Opinion: Four Tottenham players who let the side down against West Ham
Tottenham were held to a frustrating draw against West Ham United, but beyond the result, it was the underwhelming performances of certain individuals that left a sour taste. Here are four players who let Tottenham down against West Ham United.
Tottenham Hotspur were held to their fifth draw of the Premier League season by Graham Potter’s West Ham United when the two sides met at the London Stadium.
It was a case of 16th versus 17th with nothing but pride to play for. Tottenham did take an early lead with Wilson Odobert putting them ahead, after he slotted the ball past Alphonse Areola in the opening fifteen minutes.
But West Ham United responded before the halftime break, with Jarrod Bowen – a player Tottenham have been linked with – slotting in from a tight angle, beating Guglielmo Vicario at his near post.
For a derby matchup, there is a strong feeling that a few Tottenham players could have done a lot better than what was on display on Sunday afternoon.
Here are four players who let Tottenham down against West Ham United.
Guglielmo Vicario makes yet another error
Guglielmo Vicario is top of our list for players who disappointed on Sunday, and it is pretty obvious why, with the goalkeeper continuing to make errors every single gameweek in the Premier League.
This run stretches back to the Wolves tie in the League, where he was responsible for two of their goals.
Since then, it has been errors of all magnitudes – either with his dealing of crosses, his playing out from the back, and even the basic goalkeeping things he now cannot do well, as Bowen beat the Italian from an angle that you would back the goalie 95% of the time.
It simply is not good enough. His level needs to be raised if he is to compete at this level. In fact, there is a case to be made that Antonin Kinsky should be given a chance in the next league games.
Ben Davies is losing the reliability tag
Ben Davies’ contract is set to expire soon, and with the performances we have been witnessing of late, it is hard to see how he is handed a new deal.
Of course, for most of his time at Tottenham, the defender has often been tagged as Mr Reliable, as he often gives you 100% regardless of his role or the position he plays.
But in recent weeks, there has been a significant drop-off in his performances, and Sunday was yet another example, as the defender had a horror showing in the first forty-five minutes, with West Ham United looking to attack down his wing for most of it.
The Welshman simply needs to improve, or Tottenham should get an upgrade, because at this level, consistency is of great importance.
Djed Spence’s form dips as the defender plays without passion
Djed Spence has been one of Tottenham’s bright sparks this season, with the defender managing to claw his way back into the manager’s plans.
But there is a feeling that his level has dropped too, and that was glaring for West Ham’s equaliser, as the defender did not even bother to track Bowen’s run.
That sort of lazy defending was not associated with the full-back earlier in the season, and with squad selections now hinting that he is the starting full-back in the dead rubber Premier League games, it looks like the defender has lost his desire and drive.
That needs to improve because Destiny Udogie could still pick up an injury, and Spence would need to come in for him in the Europa League ties.
Dejan Kulusevski’s form has nosedived at crucial time
Dejan Kulusevski has arguably been one of Tottenham Hotspur’s better players this season, but his performances in recent weeks have not inspired confidence at all.
Yes, the midfielder is running and showing desire, but the creativity is lacking. Against the Hammers on Sunday, the Swede failed to have any significant impact – he failed to create any real chance and spent more time on the ground than playing actual football.
He has looked a shadow of his old self, and of course, there is some sympathy for him, as his last injury seems to have disrupted his rhythm.
James Maddison looks like he could be out for the rest of the season, and with Kulusevski’s recent performances, one can only fear the worst. It was disappointing to watch that performance against West Ham.
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