Premier League legend Alan Shearer has criticised Tottenham’s record signing Dominic Solanke for missing a huge chance in the derby against Arsenal.
Tottenham dominated proceedings against Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou’s men created a lot of chances but they were not clinical enough in front of goal. Despite all the possession they had and the chances they created, David Raya had a rather comfortable evening in between the sticks.
Despite being without Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, Mikel Arteta’s team managed to get the desired result as Gabriel Magalhaes headed home a corner in the second half to secure all three points for his team. But, things could have been much different had Tottenham’s summer signing Dominic Solanke made the most of the golden opportunity that he had in the first half of the game.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer wasn’t pleased with the 27-year-old striker’s performance and questioned if he is really a top player who can help them take the next step.
While speaking on Premier League Productions (15/09/24 at 2:55 pm), the competition’s record goal-scorer said: “You have got ten yards where there is no defender that can get to you,”
“You don’t need three touches which is what he tried to do.
“The really top players take one touch, move it out of their feet and get the shot away at goal.”
A mistake from the Arsenal backline resulted in a massive opportunity for Solanke in the first half of the derby. He had a great chance to score his first goal for the club following his club-record £65 million move. He could have given Spurs the lead as he received the ball on the edge of the box after an error from the Gunners’ defence.
The 27-year-old was under no pressure whatsoever, he had acres of space in front of him but Solanke couldn’t make the most out of it as he took three touches and allowed the Arsenal defenders to get back and dispossess him.
Shearer suggested a real top striker would have taken a touch and pushed the ball away creating an opportunity to strike the ball before any defensive cover could come in his way.
