DANNY MURPHY: Ange Postecoglou needs to adapt or Tottenham will suffer against Arsenal… it’s admirable to have strong principles but there’s nothing wrong in mixing it up

Tottenham don’t often deviate from ‘Angeball’. Regardless of the opposition, they play on the front foot with a high defensive line and try to move through midfield.

It’s admirable to have strong principles, but in a one-off derby against one of the best teams in the country, there’s also nothing wrong with mixing things up to avoid playing into Arsenal’s hands.

I wouldn’t see any shame in Ange Postecoglou introducing a few surprises to throw Mikel Arteta’s title challengers off balance.

Tottenham typically invited teams to close them because they rely on the quality of their own players. But I would be concerned if Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are the pair charging forward to win the ball back.

It would be better for Spurs to mix up their play and even go long at times. Bringing Richarlison back to start at striker would give Arteta something else to think about.

Arsenal are one of the best teams in the country and top of the Premier League

The Brazilian provides a physical presence that Son Heung-min lacks. Even though he doesn’t win every ball, Richarlison fights for everything and has an aggression about him. It would also free up Son on the left, where Ben White would be guarding.

Of course it’s good for any team to have an identity, like the Spurs do, but you also have to stop the opponent from playing to their strengths.

We know where Arsenal are good. There is no one as athletic as Rice at disrupting the opposition’s build-up. And can you think of a creative number 10 mechanic who is more disciplined in his defensive work than Odegaard?

Under these circumstances, it is a big risk for Spurs to continually try to play through Arsenal’s midfield. They scored a top goal against Newcastle in their last match and Arsenal are even more intense in their desire to win the ball back.

Unfortunately, Postecoglou’s midfielders are not at their best either. Yves Bissouma, who has had an impressive season overall, was substituted before the hour mark in his last two games.

There is always debate in football about whether a team should stick to their principles or adapt to the opposition. For me it’s about balance. I don’t see the point in being too one-dimensional.

Manchester City is a good example. They are the best possession team in the world, but when they feel like they are being pressed by the press, Ederson is happy to ping a 60-yard pass to Erling Haaland or Phil Foden to take the pressure off.

There’s no reason why Spurs can’t repeat that against Arsenal. They have defenders like Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero who can make good long-distance passes. Richarlison, or even the full backs pushing high, can get into positions to receive the ball, which would leave Rice and Odegaard in doubt as to whether to hold or turn.

Returning Richarlison to the top starting lineup would give Arsenal something else to think about

If Postecoglou’s side can stop Arsenal from applying pressure, space will open up in midfield

No matter what the manager had said to me before kick-off, if I saw Rice charging towards me, I would play a pass into the channel with one touch. International players can take responsibility and take the circumstances of the game into account. It’s called competition intelligence.

If you can stop Arsenal from pushing all the time, you will find that more space becomes available in midfield as the game develops, allowing Spurs to find their usual passing rhythm.

I’m an advocate of balancing your own core values ​​and the team you deal with. If Spurs were playing Manchester United you would want them to pass, pass, pass instead of going straight as United are not athletic and cannot press. You would wear them out keeping the ball.

In contrast, Arsenal are the best at winning the ball back. Spurs must plan accordingly.