Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that Tottenham will fail to win any trophies if Antonio Conte continues to start France captain Hugo Lloris between the sticks – urging his old club to sign a new goalkeeper.
Lloris, 35, is in his 11th season with Tottenham since joining the club from Lyon in 2012. On Sunday, he clocked up his 432nd appearance for the North London club, as Spurs looked to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
But Lloris was at fault – or at least, involved in Newcastle’s first goal. His decision to come out of the penalty area to deal with a long ball saw him collide with Callum Wilson. The England striker reacted, chipping the ball into the net.
Ally McCoist said on Monday morning that he believes Wilson was clever, using his left arm to gain leverage. But McCoist is in the minority, with the overriding belief being that Lloris threw himself to the floor rather easily.
Ex-Tottenham attacker Crooks was particularly critical. He says that £100k-a-week Lloris was at fault, and claims that Spurs will struggle to end their 14-year wait for a trophy with the Frenchman between the sticks under Antonio Conte.
“Having played in Europe in midweek a point would have would have been a good result for Spurs. They also need a top class goalkeeper not a top class shot stopper. Spurs will win nothing with Hugo Lloris in goal,” Crooks said.
Crooks: Tottenham will fail to win any trophies if Lloris starts
It is harsh criticism on a goalkeeper that has legendary status from his time at Tottenham. The French goalkeeper has clocked up an enormous 148 clean sheets in his 432 Spurs games. A leader, remaining no.1 for 11 seasons.
But Lloris is renowned for being capable of a howler and Sunday was one. Regardless, of whether he was fouled or not, surely he should stay in his own box and allow Eric Dier to catch up. It was the wrong move to come out of his box.
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