Spurs were once a byword for softness. A team that not so many years ago fielded Darren Anderton and Gus Poyet as a central midfield combination, with a straight face.
Yet under Mauricio Pochettino they have got tough and dare we say it, a little bit dirty. For Tottenham have committed the second highest amount of fouls this season in the Premier League, with only Manchester United making more.
United’s total of 302 fouls just exceed Spurs’ 300. It’s stark evidence of the determination of this side to win the ball back when they lose possession.
Teams: Most Fouls 2015/16
Manchester United | 302
Spurs | 300
Crystal Palace | 296
Aston Villa | 295
Chelsea | 277
In terms of individuals it is Erik Lamela who has committed the most fouls in a Tottenham shirt. He’s second on this list of the top five most persistent foulers in the Premier League with 44 offences, while Eric Dier is hovering not too far below with 35.
Players: Most Fouls 2015/16
Idrissa Gueye | 45
Erik Lamela | 44
Etienne Capoue | 40
Morgan Schneiderlin | 39
Daniel Drinkwater | 38
