Poor Tottenham Hotspur defending has left their season all but over. Sheffield United haven’t only stayed up this season but they could even secure European football next season. Tottenham Hotspur look in danger of missing out on European competition altogether.
Poor Tottenham Defending and Little Creativity All but End Their Season
Ball Watching
Sheffield United set up to make sure that Tottenham had little time on the ball. Steven Bergwijn and Son Heung-Min played some intricate passes early in the game with one leading to Harry Kane firing over from 12 yards. But on the half-hour, Spurs were behind. Chris Basham pulled the ball back for Sander Berge who had acres of space and supplied a neat finish. Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies, along with the whole Spurs midfield just stood and watched.
VAR Controversial Once More
Just 83 seconds after that Berge goal, Tottenham thought they were level. VAR intervened to chalk the goal off for handball by Lucas Moura. By the letter of the law, the VAR official Michael Oliver was correct. But, in the spirit of the game, the decision was farcical. Lucas Moura was fouled and as he fell the ball brushed his hand. The ball then ricocheted against the Brazilian’s back. It fell to Harry Kane who scored. Jose Mourinho was incensed and warned about his conduct. VAR is supposed to be for ’clear and obvious errors’. This was neither.
Tottenham and Jose Mourinho Have No Identity
Tottenham had 70% possession in this match. That they scored just one goal through Kane at the end showed just how toothless they were. Heading into this game, Sheffield United had lost three in a row. Tottenham hardly troubled the Blades goal. The lack of creativity was astonishing. Son, Bergwign, Kane and Lucas Moura all on the pitch with little effort or endeavour.
Before the lockdown, it was fair to say that Spurs struggled with a number of injuries. Now there can be no excuses. There are no leaders on the pitch. No Captain organising, encouraging and talking. The defensive line of Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Serge Aurier and Davinson Sanchez was static for all three Sheffield United goals. Not good enough at any level of the game.
More concerning for Spurs fans has to be the lack of identity; Spurs’ talented players are just not doing anywhere near enough. Chris Wilder’s team are resilient and showed Mourinho’s men what effort looks like.
Sheffield United Look to Europe Whilst Spurs Look at Mid-Table Obscurity
Chris Wilder has done a superb job at Sheffield United and a European finish would be fully deserved.
Tottenham can still qualify for Europe, likely the Europa League, but if they continue with performances like this one, a bottom half finish will become a reality.
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