Lucky to go in level. Hopefully Jose will give them a bollocking and it will be a much better 2nd half
Penalty. Handball by Andrade, who's booked. Didn't know a lot about it, but his hands are very, very high. Bale to take. 1-1. Excellent penalty. 1-1 HT. Very, very poor. I'd take off Ndombele and put Winks in with Hojbjerg. We've lost the midfield all day.
He's been poor. Adjusting to a new team and a new system after being settled at Wolves for years will be hard, though. He's not starting and he's missed a chunk of the season with COVID, but he needs to seriously up his game. I can see Mourinho sticking Tanganga in for him once everyone's fit if he doesn't.
This is why I thought it was a risky XI earlier. Not only are we risking key players we’ll be needing on Sunday but when you try going “too strong” in matches you’re expected to win comfortably it can have adverse affect on the mentality, this isn't just a Spurs thing, it’s a bigger club in general thing. Sometimes the best team is the one looking to prove themselves. It’s a real shame Vinigoal isn’t around but players like Dele, Clarke, Bergwijn and even Winks would be desperate to put in a strong performance in a game like this. Jose made 4 changes against Antwerp last time we played this poorly, wonder if he’s considering doing similar, his selection hasn’t worked so far.
Tuned in just in time for us conceding. I gather we've been **** then? Looks a fairly strong line up we've put out too. Ah well, it's an excuse for a midweek drink if nothing else.
Maybe we are seeing why Wolves were happy to sell him for £15m? Personally, I think he is struggling cos he had a really long season (wolves played there first EL match in July last season). He played a lot of games, had a short pre season, has had a couple of knocks and caught covid...think he just needs to get properly match fit.
The other bit of mitigation that I'd give Doherty is that he's playing behind Bale, who's not doing his job defensively. They're pushing down his side a lot and the wingback's not being challenged. Doherty's an attacking player and he's being forced back and having to deal with two men.
Doherty has been poor but so has Davidson IMO. Tanganga looks the most interested and Lucas always works hard but if you don't pass it accurately it doesn't matter how good you are on the ball.
Their corners are played into really dangerous areas, but nobody on either side seems to be able to read them.
