Why Tottenham aren’t dirty, despite committing the most fouls in the Premier League

Despite not having a single player sent off in 2015/16, surprising data from Opta reveals Spurs have made 312 fouls in 25 matches – an average of more than 12 per game.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are in hot pursuit of the unwanted accolade with 311 and 310 infringements respectively.

By contrast, Everton have committed a paltry 206 fouls – not even hitting nine a game.

So it’s no wonder Tottenham are chasing an unlikely title, given referees are failing to punish their obscene dirtiness… right?! Not necessarily.

Tottenham don’t stand out as a particularly dirty side. Perhaps there’s a reason behind their naughty foul count...

Mauricio Pochettino’s side is renowned for their high pressing. The aim: win the ball back quickly deep in opposition territory, preventing their rivals from regrouping before an attack is launched.

This involves the front quartet – usually Harry Kane, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli – charging around the final third, desperately trying to steal possession.

The downside of this system is that a lot of fouls will inevitably be committed: a) because tackling at high speed, particularly for non-defensive specialists, is tricky, and b) referees often dish out soft free-kicks to defenders flapping under pressure.

This doesn’t make Tottenham nasty – or more deserving of punishment – it is simply a direct result of their style, with their main focus winning the ball to spark surprise attacks. It’s not always cynical, although obviously sometimes it is, and has the advantage of allowing the defence to re-set should they concede a free-kick. Roughly two-thirds of their fouls happen in the opposition half.

It’s partly why Lamela tops the individual foul count on a whopping 46. The Argentine’s rejuvenation at White Hart Lane has hinged on his ability to poach the ball back off unsuspecting defenders, even if his timing is often askew.

It’s smart and it’s working – and maybe, just maybe, it’ll help Tottenham to a historic title.

Tottenham: 312

Man United: 311

Crystal Palace: 310

Aston Villa: 305

Watford: 284

Chelsea: 283

Leicester: 273

Liverpool: 272

Norwich: 270

Southampton: 270

Sunderland: 270

Stoke: 267

Newcastle: 266

Man City: 261

West Brom: 251

Swansea: 250

Bournemouth: 240

West Ham: 239

Arsenal: 224

Everton: 206