Are Antonio Conte’s Spurs the real deal this season?

Spurs are currently unbeaten in the Premier League and we’ve looked into the numbers behind their impressive start.

Defensive solidity  

The basis of an Antonio Conte side is being resolute at the back. 

Spurs have conceded an average of one goal per game and despite the pressure, they sometimes put themselves under at the back, they have managed to keep things tight. 

Conte’s side concede an average of 15 shots per game, but the xG they face each match is relatively low, which means they limit the opposition to low-quality chances. 

Hugo Lloris has only been faced with 22 shots this season, which is the 15th lowest in the Premier League. 

Conte sets Spurs up in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, which does allow for some flexibility in each game. 

Under the Italian manager, Eric Dier is one player who has been given a new lease of life. 

His consistency has earnt him a spot back in the England set-up as he has been vital to their defensive solidity this season. 

Conte's side don’t often dominate the ball as they have only averaged 49.3% possession, but they have proven to be deadly on transitions. 

They have racked up 15 yellow cards in the league this season, which is the sixth highest of any Premier League club. 

The midfield structure 

Conte’s preferred midfield has consisted of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg so far this season. 

Many of us expected Yves Bissouma to walk straight into the starting 11, but he has had to patiently wait for his chance so far. 

The former Brighton player has come on as a substitute five times this season and has only played 136 minutes of league football. 

Having options in midfield hasn’t always been a luxury afforded to previous Spurs managers, but Conte has a competitive squad to work with. 

Højbjerg has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season and Bentancur provides great balance. 

The Danish midfielder has averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game as the work he does off the ball is vital in making Spurs tick. 

The 27-year-old also has real quality on the ball as he has scored two goals and assisted one goal. 

He averages 1.3 key passes and 0.9 shots per game and has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the league this season. 

The front three 

In years gone by, Spurs have been heavily reliant on Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min and while they are still crucial to the way they play, Conte also has other options to pick from. 

Dejan Kulusevski has been a superb addition to the side since arriving from Juventus and he offers great balance on the right-hand side. 

The Swedish international averages 1.7 key passes and has already chipped in with three assists this season. 

The addition of Richarlison has also proven to be a popular one at Spurs. 

The Brazilian has had a real impact in the matches he has played so far and he will no doubt be relishing the chance to play in the north London derby this weekend. 

The game against Arsenal has come at a perfect point in the season as a win for Spurs would see them leapfrog Arsenal who currently sit top. 

Arsenal themselves have started the season well, but form can usually be thrown out the window in a north London derby. 

The last time these two sides met it was Spurs who came out on top with an emphatic 3-0 win, which spurred them on to finish in the top four. 

Arsenal will have the home advantage for this game, but if Spurs can soak up the pressure of the Emirates, there’s no reason why they cannot leave with all three points.