The Scot was less than impressed by Spurs’ capitulation
Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur’s end-of-season capitulation in the Premier League was “unacceptable”.
Two weeks after spurning a two-goal lead at Chelsea in a result which ended their title hopes, Spurs went to Newcastle United looking to salvage something other than their Champions League qualification spot as a bit of local pride was up for grabs.
Tottenham knew that a point at St James’s Park would see them finish second in the Premier League table, and above North London enemies Arsenal for the first time in 21 years – but it all went horribly wrong.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost 5-1 to 10-man Newcastle, a side who will ply their trade in the Championship next season, as Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 to secure the bragging rights against all odds on the final day.
Victory at home to Southampton nine days ago would have virtually secured second spot, but they lost 2-1 to the Saints, and Souness refuses to accept the way in which they finished off what once looked like a hugely promising campaign.
“The manager is angry a bit. This has given the manager a chance to point out that unless you’re totally switched on mentally, you won’t win games at this level,” he said to Sky Sports.
“They knocked off completely if they’re losing 5-1 to a relegated side.
“They went through the motions – that’s unacceptable. It is an opportunity to learn that knocks do come along. But the big players bounce back immediately. That’s what Tottenham have to learn.”
The Lilywhites took just two points from a possible 12 in the final stretch.
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