2. Persisting with a high defensive line
Villas-Boas is famed for his high defensive line but the tactic is suicidal without the right personnel. After witnessing Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul embarrassed against Manchester City, the Portuguese reverted to a deeper line which coincided with a mini-resurgence before bizarrely opting to restore the high line against Liverpool. With Etienne Capoue as a makeshift centre half alongside the plodding Dawson, the Reds took full advantage. Villas-Boas seemed either too arrogant or too stubborn to abandon his favourite tactic for the long-haul and Spurs paid a heavy price.
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