Ange Postecoglou needs to adapt or Tottenham will suffer against Arsenal

Tottenham don't tend to deviate from 'Angeball'. Regardless of the opposition, they play on the front foot with a high defensive line and try to pass through midfield.

It's admirable to have strong principles but in a one-off derby against one of the best pressing teams in the country, there's also nothing wrong in mixing things up to avoid playing into Arsenal's hands.

I wouldn't see any shame in Ange Postecoglou introducing a couple of surprises to knock Mikel Arteta's title challengers out of their stride.

Tottenham would usually invite teams into closing them down because they trust the quality of their own players. But it would worry me when Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are the pair charging forward to win the ball back.

It would be better for Spurs to mix up their play and even go long on occasions. Bringing back Richarlison to start at centre forward would give Arteta something different to think about.

The Brazilian provides a physical presence that Son Heung-min lacks. Even if he doesn't win every ball, Richarlison fights for everything and has an aggression about him. It would also free up Son on the left, where Ben White would be wary.

Of course it's good for any team to have an identity, as Spurs do, but you also need to discourage the opposition from utilising their strengths.

We know where Arsenal are good. There is nobody more athletic than Rice in disrupting the opposition build-up. And can you think of a creative No 10 fitter or more disciplined in his defensive work than Odegaard?

In the circumstances, for Spurs to try to play through the Arsenal midfield continually is a big risk. They came a cropper at Newcastle in their last game, and Arsenal are even more intense in their desire to win the ball back.

Unfortunately, Postecoglou's midfielders aren't in the best moment, either. Yves Bissouma, who has had an impressive season overall, has been substituted before the hour in his last two games.

There is always a debate in football about whether a team should stick to their principles or adapt to the opposition. For me, it's about balance. I don't see the point in being too one-dimensional.

Manchester City are a great example. They are the best possession team in the world but if they feel they're being stifled by the press, Ederson is happy to ping a 60-yard pass to Erling Haaland or Phil Foden to release pressure.

There's no reason Spurs can't replicate that against Arsenal. They have defenders like Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero who can strike good long-range passes. Richarlison, or even the full backs pushing high, can get into positions to receive the ball which would leave Rice and Odegaard caught in two minds whether to stick or twist.

Whatever the manager had said to me before kick-off, if I saw Rice charging down at me, I'd be happy to take one touch and play a pass into the channel. International players are allowed to take responsibility and take the circumstances of the game into account. It's called match intelligence.

If you can deter Arsenal from pressing all the time, you'll find space in midfield becomes more available as the game develops, and Spurs will then be able to find their usual passing rhythm.

I'm a believer in balancing your own core values with the team you're facing. If Spurs were playing Manchester United, you'd want them to pass pass pass rather than go direct because United aren't athletic and can't press. You'd wear them down by keeping the ball.

In contrast, Arsenal are the best around at winning the ball back. Spurs should plan accordingly.