Tottenham must not repeat mistakes of Manchester United loss against Dortmund

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Tottenham have enjoyed a mightily impressive season amid the backdrop of stadium confusion, transfer inactivity and post-World Cup fatigue.

But they have also been seen off at home by Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United in their respective Premier League meetings against the trio – and all three games highlighted the same weakness.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side push their full-backs too far forward when in possession against the top sides – looking to control the game by getting on the ball.

Riyad Mahrez and Marcus Rashford’s winning goals in 1-0 Wembley wins for the Manchester clubs both came by exposing Kieran Trippier and switching the ball to the other side of the pitch with ruthless efficiency.

Liverpool used the high positions of the Spurs full-backs more generally to dominate the match without monopolising possession, and Leicester’s Harvey Barnes should have scored at least twice on Sunday after getting in behind Trippier.

And when Borussia Dortmund come to Wembley tonight, Spurs cannot afford to repeat those errors because the Germans have pace to burn in behind, most notably in the shape of Jadon Sancho.

Dortmund are an outstanding counter-attacking side who are capable of ripping Spurs apart if they leave that space in behind once more, meaning that Trippier and co must be on their guard if Pochettino’s men are to travel to Germany with a first-leg lead.