Tottenham Hotspur’s Kieran Trippier struggled at Chelsea last night.
Not only are Tottenham Hotspur’s title hopes effectively over, but their top four hopes are in some doubt after losing to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Pedro’s opener and a Kieran Trippier own goal consigned Tottenham to defeat at Stamford Bridge, making it two defeats in a row for Spurs.
With Arsenal and Manchester United both vying for the top four too, Spurs are at risk of slipping out, and changes need to be made this summer whether Tottenham qualify for the Champions League or not.
Their full backs are a major problem, a far cry from the swashbuckling duo of Kyle Walker and the Danny Rose of 2016. Even aside from his own goal, Trippier was disappointing once again.
The 28-year-old’s own goal was terrible enough, but his all-round display was symptomatic of an underwhelming season; it’s only Serge Aurier’s own struggles that have kept Trippier in the side.
Crossing aside, Trippier now offers little to Spurs. He’s not dynamic going forward, and he’s caught out regularly at the back. England’s hero from the World Cup last summer looks a shadow of that player with Spurs.
This summer, it’s time for Spurs to move on. Enough is enough, Trippier needs to be replaced. It may take some juggling with Aurier and Kyle Walker-Peters also at the club, but none of them have staked their claim – and a big signing may be needed.
Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be perfect, bringing outstanding pace as well as impressive defensive ability for a former winger, and at just 21 he could be Tottenham’s right back for years to come.
The Eagles wouldn’t sell Wan-Bissaka easily, and Spurs would have to dig deep to get him. Yet after another Trippier horror show this season, it’s clear that Spurs need to do something – and Wan-Bissaka should be a top target.
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