Tim Sherwood has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 9:15AM) that Tottenham have a player in Emerson Royal that will “always let you down” after the Brazilian defender was shown a straight red card against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
Emerson, 23, has failed to win over Spurs fans since joining the club on deadline day in the summer of 2021. However, he continues to be first choice for Spurs – clocking up 51 league and cup appearances. On Saturday, he was sent off.
A report from Charlie Eccleshare earlier this season claimed that Tottenham wanted to sign a player to replace Emerson on the right, similar to Ivan Perisic. Instead, they have kept both Emerson and Matt Doherty, signing Djed Spence.
Spence has managed just one substitute outing, Doherty has warmed the bench and Emerson struggles in the starting XI. Now, he will be out for three games. Ex-Spurs boss Sherwood hammered the £26million signing following his red.
“The guy will let you down time and time again. He always has this rush of blood in him. Absolutely no need to do it, I do think it is a little bit harsh. But I don’t think you can argue with the decision,” Sherwood told TalkSPORT on Monday.
Sherwood: Tottenham defender Emerson will always let you down
There is evidence in Sherwood’s claim. Whether it be a mistake at the back. A lapse in concentration, or simply, a red card, Emerson has struggled in a Spurs shirt. If Tottenham are to rival Manchester City, Emerson does need replacing.
Perhaps, if Doherty can return to the form he showed under Conte during the second half of last season before injury – he could have a chance. Spence is a long-term project, and arguably should have gone on loan this season.
But Emerson is really struggling to show fans and Conte why he deserves to be the club’s first-choice right-back for the foreseeable. If Conte wanted to replace him beforehand, there is no doubt that he is a problem position now.
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