Tottenham Hotspur are presently enduring one thing of a rut at current, with Antonio Conte’s aspect having now didn’t win any of their previous three video games in all competitions, together with Wednesday’s irritating draw with Sporting Lisbon.
While the plain speaking level from that Champions League showdown was the denial of a late ‘winner’ for the house aspect at N17, following a prolonged and contentious VAR overview, that has maybe overshadowed what was an underwhelming show from the Lilywhites on the night time, significantly throughout the first half.
One determine who little question didn’t make his mark was the returning Lucas Moura, with the Brazilian speedster having regarded ‘rusty‘ on what was just his first start of the season, in the words of football.london’s Rob Guest.
The 30-year-old – who has been hampered by a calf injury up to now this season – notably misplaced possession 22 instances from his 51 touches on the night time, whereas additionally finishing simply considered one of his 5 tried dribbles earlier than he was hooked within the closing phases.
That show might nicely have been anticipated on account of the ahead’s latest lack of motion, nonetheless, with it maybe unfair to guage the £13.5m-rated man too harshly as he steps up his return to full health.
The similar can’t be stated of teammate Hugo Lloris, nonetheless, with the long-serving Frenchman having little excuse for his worrying shows of late, after as soon as once more coming below hearth for his function within the away aspect’s opener final night time.
The 35-year-old ‘keeper was undone by a long-range strike from former Spurs youth product Marcus Edwards, with talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor suggesting that the veteran ace has “got to do better”.
Although the World Cup-winning stopper would go on to make a handful of usually important saves to maintain his aspect within the recreation, the 139-cap man additionally produced a rash second within the second half after charging out of his purpose at one stage, with journalist Jonathan Veal stating that the membership captain “had gone walkabout“.
The £100k-per-week chief had additionally grabbed the headlines for all of the unsuitable causes within the defeat to Newcastle United only a few days earlier, taking part in his half in Callum Wilson’s opener after failing to adequately clear his traces – albeit whereas probably being fouled – having then seen Miguel Almiron’s effort squirm beneath him quickly after.
Despite the skilled determine’s prolonged service for the membership over time – wherein he has racked up 433 appearances in all competitions since arriving a decade in the past – there might be considerations creeping in as as to if his powers are on the wane, with broadcaster Alan Brazil stating that he’s “worried” concerning the participant’s present type.
Amid latest discuss of a possible transfer for Atletico Madrid colossus, Jan Oblak, it stays to be seen simply what Lloris’ long-term future will probably be at Tottenham.
In the short-term, ought to Conte deem his skipper to have develop into one thing of a legal responsibility, the Italian might nicely must be ruthless and ditch the membership stalwart transferring ahead, beginning with Saturday’s journey to Bournemouth.