Jamie O’Hara rips Davinson Sanchez, Emerson Royal for their defending in loss to Southampton

Tottenham Hotspur is fighting at least three other clubs for a top-four spot to clinch a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. As a result, any poor performance will be scrutinized more because pundits will magnify dropping points if those around them are leaping over them.

Spurs saw their 2-1 lead evaporate to Southampton, where The Saints scored two goals in five minutes in the latter stages of the second half. After the Tottenham backline allowed goals from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Che Adams, the north London club’s defense was under scrutiny. 

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara had two targets that he went after for the poor defensive performance by Spurs on Wednesday night. Emerson Royal and Davinson Sanchez were at the forefront of O’Hara’s criticism following the loss to Southampton.

“The defending at the back was shocking,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT. “Honestly… £45million for [Sanchez]. £32m for Royal! It’s embarrassing. We had a great opportunity [Wednesday night], Spurs, great opportunity. We dropped points.

“Fair play, Southampton were good. They kept going, and [James] Ward-Prowse was fantastic. They will keep having a go at you and digging away. As soon as we scored, we took our foot off the gas and conceded again.

Tottenham will hope to bounce back this weekend when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to north London. Spurs sit four points out of a top-four spot that West Ham United occupies.