Tottenham star claims match against Man City was a turning point for him

Emerson Royal has admitted that his performance in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Manchester City was a major turning point for him as that is when things started to click.

Quite a few eyebrows were raised when Spurs decided to offload Matt Doherty and Djed Spence to make way for Pedro Porro in January while hanging on to Emerson.

However, the Brazilian has vindicated the club’s decision by managing to completely turn around his Spurs career and had been deservedly keeping Porro out of Tottenham’s starting eleven.

It was the game against Man City that kickstarted his turnaround, with the 23-year-old putting in a defensive masterclass against Jack Grealish.

Emerson then followed that up with a Man of the Match performance against West Ham and was also one of Tottenham’s best players in their 2-0 win over Chelsea.

When asked if the City game was the turning point for him, the right-back told the club’s official website: “Yes, definitely.

“It was a huge game at home in front of our fans just after we played at their place – where I scored – and unfortunately lost.

“I’d say, after that away match, something clicked for me, and people started to speak positively about me again.

“You could see that at home, the team had the support from the fans, and they showed their confidence in me.”

Emerson also opened up on the influence of his two compatriots, Lucas Moura and Richarlison, and also revealed that Cristian Romero has also been of great help to him.

When asked about the Brazilian duo, he said: “They’re both incredible players – two of the best. It is a great pleasure to share the pitch with them.

“Richarlison has only just got here but he already has a very important role to play here. Lucas is a very experienced player, and he helps us a lot.

“Richarlison and I are quite similar in the sense that we’re both young at heart, he is a young player, and we get on well together.

“The same with Lucas, but he is more of a father for me and Richarlison. During the times that us two get annoyed, Lucas is the one to calm us down.

“Given that mix, I’d say that both have played a very important role in helping me get to the level I’m currently at.

“(Cristian) Romero too – he has helped me a lot on and off the pitch. He is a great guy. It’s an honour to play with them all.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have never really had any concerns regarding Emerson’s defending and some of the flak he was getting was definitely over the top.

So, I’m glad that he is now playing well and proving his critics wrong.

I also do not think that the 23-year-old has answered all questions about his shortcomings going forward when playing as a wing-back.

However, if Conte leaves in the summer and we bring in a manager who plays with a back four, there is no doubt that the Brazilian is going to be a big asset to the side.

Related Topics