Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.
Alan Shearer has criticised Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to field an under-strength Tottenham Hotspur side in the Carabao Cup as their chances of Premier League glory thinned on Saturday.
Spurs suffered a 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes that their title hopes have already taken to much damage, despite it being so early in the season.
Without the hope of lifting a Premier League trophy, Shearer has blasted Pochettino for his decision to field a second-string side that lost 3-2 to West Ham last week in the Carabao Cup as he believes Spurs need a trophy to reach the next level.
Shearer claimed in his Sun column that Jose Mourinho used Carabao Cup success as a springboard, and Spurs have missed a trick by placing all their eggs in the Premier League basket.
“Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to play an under-strength side in the Carabao Cup look an even greater misjudgment than it did at the time,” Shearer said. “I don’t doubt he will probably do the same in the FA Cup as well.
“Eight points behind this Manchester City side is something to make up. Put simply, City would have to lose at least three games and right now they don’t look like losing one.
“The League Cup was also the springboard in both of Jose Mourinho’s terms at Chelsea. Twice at Stamford Bridge he went on to win the League in the same season after the League Cup had been won.
“Success has a habit of breeding success and, despite all the plaudits for Pochettino, he is going to need some.”
Now in third place in the Premier League, Spurs sit three points behind United and eight behind City ahead of Sunday’s league clash against London rivals Crystal Palace.
However, Pochettino must tend with the matter of facing Champions League holders Real Madrid at Wembley on Wednesday night before putting things right in the league.
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