Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways at the weekend as Ange Postecoglou‘s side got a thumping win over the Hammers at White Hart Lane in what turned out to be a triumphant and jubilant afternoon for the Lilywhites supporters. However, while the majority of the fans go into the week with a head held high, on the seventh club, a small section of supporters were wary of Destiny Udogie’s performance in the first half.

The Italian international has established himself as a key cog at Hotspur Way over the past year or so, and he is one of the first names on the Spurs team sheet. However, it was not a thunderous performance from the former Udinese left back after his misplaced focus let West Ham hand Spurs the first punch when Mohamed Kudus netted the opener on Saturday.

The 21-year-old failed to clear his lines, which was followed by his aerial disability to meet match Aaron Wan-Bissaka after Kudus cross came into the box initially. This led for the ball to fall into Bowen’s path, who took Udogie inside out before squaring the ball to Kudus. 

Udogie bounces back after early error in Spurs win

However, looking at the whole game rather than one moment of madness, football. London journalist Lee Wilmot acknowledged how Udogie built after his mistake positively and how he also played a massive role in Bissouma’s goal. Speaking on the Gold & Guest podcast, Lee said:

“After the mistake for West Ham’s opening goal, his head didn’t drop at all. He just got on with the game as usual, kept making impressive runs forward, and played a huge part in Bissouma’s goal with that sharp turn and pass.”

The Italian defender has taken massive strides since his move to North London, and while the game showed us that there is still a long way to a finished product that he can become, it also depicted how the player is already mature enough to realise his mistake and grow into the game despite his mistake.

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Tottenham supporters would be hoping that he continues to grow and takes strides in his game along the ongoing campaign.