Tottenham fans rip into ‘worst ever’ starter who was dribbled past three times vs Newcastle
Tottenham supporters were fuming with Destiny Udogie’s display in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle on 2 December.
Tottenham fought back twice to draw with Newcastle in a less than glamorous showing at St James’ Park.
Whilst the Lilywhites managed to get something out of the game despite a dire performance, the calls for Thomas Frank to be sacked have certainly not died away.
Yet, as Cristian Romero saved Spurs from another embarrassing result, fans were frustrated with Udogie who looked shaky at left-back against the Magpies.
Destiny Udogie’s struggles to give Djed Spence another opportunity to reclaim starting berth at Tottenham
It isn’t the first time this season that the defender has come under scrutiny, with ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney earlier in the campaign deeming Udogie “miles off” the pace.
The Italian has struggled with niggling injuries this past calendar year, yet his return to the starting XI has coincided with an evident drop-off in his performance levels.
Against the Toon, the 23-year-old did little to ebb the flow of the opposition’s attack, winning just two of his nine duels and being beaten on three occasions.
| Selected stats vs Newcastle (2 December) | Destiny Udogie |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Duels (won) | 9 (2) |
| Dribbled past | 3 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Possession lost | 11 |
Moreover, the number 13 lost possession 11 times as well as failing to land any of his two crosses.
Whilst Djed Spence has also not been hitting the high levels demanded of him as a Tottenham player, Udogie’s woes will present an opportunity to him to reclaim his left-back starting spot under Frank.
Spurs supporters were left concerned by the Italy international’s display, with one fan saying: “It is not a coincidence that this is the worst version of any of these players we have ever seen…Udogie [is] a shadow of his former self.” with another adding: “I’d sell him this summer if possible for sure.”