Tottenham Hotspur failed to win for the 24th time in 35 Premier League matches yesterday, being held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals West Ham United.
Ange Postecoglou’s side went ahead early on through Wilson Odobert, but were unable to hold on to claim a rare three points after Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser.
Given the lack of importance to the fixture with nothing left to play for in the league, it’s no surprise that the Lilywhites failed to deliver, with all eyes on the Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.
However, the remaining outings give the manager an opportunity to evaluate his first-team squad ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window in North London.
Numerous players will likely be moved on from the club, with investment and changes desperately needed if they are to reach the heights they have done in previous years.
Spurs’ poor performers against West Ham
Yves Bissouma produced an excellent showing against Bodo Glimt on Thursday, but the same can’t be said about his display against the Hammers yesterday.
The Malian featured for the entirety of the contest, but lost possession ten times and failed to complete any of his dribbles – looking extremely wasteful with the ball at his feet.
Fellow midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has struggled to match his high levels of performance after his recent injury layoff, with his showing in East London another cause for concern.
The Swede lost 12 duels during the draw – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also completing just one of his six attempted dribbles, unable to catapult the side to all three points.
However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other Spurs star struggled to make an impact, potentially ending his stint at the club ahead of next season.
The Spurs who needs to be sold after a 4/10 display
No Spurs fan could’ve envisaged how poor the current campaign has been, but a repeat simply can’t happen next season, with huge work needing to be done during the off-season.
Incomings and outgoings are needed across the board, with owner Daniel Levy needing to put his hand in his pocket to hand Postecoglou the tools he needs.
Given the lack of spending from the board in recent years, it’s likely that sales will be needed, resulting in the manager cutting a lot of the deadwood currently on the books in North London.
One of those who should be sold is striker Richarlison, who failed to take advantage of the start handed to him against the Hammers yesterday afternoon.
The Brazilian only managed to register a total of 22 touches during the draw – a tally lower than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who notched a total of 44, highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.
He also only managed to post a tally of four passes completed, and failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, leading to his withdrawal in the 68th minute.
Richarlison was also caught offside twice during the contest, unable to direct any of his efforts on goal and deserving of his substitution – subsequently replaced by youngster Mikey Moore.
Minutes played
68
Touches
22
Pass completed
4/10 (40%)
Dribbles completed
0/2 (0%)
Times caught offside
2
Shots on target
0
Possession lost
11x
As a result of his showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by London World’s Tony Bryant – topping off what was a disappointing showing at the London Stadium.
After such a showing, it’s evident that he doesn’t have the tools required for a side needing to return to the top level after a hugely embarrassing season in the Premier League.
If the side are to jump back up the standings, departures are needed, with Richarlison needing to be one of the first to be sacrificed by Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy.
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