Premier League analysis: Shot-shy Spurs face manic Man Utd on Saturday

Tottenham and Manchester United meet on Saturday in a clash of underwhelming attack against error-strewn defence.

Much has been said about Spurs failing to register a shot in the second half of their 1-0 defeat to West Ham last Sunday and only basement side Norwich have had fewer shots this term than Tottenham’s total of 95.

They are also failing to successfully get the ball in dangerous areas -only Norwich and Watford have had fewer touches in their opponents' penalty area.

While things have been uninspired, they are one of only five teams to have played both Manchester City and Chelsea, the division’s two leanest defences. Their output may increase with some easier fixtures on the horizon, but they ranked only 12th in shots and 13th in penalty box touches last term.

No team outshot their xG more than Spurs last term (+11.5 goals) but lethal finishers Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son may need a change in team mentality if they are to be provided with more scraps to feed off.

Supposed title contenders United have kept their opponents well fed, ranking tenth in shots allowed, and the average xG of each chance they concede is the joint highest in the division.

Their midfield is not comfortable receiving the ball as they try to play out, meaning they turn the ball over in their own half too often, allowing opponents to get decent quality chances too easily.

Basic mistakes mean they rank 20th in errors leading to a shot and they can’t get away with playing a half-fit Harry Maguire.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s two full seasons as United manager were better, seeing them ranked fourth and third in xG allowed. It will be interesting to see if the Norwegian, with his back to the wall, reverts to sitting deeper against better sides to prevent scenes like the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, where their midfield was overrun.

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