Bloody hell. Need a big drink after that!
What a game of football that was and I’ve got really conflicting reports.
We were obviously missing a few players and it was mainly in the midfield, which hurt us. Missing Fabinho alone can be damaging, but to miss Hendo, Thiago as well is just pain. That’s nothing against the lads who played today but it’s obviously disjointed.
When we don’t have control of the middle of the park the game just gets away from us.
Combine that with some honestly shocking refereeing decisions, then you’re clearly up against it.
We made it hard for ourselves at times, Alisson makes a mistake despite a plethora of world class saves I get all that. And I don’t normally complain about refs, but….where is the consistency? Why do we have ‘clear and obvious’ over common sense? Why is there no accountably? I can accept Robbo’s red if the darling of English media is also sent off. Maybe I’ve answered my own question there.
We’ve some of the best clubs in the world, with some of the best players, with one of the best potential title races in history, with the worst set of officials.
Alisson – 5/6/7/8 (Not the song)
Literally have no idea what the f*ck to give him tbh. The score could be a lot worse without him. Countless big saves throughout the game and we should be sat here thanking him. Unfortunately, it’s a mistake from him which sees Son score to make it 2-2.
Trent – 8
Instrumental, going forward and he won 6/8 ground duels so did he defensive duties too. Lovely assist for Robbo, just wish it was the winner.
Matip – 7
Completed most of his long balls and won most of his ground duels. We were exposed time and time again but I’m not sure that is just a criticism for Matip, and/or our defence.
Konate – 7
Spurs got in behind on numerous occasions and in Konatés defence, we didn’t have the best midfield in front of him. It could have been more if not for Alisson, but also Ibra. He made a string of crucial blocks during the game. Even went on a Joel Matip run at one point.
Robertson – No idea
Not a clue. The mixed bags of all mixed bags from Robbo today. Gets an assist for Jota, scores a goal to put us ahead and then makes a wild challenge, which to be fair if he got the ball, is a yellow. But as he misses and the ref was just making up rules, he was sent off.
Morton – 5.5
Context in important here. He’s a young lad thrust into an uncertain situation. Loads of lads missing and despite all our thoughts, Spurs are a good side. Levels about youth football anyway. We were clearly overrun for large parts and the midfield synergy was missing. Not his fault.
Milner – 6
The midfield as a whole wasn’t great today. Looked like they hadn’t played together before and it showed. Milner was caught out several times, passing was off and I expected a bit more leadership in the absence of Jordan Henderson.
Keita – 6
Same as above really. Lost out on a 50/50 with Winks which led to a goal purely because Winks wanted it more.
Mane – 6.5
Was the busier of the three up top by getting onto the ball a bit more and again, I can’t fault his efforts. We were dangerous down the left hand side. When we went forward.
Jota – 8
Biggest compliment I can give him is that he had little supply, hardly got a sniff and the rare occasion he did get, he caused issues. Lovely header to make it 1-1 and he should have had a penalty.
Salah – 6
Just couldn’t get into the game there could he? Midfield was all over the show which meant Mo and the others had to work harder to be involved in the game.
Subs
Firmino – n/a
Played half an hour, but only had 16 touches.
Tsimikas – n/a
Played 8 mins.
Gomez – n/a
Played injury time.
