4 non-negotiable starters for Tottenham vs Man City

2. Oliver Skipp

Yep. I will be the first to say it, playing Oliver Skipp in an unnatural left-back position still beats playing Emerson Royal there.

Emerson Royal has cost Spurs way too much with his recent shameful performances. Therefore, Ange Postecoglou trialed Skipp as the full-back against Burnley and to his surprise, Skipp worked out much better there than Royal. It is no surprise, since Skipp is the more mature player of the two, despite being the youngest.

It seems strange to call Oliver Skipp a non-negotiable starter, considering he has only started five Premier League games for Tottenham this season. However, context matters and in this context, with Destiny Udogie injured, Tottenham need a capable full-back and unfortunately, Emerson Royal isn't that.

Needless to say, Spurs do not yet understand their strongest defence. However, if something is working, then Ange must continue to trial it.

Continued on the next slide...