Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Five things that went wrong in Tottenham loss to Saints

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

3. Harry Winks and Pierre Hojbjerg lost the midfield battle

If fatigue wasn’t to blame for losing the midfield battle, I’m not sure what was. Pierre Hojbjerg and Harry Winks decisively lost the centre of the park, with Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse bossing proceedings.

What transpired, particularly in the first half, resembled the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal at Stamford Bridge when Oliver Skipp and Hojbjerg were played off the pitch. That, however, was more due to Chelsea’s numerical advantage, or so I thought.

Both Winks and Hojbjerg spent most of the time without the ball chasing shadows. Yes, Hojbjerg made an excellent play that led directly to Tottenham’s opening goal. But the pair was otherwise outmatched in almost every facet.

Hojbjerg’s touch was particularly off last night, which didn’t help matters. Don’t expect to see that same duo start together when Wolves comes knocking on Saturday. If Oliver Skipp is ready to go, expect him to join Rodrigo Bentancur at the heart of Tottenham’s midfield.

Both Hojbjerg and Winks clearly need a break and some time to reflect on what was one of their worst collaborative efforts of the season.

Home/Tottenham News