Hoddle praises one new Spurs signing who made ‘the difference’ in Chelsea draw

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea midfielder, Glenn Hoddle has praised Ivan Perisic for his splendid cameo after being substituted on in the final period of yesterday’s 2-2 draw with the Blues. 

Tottenham held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw on the day with Harry Kane’s help as he scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 96th minute.

Perisic curled in an excellent delivery into a dangerous area with his weaker left foot that set up the talisman to give them a valuable point on the road at Stamford Bridge.

The Croat started the London derby on the bench but was brought on for the final ten minutes in place of Son Heung-Min. However, the former Inter Milan ace slotted in as a left wing-back as Richarlison had already replaced Ryan Sessegnon in the 57th minute.

Despite having little time to make a significant impact, Perisic enjoyed a great spell for Spurs. His crossing, in particular, raised the threat posed by the North London outfit as they put Thomas Tuchel’s side under heavy pressure towards the tail end of the match.

Hoddle has now claimed that Perisic was an improvement on Son when it came to set-pieces on the day, particularly during corner kicks.

The former England international also conveyed that the Croatian international is a great acquisition for Antonio Conte’s team as he adds to their quality.

Hoddle told Optus Sport (14/08/22): “Son has been the corner taker for Tottenham, right foot, left foot, he takes all the corners. He’s not on the pitch.

“Perisic comes on and upped the ante. His quality of corners – left and right, got better. That’s the difference. Harry can’t head that ball in without that quality of cross. As a manager you think, yes, we have improved the squad.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Son has been Tottenham’s go-to corner kick taker for quite a long time. However, it was widely accepted among the supporters that his deliveries could use considerable improvements moving forward.

The South Korean did improve his corners last season, but they are still not always up to par as was evident against the west London club. Having Perisic within the team could solve that issue, with his ability to pick out teammates with inswingers from both feet.

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