Pundit slams two ‘shocking’ Tottenham players who are ‘just not good enough’
Noel Whelan has branded Davinson Sanchez and Emerson Royal as the “Achilles heel” in the Tottenham defence after Wednesday’s defeat to Southampton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds defender ripped into Spurs’ “shocking” defensive display against the Saints.
The Lilywhites allowed Southampton to come from behind twice before Che Adams’ late goal sealed victory for the visitors in north London.
Spurs struggled to impose themselves against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, having 47 per cent possession and just three shots on target.
However, Whelan insisted it was Sanchez and Emerson who were the weak link on Wednesday night.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Defensively they were shocking the other night with the goals that were conceded.
“Sanchez, too many mistakes. It’s not about him not going out there, trying and giving 100 per cent. Sometimes they’re just not good enough.
“You’ve got Emerson Royal who, again, didn’t cover himself in glory. I think the two of them, Sanchez and Royal, were their Achilles heel.
“I thought they were terrible.”
Sanchez has been a mainstay at centre-back since Antonio Conte’s arrival at Tottenham.
The Colombia international has started Spurs’ last nine Premier League games in the heart of defence.
He was paired alongside Cristian Romero for Southampton’s visit to north London.
Meanwhile, Emerson has featured regularly at right wing-back since joining from Barcelona last summer.
The 23-year-old has started 15 times in 16 Premier League appearances.
He was on the bench for the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea before returning to the starting XI on Wednesday.
In other news, ex-referee claims officials made major blunder in Tottenham v Southampton.