Prior to Saturday’s vital 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, Ryan Mason and his Tottenham players had plenty of time on their hands. The 31-year-old took over as manager three days before their draw with Manchester United, and in several of his press conferences since then, he has alluded to his team’s lack of quality time on the practise pitch.Mason had a full week with his players at Hotspur Way after last weekend’s heartbreaking stoppage-time loss away at Liverpool, and that allowed him to execute his own system to face the Eagles because there were no midweek games. Prior to the game, Mason’s lineup—which included Clement Lenglet, Richarlison, Emerson Royal—was a topic of discussion because to uncertainty about Pedro Porro’s place in the club as well as Emerson Royal’s comeback from injury.Mason decided to line up in a 4-4-2 system against Crystal Palace, then change to the standard 3-4-3 when they had the ball, despite having previously chosen a back four during his two years as the team’s manager. Emerson played right-back for the Tottenham team before switching to right-sided center-back while the team was in possession so Ben Davies could advance and play left wing-back.
