Michael Owen was critical of Matt Doherty’s ‘schoolboy’ defending during Tottenham’s 3-1 win against West Ham United on Sunday, as he told Premier League Productions.
After Spurs raced into a 2-0 lead in front of their own supporters, they were pegged back when Said Benrahma ghosted in at the far post following a corner.
It was Doherty who conceded the corner when he failed to deal with a ball over the top.
Initially, it looked like the 30-year-old had the situation under wraps and he was going to see the ball out for a goal kick, before his poor touch resulted in West Ham winning the corner.
Owen labelled the situation as a ‘silly mistake’ from Doherty and criticised him for that off-moment.
“You don’t make mistakes like this,” said Owen. “It’s schoolboy stuff. You make a silly mistake.
“I mentioned before the game, West Ham’s prowess from set-pieces and that’s how they got back into the game.
“Dawson is brilliant in the air and always a threat. Then Benrahma is sweeping up at the back. Sonny is on the back foot and he’s not really aware of his surroundings.”
Whilst Doherty will be disappointed with that moment, overall, his form has stepped up in Tottenham colours in recent weeks.
Signed up by Jose Mourinho, the Republic of Ireland international hasn’t found the form, on a consistent basis, that saw him win plaudits at Wolves.
Even the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo, who helped him produce such high levels of performances at Molineux, couldn’t get the best out of him.
That would have been a worrying sign for the player, but he has picked up of late, although, that doesn’t guarantee that he won’t be a transfer casualty in the summer.
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