Tottenham Hotspur are currently enduring something of a rut at present, with Antonio Conte’s side having now failed to win any of their past three games in all competitions, including Wednesday’s frustrating draw with Sporting Lisbon.
While the obvious talking point from that Champions League showdown was the denial of a late ‘winner’ for the home side at N17, following a lengthy and contentious VAR review, that has perhaps overshadowed what was an underwhelming display from the Lilywhites on the night, particularly during the first half.
One figure who no doubt failed to make his mark was the returning Lucas Moura, with the Brazilian speedster having looked ‘rusty‘ on what was just his first start of the season, in the words of football.london’s Rob Guest.
The 30-year-old – who has been hampered by a calf injury so far this season – notably lost possession 22 times from his 51 touches on the night, while also completing just one of his five attempted dribbles before he was hooked in the closing stages.
That display may well have been expected as a result of the forward’s recent lack of action, however, with it perhaps unfair to judge the £13.5m-rated man too harshly as he steps up his return to full fitness.
The same cannot be said of teammate Hugo Lloris, however, with the long-serving Frenchman having little excuse for his worrying displays of late, after once again coming under fire for his role in the away side’s opener last night.
The 35-year-old ‘keeper was undone by a long-range strike from former Spurs youth product Marcus Edwards, with talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor suggesting that the veteran ace has “got to do better”.
Although the World Cup-winning stopper would go on to make a handful of typically vital saves to keep his side in the game, the 139-cap man also produced a rash moment in the second half after charging out of his goal at one stage, with journalist Jonathan Veal stating that the club captain “had gone walkabout“.
The £100k-per-week leader had also grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the defeat to Newcastle United just a few days earlier, playing his part in Callum Wilson’s opener after failing to adequately clear his lines – albeit while potentially being fouled – having then seen Miguel Almiron’s effort squirm underneath him soon after.
Despite the experienced figure’s lengthy service for the club over the years – in which he has racked up 433 appearances in all competitions since arriving a decade ago – there may well be concerns creeping in as to whether his powers are on the wane, with broadcaster Alan Brazil stating that he is “worried” about the player’s current form.
Amid recent talk of a potential move for Atletico Madrid colossus, Jan Oblak, it remains to be seen just what Lloris’ long-term future will be at Tottenham.
In the short-term, should Conte deem his skipper to have become something of a liability, the Italian may well have to be ruthless and ditch the club stalwart moving forward, starting with Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
