Three worrying signs for Tottenham after third straight league loss
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham lost their third Premier League match on the bounce, going down without a fight in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
The recent slide has put a significant dent in the club’s top four aspirations. And based on recent performances, Spurs have no business thinking about Champions League football.
Numerous disconcerting signs are creeping into proceedings at Tottenham Hotspur Way, with Antonio Conte scratching his head at the bewilderments he is witnessing from the touchline.
Today marked the first time since December 1998 that Spurs went down two goals in first 20 minutes of a home Premier League encounter, a stat that will enrage the gaffer.
Here’s three signs the Italian maestro should be incredibly concerned about going into the business end of the season.
3. Discord and discontent within the ranks
One of the first signs of a side struggling is seeing clear discord on the pitch between teammates. One player getting annoyed at another is a common occurrence, a byproduct of participating in an ultra competitive environment.
Spurs discontent is much more widespread than an occurrence in silo. You can visibly see players angrily gesturing to one another throughout matches, particularly during this afternoon’s abject 2-0 loss to Wolves. Davinson Sanchez and Harry Winks are embroiled in a continued dispute, while even newbie Rodrigo Bentancur got in on the act, showing his disapproval of teammates on numerous occasions.
At least the Uruguayan is showing some passion, something Conte will appreciate. The entire rearguard is out of sorts, with each one pointing the finger at another. The same pervading hostility was on display in the midweek loss to Southampton, with Emerson Royal, Sanchez and Davies squabbling.