mark on the Tottenham team. Previously resisting the temptation and keeping faith with the 3-4-3 formation that his fellow countryman always deployed, Spurs' acting head coach went his own way in the crucial top-four clash vs Newcastle United.
Switching to a back four with attack-minded duo Pedro Porro and Ivan Perisic playing as full-backs, it was the first time that Tottenham had started with four at the back since their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in January 2022. Even though there was such a radical change in formation for the game at St James' Park, there was only one alteration from the defeat vs Bournemouth with Pape Matar Sarr coming into midfield and Clement Lenglet, following the injury he picked up against the Cherries, taking his place on the bench.
