Tim Sherwood has chastised Tottenham’s midfielders for allowing Fulham’s attackers to run into the box unopposed, pointing out that assistant coach Ryan Mason was shouting at them to put more pressure on the opponents.
Except for a couple of Tottenham players, practically everyone else had a forgettable afternoon at Craven Cottage, failing to make an impact on the game.
The home team had far more fire and determination than Ange Postecoglou’s players, and their 3-0 victory was well-deserved, especially given their dominant second-half performance.
The disparity in energy levels and focus was most noticeable in the middle of the park, where Yves Bissouma, in particular, appeared to be completely unprepared.
Ryan Mason had to point out some obvious Spurs faults.
Sherwood was harshly critical of Bissouma and his teammates for allowing Sasa Lukic to run into the area unchecked in the buildup to the home team’s second goal, pointing out that Mason was dissatisfied with what he saw.
The analyst told Premier League Productions (16/03 at 7:45 pm): “You can’t abandon the middle of the park like that. Maddison is too far forward. Bissouma is nowhere to be found and has crossed over to this side. Sarr is on this side.
“He has the entire park to himself. Ryan Mason is pointing this out since it is evident to everyone. The boys must recognise this on the field. The manager cannot accomplish everything.
“It’s a satisfactory conclusion in the end. But you leave the middle of the park open. We talk about Tottenham attempting to put pressure on them; it was pretty awful defending from Tottenham, but you have to give credit to Lukic. He rushed into the box. Even after that, Bissouma had to follow him inside. “He almost watches him leave.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Bissouma has appeared underwhelming after returning from the African Cup of Nations. Perhaps he has an injury, or he is simply tired. The former Brighton star could do with a few weeks on the bench, especially with Bentancur waiting in the wings.
