Ally McCoist has handed out criticism to three Tottenham players on TalkSPORT, following Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea. McCoist was not impressed with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Matt Doherty.
Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win and while Spurs improved in the second half, they have been left with a mountain to climb in the second leg. Kai Havertz got the opener, before Ben Davies inadvertently scored an own goal.
It was, perhaps, a surprisingly lacklustre performance from Tottenham. They came into the match in good form, winning five of their eight Premier League matches – drawing the other three. They are in the top-four race.
They remain in the hunt for the Carabao Cup trophy, but hang by a thread with Thomas Tuchel’s side earning a solid first-leg lead. McCoist was critical of Spurs and named Skipp, Hojbjerg and Doherty as players who struggled.
“They were off it,” McCoist told TalkSPORT on Thursday. “Skipp and Hojbjerg, it was as if it was too quick for them, around them in the middle of the park. Doherty did not look comfortable on that left-hand side.”
McCoist on Tottenham trio: Skipp and Hojbjerg lack energy
There should be a degree of sympathy for Irish star Doherty, who was given the task of coping on his wrong side. He did look uncomfortable, but he was hardly the worst player on the pitch.
The difference between Spurs and Chelsea came in the middle of the park. The two-man pivot of Jorginho and Saul Niguez completely tore Skipp and Hojbjerg apart – with Saul arguably producing his best Chelsea display.
Antonio Conte will have to have a think going forward – especially with Spurs improving in the second 45. Harry Winks did well in the last 20 minutes, and that could be a change the Italian gaffer decides to make.
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