Tottenham Hotspur striker offered little as they chased the game against Watford.
Tottenham Hotspur slipped to defeat against Watford to suffer their first loss of the season.
Fernando Llorente was a late substitute as Spurs chased the game, but he struggled to make any impact.
Here are three observations from his efforts…
Tottenham need better
Llorente managed only six touches in 10 minutes for Spurs and did nothing to change the game in their favour.
The Spaniard struggled in his first season at Tottenham and there are no signs so far that this year will be any better.
The lack of a viable strike alternative places more pressure on star man Harry Kane, meaning he will play more than he needs to and risk injury, for which Spurs are not equipped to effectively handle.
Why did Mauricio Pochettino turn to him first?
It is a concern that at 2-1 down, Mauricio Pochettino decided Llorente was his best option off the bench and first substitution.
Danny Rose and Harry Winks came on after that.
Llorente is Tottenham’s only other striker or winger who was available.
If Erik Lamela was fit then he would have been brought on sooner.
Once again the Argentine’s brittle nature and poor luck with injuries is costing his team.
Son’s comeback is overdue
Heung-Min Son has been on international duty and his absence could have cost Spurs in this game.
He can play both out wide or up front and when he is back, Tottenham can alternate between the South Korean and Lucas Moura, keeping one as a game changing option off the bench.
Llorente can still have his chances, but he should be lower down the pecking order.
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