A Liverpool legend is appalled by what two Tottenham players were doing in the second-half during the Reds’ 3-1 Carabao Cup win over the Lilywhites at Anfield.
Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the third round after continuing their Anfield curse on Tuesday night, thus further piling the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi.
However, the Tottenham boss had reasons to be encouraged by his team’s attacking display, with the away side fashioning several great chances.
Spurs’ poor finishing, some great saves by Giorgi Mamardashvili in the Liverpool goal, and some questionable defending saw them fall to their third defeat in six games across all competitions this season.
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Tottenham duo Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur criticised for their roles in Liverpool’s second goal
While De Zerbi did stress the positives in his post-match press conference, the Spurs head coach did concede that his side should have done better for Alexis Mac Allister’s and Cody Gakpo’s goals.
Robbie Fowler was particularly shocked by the lack of effort from the Spurs players in the lead-up to Gakpo’s strike, accusing Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur of standing still rather than putting pressure on the Dutchman.
The Liverpool legend said on ITV’s coverage about the home side’s second goal: “There are too many Tottenham players standing around. You know when Gakpo has the ball that he’s going to cut inside, but you see Bergvall, and you see Bentancur just standing there. Just go across and make his job harder.”
Bergvall is still learning his ropes in central midfield
According to reports, Bergvall only changed his mind and signed a new Spurs contract after De Zerbi agreed to play him in central midfield.
The attacking midfielder was allegedly not pleased with being used as a number 10 or off the left at times last season, which is why he was seeking a move in the summer.
While the Swede’s potential is undoubtedly massive, it is clear he still needs to improve a lot, particularly defensively, if he wants to play in the double pivot.