Former England star Stuart Pearce has pinpointed Tottenham Hotspur’s “weaknesses”, highlighting Cristian Romero’s “horrible” behavior against Manchester United.
The Argentina international could only watch along with the rest of Spurs’ backline as Amad Diallo’s floated cross was headed in by Brian Mbeumo, who made no mistake. It was a frustrating first half for Thomas Frank’s side, who were once again insensitive. The progress made in the 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen appeared to have disappeared in the Premier League.
However, unlike against Chelsea last weekend, Spurs fought back against Man United and substitute Matthijs Tell quickly equalized. Setting up a grandstand finish in the 84th minute, the young forward ran off in celebration before Richarlison thought he had stolen all three points seven minutes later.
In a familiar sight, the Brazilian tore off his shirt believing he had headed home a dramatic winner, but Man United’s Matthijs de Ligt took the final say with a last-gasp equalizer. After a boring first half, North London was treated to a frenzied and interesting turn of events.
There have been complaints about Spurs’ attack in recent weeks, but this time their defense has proved inadequate, with just one win in their last four games.
Frank told reporters about the dramatic draw: Thomas: “I looked at this game as one game ahead of us and we were going to do everything we could to try and win. That was our goal. I said before the game it’s obvious they’ve improved this season.”
“Whatever, they look more in tune. They look like a big threat, especially going forward. So I actually think so. I know we conceded two goals, but if you told me before the game that we conceded five shots, I would have said that. So we’re all happy.”
While the Dane chose to stay positive, former England star Pearce was less kind, telling us exactly where Spurs’ “weakness” was coming from after the draw.
Pearce points out Tottenham’s ‘weakness’ as ‘horrible’ Romero play
Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce told Tottenham that Romero was their biggest “weak link” after describing their performance against Man United as “horrible”. The former England player was particularly unhappy with the Spurs defender losing the ball in midfield before failing to make a recovery run on Saturday afternoon.
“If I were the chief scout sent to keep an eye on Romero, I would point to him as a weak link. You can definitely get behind him. And if I was sent in as the recruiter, I would say, ‘Leave him like this!’
“What Romero is doing now is scary. He loses the ball in midfield and doesn’t make any recovery runs. As a defender, that should be ingrained in you.
“He lifts himself up to protect the midfield and then he’s completely bypassed and just trots back without trying to help. I know I keep doing that, but it’s really unbelievable for a team captain.”
Arsenal next play in the North London derby and Romero must return to his best form and help Spurs end their recent losing streak, having won just one of their last four games in all competitions.
