Jamie Redknapp accused Spurs of lacking personality after Manchester United struck late to move three points clear of Mauricio Pochettino’s side at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Anthony Martial secured the points after some slack defending by Spurs however probably the biggest talking point pre-game was of course Harry Kane’s absence and how Spurs would cope without their in-form forward.
We have taken nine from 48 potential points on the road against the so-called big six Premier League clubs since Mauricio took over, and speaking after the game on Sky Sports, Redknapp criticised Tottenham for lacking belief.
‘They were a little bit ‘tippy-tappy’ at times,’ Redknapp said. ‘There were times when they could have got a the United back four, but elected to go back and play safe.
‘I still feel they haven’t got the personality to win these types of games yet.’
We only tested United ‘keeper David De Gea four times from our 13 efforts, with the only really decent chance falling to Dele Alli, who couldn’t get a solid boot to a Christian Eriksen lofted pass.
United were just as unproductive however substitute Martial latched on to a Lukaku flick to strike the fatal blow.
Kane was a big miss for Spurs, undoubtedly, but Redknapp and fellow Sky pundit Graeme Souness were unrepentant in their criticism of Mauricio’s men.
‘When Spurs play with Harry Kane it’s a different proposition altogether,’ Redknapp added. ‘But you’re missing the point if you think Kane’s absence is the problem. This has been a feature in so many of Spurs’ games against the top six.
‘There are so many games where he (Kane) has played, and Spurs lack the personality that I’m talking about.
Redknapp continued: “They’ve not been good enough. Not just today, it’s too regular. If they want to get there, they have to make that change. Otherwise it will be the same old story.’
The report adds that Mauricio was quick to promote calmness around the result and was ‘proud’ of his team’s efforts however Souness jumped on-board Redknapp’s criticisms of Spurs adding: “You’ve got to damage these sides,’ he said. ‘Don’t get beat in a game like this today. That’s what the championship-winning teams do. They don’t get beat. They’ve come here without their best game changer. Don’t get beat.
‘It’s not just about the points, it’s about planting the seed in your rivals to say your every bit as good as them. If not better than them.’
A 1-0 defeat away to a team that hasn’t dropped home points yet. They were matched toe to toe for the majority of the game and one error cost us. If this was a defeat to one of the lower teams I’d be a bit concerned but this is Mourinho’s United we are talking about. Let us know your thoughts. Is Souness and Redknapp’s heavy criticism justified or are they being overly harsh?
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