Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Aston Villa in the Premier League at the weekend.
After an impressive start, Tottenham have now lost three league games in a row and beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys slammed them for their game management against the West Midlands club.
Tottenham have impressed one and all with their expansive approach this season. They have played a free-flowing attacking style of football. While it has rewarded them with goals and points, it has also cost them against teams like Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Keys believes that Tottenham should have managed the game better and kept hold of the ball during the closing stages of the first half. Going into halftime with a lead would have given them a huge morale boost. Instead, Tottenham conceded in stoppage time of the first half and that lifted Aston Villa’s spirits heading into halftime.
Meanwhile, Keys also slammed Tottenham’s summer signing Guglielmo Vicario, who seemed quite proactive in his approach during the game. The Italian was always on the front foot trying to carve out transitions for his side with quick switches of play and initiating attacking moves from the deep.
Keys believes that the Italian should have taken a calmer approach and held on to the ball so that his team could have preserved their lead heading into halftime.
Keys wrote in his blog: “It couldn’t have been an easy day at Spurs, but they shouldn’t have lost to Villa,” said Keys. “Having said that – Villa were top class. Ollie Watkins’ finish was as good as you’ll see. Terrific.
“But Spurs were so naïve again. What was the keeper doing bouncing around in his area trying to get them on the front foot deep in first-half stoppage time? Calm down, man. Keep the ball. Get in one-up. Manage the game. Do all of the things you didn’t do v Chelsea.
“But oh no. They did it again. They were reckless. I know Ange ‘it’s what we are mate’, but you won’t be joining the big boys unless you’re more professional. I grant you – the way Spurs play can be enjoyable to watch, but it won’t bring success.
“I don’t buy the fact that they were short yesterday. If they get in one-up the second half is different.”
Tottenham had similar issues against Chelsea where the Blues exploited their attacking intent and thrashed them 4-1.
There is no doubt that Tottenham have an exciting philosophy under their new manager but they will have to find a balance between their offensive and defensive play so that they can grind out results against the top teams.
