'Suicide', 'Schoolboy error' - Tottenham fans savage Pochettino selection (not Son)

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

23 Apr 2017, 2:40 pm

By Harry Sykes

Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to express their dissatisfaction at Kyle Walker's omission from the starting XI for Saturday' FA Cup defeat to Chelsea.

Fans were baffled that the England international was left out of the starting XI and named on the substitute's bench for the third time in five matches as Spurs slumped to a 4-2 semi-final defeat.

Kieran Trippier was preferred at right wing-back by Mauricio Pochettino as he opted to utilise the three-man centre-back system that has proved successful in recent months.

Surprisingly, attacking midfielder Son Heung-Min was selected to start at left wing-back as Walker was joined on the bench by left-back Ben Davies.

Tottenham fans were scratching their heads at the omission of Walker, both immediately after the match and again 24 hours later.

Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:

Because we tried to fix something that wasn't broken. Not playing Walker and Davies was suicide. Unfortunately Poch got that one wrong #COYS
— Steve (@steveburn24) April 23, 2017

If Davies isn't fit,then why on the bench.If Walker is fit then why isn't he starting. Why is an attacker being made to defend? #thfc #Coys
— Monty (@RealBristolSpur) April 22, 2017

Walker's star appears to have fallen even though his peers named him in the PFA Premier League team of the year announced on Thursday.

Spurs have a short period to reflect on their defeat to Chelsea as they prepare to face what will be a considerably weakened Crystal Palace side on Wednesday night.

Second-placed Tottenham are four points behind league leaders Chelsea going into the midweek fixtures.

Antonio Conte's side host Southampton on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge as they aim to extend their lead to seven points.

In other Tottenham news, Spurs fans have shared their respect for Arsenal following this Twitter message.

We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Tottenham breaking news.

Chelsea FC

Tottenham Hotspur

Mauricio Pochettino

Kyle Walker