Tottenham fans will still be seething from their north London derby defeat to Arsenal.
There was a two-week gap between the defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park and the game against their bitter rivals on home soil.
When comparing the two performances, especially the first-half displays, it was beyond abject from Ange Postecoglou’s men.
From Tottenham’s inability to defend corners, to their ultra-attacking style exposing their backline and their issues in the middle of the park.
A lot of things are starting to go wrong for Spurs and now they have a mountain to climb to finish fourth.
Aston Villa, who have a better goal difference than Spurs, hold a seven-point lead, but they have played two games more.
The problem for Postecoglou is that those two matches are against Chelsea – starting on Thursday night. And against Manchester City – their final home game of the season.
Against Chelsea, it’s going to be interesting to see what type of changes are made because over the weekend, all three starting midfielders – Rodrigo Bentencur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Madison, were all subbed off.
Stephen Warnock admitted that he was ’surprised’ by Postecoglou’s team selection for the NLD, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.
The former left-back pointed towards Hojbjerg and claimed that the 28-year-old simply ‘isn’t mobile’ enough to start in the middle of the park for Spurs.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg starting for Tottenham
“I was a little surprised by his team selection if I am being completely honest,” said Warnock.
“I thought it was a surprise he went for Hojbjerg in midfield. I like him, but I just don’t think he is as mobile as Sarr or Bissouma. Whether they picked something up or they weren’t fully fit in some way.
“I just felt, if you are going to play against Declan Rice and Partey in that midfield, then you are going to need some energy levels and Odegaard as well. You have to be at your very, very best. I am just not sure Hojbjerg is that mobile enough to do that sat in a two.”
Tottenham’s trip to Chelsea
This is huge for Spurs and some much-needed morale needs to be transferred back into the dressing room.
Even if they do win, they might not still get fourth because it’s in Villa’s hands.
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But losing back-to-back London derby games, in the space of a few days, will do more harm than good for Postecoglou.
You also need to remember that Spurs are up against their former manager – Mauricio Pochettino – so, it puts even more pressure on the team to do well.
The post Sky pundit says Tottenham 28-year-old ‘isn’t mobile’ enough to start for Ange Postecoglou appeared first on HITC.
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