If Aurier had his way, Tottenham’s CL campaign would be dead and buried

Despite Serge Aurier’s inadequacies and overall ineptitude, Tottenham were able to overcome his woeful individual performance to earn a deserved 2-2 draw in Turin. 

Aurier, with an abominable display in Turin, played himself out of contention for any forthcoming important matches. Professional footballers are human so it would be unfair to expect them to play like robots.

Everybody has to endure a bad day at the office once in a while. But if I had the kind of abject day that embodied Aurier’s performance at Allianz Stadium last night I wouldn’t have a job to go back to. And nor should he.

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While his technical skills leave a lot to be desired, I’m more concerned about his decision-making ability. The most infamous moment came in first half injury time, as Spurs had just clawed their way back into the contest courtesy of a Harry Kane goal. Momentum had shifted, clearly favouring the away side.

Until Aurier scissor kicked Douglas Costa down in the box for a stonewall penalty, that is. Costa, like a cheetah racing a sloth, burst by Aurier who inexplicably cut the Brazilian down blatantly from behind. Aurier’s moment of madness should have been punished to the full extent of the law, but Gonzalo Higuaín, by smashing his second penalty off the crossbar, offered Tottenham a lifeline.

The 25-year-old was glaringly inferior in every aspect. He was technically inept, his crossing was abysmal and he’s unable to take his opposite number on in a one-on-one situation. And that’s just speaking of his offensive inadequacies.

I would have been able to forgive him if that incident was the Ivorian’s sole indiscretion. Unfortunately for Spurs, it certainly wasn’t.

The Gazetta rated Aurier as the worst player on the pitch, a sentiment I concur with wholeheartedly.

While Ben Davies conceded a penalty seven minutes before Aurier felled Costa, the Welshman’s foul wasn’t nearly as cynical, blatant or ill-advised. Looking up to get a measure of the ball, Davies was unaware of his surroundings and unfortunately mis-timed the challenge by the narrowest of margins. It was, admittedly, a mistake, but not, like Aurier’s, of such an egregious nature.

Mauricio Pochettino rarely steps a foot wrong, but starting the Ivorian instead of Kieran Trippier was a clear error in judgement. It’s not the first time Aurier has failed his teammates, either. Look back to the West Ham match in September, when Aurier was sent off for the red-card worthy incident.

The brakes need to be applied regarding this disconcerting trend.

Next: Player ratings in epic 2-2 draw at Juventus

Spurs somehow managed to claw their way back from two goals down despite Aurier’s appalling, mistake-riddled outing.

On the back of that unforgivable display, surely it’s the last time we’ll see Aurier selected for future meaningful matches.