get numbers back

[Kontol]

What does "get numbers back" mean in football?

Tottenham 1-0 Brentford
45+1: COUNTER! Spurs win another corner but the Brentford clearance releases Mbeumo on the breakaway. It's momentarily one versus one, with Skipp the lone defender. Toney tries to race forward in support but Mbeumo's pass inside is cut out as Spurs eventually get numbers back.

Live Commentary - Spurs vs Brentford | 02.12.2021

Premier League match Spurs vs Brentford 02.12.2021. Preview and stats followed by live commentary, video highlights and match report.

www.skysports.com

 

[jutfrank]

get back means 'retreat into a defensive position in the defensive half of the pitch'

numbers means 'enough players to constitute an adequate defensive force'

Why don't you have a go at working out the meaning yourself next time? It will help enormously if you are able to actually watch the play in question. If you can't watch the action, try to imagine what is happening.