Sky pundit makes claim about Tottenham & Everton duo after shock Luxembourg defeat

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If Matt Doherty thinks he has endured some nightmare moments with Tottenham this season, well it went to another level with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening as they fell to a shock defeat to Luxembourg.

Everton stalwart, Seamus Coleman and Spurs defender, Doherty watched on as Gerson Rodrigues wrote his name in the history books and scored a thunderous 25-yard winner five minutes from time in the World Cup qualifier.

Phil Babb told Sky Sports during their live coverage of the World Cup qualifier that playing the Tottenham and Everton duo in the same team isn’t working.

“I think it’s extremely difficult now to qualify,” said Babb. “We have got six months before the Portugal game in September – I think you have to look as far ahead as 2024. 

“We are relying on the old guard. Seamus Coleman is one of the best 32-year-old’s. Brilliant captain.

“But, again tonight, with him and Doc (Doherty) in the same team. It’s not working.

“If we don’t qualify for this World Cup then I think it might be time just to change, not just him, but there are other elder statesmen in that squad that probably need to hold their hands up and say ‘yes, we have had a go and it’s not worked'”.

Given that both Coleman and Doherty’s natural positons are playing as a right-sided fullback, it does put the Republic of Ireland boss in a spot of bother.

After trying various roles during previous international matches, Stephen Kenny has now opted to play Doherty as a wing-back, with Coleman on the right side of a back three.

But despite changing formations and adding in wing-backs, it hasn’t changed Ireland’s fortunes and they have probably just witnessed the worst night in their history.

Whilst Coleman has credit in the bank for what he has done on the international stage, the same cannot be said for Tottenham’s summer signing, who is still trying to find his feet on the big stage.

Kenny is yet to win a game since taking over from Mick McCarthy, and with two defeats from their opening two World Cup qualifiers, it’s probably game over already in trying to reach Qatar 2022.