Vertonghen who lost Kouyate for that header which crashed against the cross bar. Without Toby - your players always look behind the shoulder. Every team's solidity is built from the back. Toby is so crucial. More power to you. Someone who sees the facts and truth of your fortunate run.
We had this around 12 months ago too. However any excuses such as not being attuned to what the manager wants do not wash. The players are not doing what they did last season, and the manager does not appear to instil the fear of God in the squad should they repeatedly not deliver. This is the first week for a long time that Pochettino is really under the microscope.
I hate to say this against this crowd, but we've been 2nd best all over the pitch. Having a bad game is one thing, but lacking effort and being bullied out of it is not acceptable. Winks has been something of a bright light, but that's really being generous. Attitude as well as ability is in need of an upgrade!!
I expect a massive response second half. If not, serious questions will start being asked... justifiably
If I was on that team sheet today I would 100% amped given how the other results went earlier. No other incentive needed to put in a big performance today.
No changes at half-time. Hopefully the players got a good kick up the arse. Can't see anything improving til we use the bench, though.
I have often said that losing ain't an issue. It happens. But not being arsed is a big issue. And too many of the players and the management team give that impression. If a player is not delivering then bench him. Bentaleb and Townsend were got rid of because they did not toe the line but Eriksen keeps his place despite not delivering so what are the management doing keeping him playing every week? Unless his brief is " do sod all" he can not be toeing the line! Too many of our players like to talk at the moment with out delivering a decent performance. Only Dele and the defence can say they have delivered consistently this season. Some can't even say they have delivered in a single match
