Tottenham fans are least happy about manager Mauricio Pochettino’s comments on the availability of defender Toby Alderweireld. After a long spell on the sidelines, the Belgian international recently returned to the starting line-up in the 1-0 loss against Manchester United. However, he has played only one game since then, and he was forced to miss the 2-1 win over Burnley with a reported back problem. Spurs took on Southampton on Wednesday night hoping to reinstate the three-point advantage over Manchester United. Ahead of the match, Pochettino claimed that Toby Alderweireld was on course to returning to the first team after training well.
Pochettino: “Toby Alderweireld will be available, he has been training well after his problem with his back.” #THFC
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) December 23, 2016
TEAM NEWS: @AlderweireldTob misses out at St Mary’s with a virus.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 28, 2016
However, there was a major surprise when the actual team news was announced, as the 27-year-old was nowhere to be seen – even on the substitutes bench. Spurs claimed that Alderweireld was unavailable because of a virus infection, which would be contrary to reports given out by Pochettino as players would not train when they have an illness. Spurs fans have now accused Pochettino of covering up the real situation faced by Alderweireld. Some of the reaction on Twitter were:
Did Toby just break his leg in reality but we’re just covering it up?
— Spurs in 140 or less (@SPURSin140) December 28, 2016
Can’t wait for next week when Poch says Toby can’t play because he lost his hair gel
— Spurs News (@BlogSpurs) December 28, 2016
So Pochettino lied to every one of us saying Toby was fit, care to explain @SpursOfficial ? #profitoverglory #famsmeanfuckall
— James Astley (@jay11284xxx) December 28, 2016
Alderweireld is one of the key players for Tottenham in the back. They have shown in recent games, however, they can cope without the Belgian. Three consecutive victories in the league since the loss against Manchester United sees the club within one point of the top four. Even though they conceded early against Southampton, the club were able to pull together and get a 4-1 win against the Saints. It was a crucial result ahead of their trip to Vicarage Road on New Year’s day to take on Watford.
Dele Alli equalised in the 19th minute before Harry Kane scored his first goal in four matches to put the away team in front. From there on, there was no looking back as late goals from Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli sealed the three points. There was little need for Alderweireld’s expertise in the second half, as Spurs played against 10 men following the red card to Nathan Redmond. After having scored nine goals in the last three matches, Spurs will feel relatively confident going into the heavyweight clashes in the New Year.
Spurs take on Chelsea and Manchester City in the month of January, and these clashes could go a long way into determining their place in the top four. After several wobbles during the month of October and November, the team has managed to get back on track in recent weeks. Since the turn of December, the team has suffered just one defeat in six matches across all competitions.