Watford V Spurs the frustration draws on for Pochettino.
Watford held on for a draw against visitors Tottenham yesterday, despite taking an early lead at Vicarage Road, much to the frustration of boss Pochettino.
Kasabele put the Hornets ahaead after just 13 minutes, with a well placed cross from Tom Cleverley. Spurs equalised just twelve minutes later, Korean Star Heung-Min Son hit the net. From there it was stalemate.
Poor form from Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen has seen a period of frustration, echoing the six successive draws of last season. Arguably, those dropped twelve points lost contributed to fellow Londoners Chelsea’s title win. Spurs are now fifteen points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
It was a respectable result, despite playing with ten men. Davinson Sanchez was sent off for his raising his arm to Richarlison. The usually calm Pochettino was incensed at the sending off, which appeared harsh. The red card ruined a near perfect record of challenges for Sanchez, who was so far unbooked in the Premier League.
Tottenham’s ten man hang on
The hornets fought hard. However, even though playing ten men, could not convert any chances, failing to make an impact with service from the midfield area.
Even the introduction of Erik Lamela failed to inspire the usually deadly midfield, and failed to penetrate Watford defence.
The deadlock continued after the break in a dull and lacklustre match. This appears now to be the norm for Spurs, who’ve had a succession of similar performances against the lies of Swansea, West Brom and now Watford.
Costly draws for Tottenham Hotspur
Fans and club know that another succession of draws will prevent the North Londoners from launching any serious challenge for the title. With ties now with Brighton and Stoke, all six points are vital for Spurs as they prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Spurs have already lost the same number of league games as last season. Not good reading for fans and club, who hoped they could bring silverware to the new stadium next year. At the very least a Champions League spot.
Dips in form from midfielders, including maestro Christian Eriksen, are a contributing factor to the slide. Both have looked idealess and detached since the 3-1 thrashing of Real Madrid. Increasing fan frustration, piling more pressure on the Argentinian Manager.
Without the excellence of Alli and Eriksen, Spurs indeed look like the ‘Harry Kane Team.’ A tag despised by fans and club, which sprung from the mouth of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Eriksen clearly is fatigued whilst Dele Alli hasn’t reached the peak of his talents this season in general. It could be said that talks of transfers to Barcelona and Real Madrid have unsettled the pair.
It’s unclear why it’s become normality for Spurs to struggle in the Premier League. Its defensive wall, minus stalwart Alderwiereld perhaps isn’t as strong. Some argue the of absence of Victor Wanyama in such games, unlocks entry between the midfield and the back three. However, Spurs beat Real Madrid without injured Wanyama.
“It’s good for the group try and learn”
Mauricio Pochettino speaking to BBC Sport said; “We’re in a period now that we are suffering things against us. It’s good for the group to try and learn. It’s a long term project. It will be good for the future.”
When asked about dismissal of Davinson Sanchez, he replied “I think it wasn’t intentional for Davinson to do what he did. I am not going not to talk about the refereeing decision anymore.”
Both sides complained about Martin Atkinson, who is used to controversy. He recently failed to send of Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for an obvious foul on Stoke’s Mame Biram.
Referreing decisions aside, Spurs face a tough battle to stay in contention for top four places. The Manchester City clash is regarded as marker for the remainder of Tottenham’s Premier League campaign.
?️ Sonny: "Of course it's tough times, but we need to keep together – we are one team with the fans." #COYS pic.twitter.com/HqYn1TXa4B
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 3, 2017