Merson criticises Tottenham players in aftermath of Liverpool drubbing

Tottenham Hotspur’s elimination from the Carabao Cup was another dagger in their hearts as Ange Postecoglou’s men were knocked out of another competition, thereby compounding their misery caused by a poor start to the Premier League. Spurs also face Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday with the Lilywhites and with a very trimmed squad, they will be second favourites to win.

In the aftermath of their loss versus Liverpool in the midweek EFL Cup semi-final, Paul Merson ripped into the players as he wrote the following on his Sky Sports column.

“Everybody is hiding behind the manager and Levy now, that’s what I feel. There were some experienced players out there [against Liverpool]. There were a lot of caps out there and for me it wasn’t good enough. It was like ‘if we get beat it’ll be down to Ange and it will be down to Levy’. I thought it was shocking.”

Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy are not immune from criticism for sure as the manager has been guilty of playing a very bold and open style of football, while the Tottenham chief’s decision-making in the transfer market has been abysmal to say the least. However, it would be remiss to not miss the players, especially over halfway into the campaign.

There has been no leadership shown whatsoever in the public eye, especially from the team’s captain Son Heung-min. There is also very little unity on the pitch amongst everybody, which eventually goes a long way in determining the course of their performances. And it is not the first time a lack of accountability has been pointed out with managers in the past also criticising the dressing room.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Tottenham in three-way transfer battle as Conte plans to sign Spurs target this summer
• Not Toney – Tottenham put off by €50m asking price for striker whose contract expires in less than 12 months
• Tottenham now in position to hijack Chelsea deal for Serie A ace

Apart from turning to the transfer market for a far better crop of players from a skill point of view, Spurs desperately need a few ambitious players and individuals with leadership qualities as well if they are to match their fans’ expectations and compete for silverware.