Lost the ball 23x: Ange must now boldly drop Spurs star after 5/10 Roma display – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur followed their stunning Premier League triumph over Manchester City with a frustrating 2-2 draw against AS Roma in the Europa League.

Despite dominating large portions of the game, Spurs failed to capitalize on their chances, leaving fans and pundits questioning their consistency. Ange Postecoglou, now a year and a half into his tenure, has revitalized the team with an exciting style of play, but the lingering issue of inconsistency continues to plague the North London side.

While the manager’s tactics have transformed Tottenham, the blame for the draw lies squarely with the players, many of whom failed to deliver on the night.

Recent Spurs Results

Despite creating numerous opportunities against Roma, Tottenham’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly. Dominic Solanke, the club’s record signing, was a notable offender, failing to convert clear chances.

While he didn’t make any glaring errors that led directly to goals, his inefficiency in front of goal stood out, with an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.13 and no goals to show for it. His performance earned him a modest 6/10 rating from Alasdair Gold.

Son Heung-min, though effective in converting an early penalty, struggled to influence the game otherwise. Frequently opting for poor shooting choices or failing to link up effectively with teammates, he too received a 6/10 rating.

In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur looked fatigued in the second half, contributing with occasional tackles but failing to control the tempo of the match. His display also warranted a 6/10, a fair reflection of his subdued performance.

However, among the underperformers, one player stood out for all the wrong reasons: Pedro Porro. Usually a reliable and dynamic presence in both attack and defense, the Spanish full-back endured a torrid night.

His solitary bright moment came from a free-kick that struck the woodwork in the second half. Beyond that, his errors were glaring. He nearly gifted Roma a late equalizer with a defensive lapse and was caught out of position for Angelino’s decisive cross, which led to Roma’s stoppage-time equalizer.

Porro’s Performance Metrics

Porro’s defensive frailties and poor decision-making were evident throughout the match. He was dribbled past twice, lost every aerial duel, and conceded possession 23 times. His attacking contributions were equally disappointing, with just one accurate cross out of three attempts and no successful dribbles. These shortcomings culminated in a paltry 5/10 rating from Gold, making his performance one of the weakest among Tottenham’s starters.

The decline in Porro’s form raises questions about whether he should retain his starting spot. With alternatives like Djed Spence, who has been patiently waiting for opportunities, and Archie Gray, who impressed with a solid 7/10 performance in an unfamiliar left-back role, Postecoglou has viable options to consider. Gray, in particular, displayed composure and adaptability against Roma, further emphasizing the need for squad rotation to maintain performance levels.

Ultimately, while Porro’s talent is undeniable, his display against Roma highlights the need for a reset. Dropping him for the upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham would send a clear message about accountability while providing an opportunity for other players to prove their worth. Tottenham’s inconsistency will remain an issue unless underperforming players are held to higher standards.

Despite these setbacks, Tottenham’s potential under Postecoglou is evident. The team’s transformation into an attacking force has reinvigorated fans and brought optimism to North London. However, to achieve their ambitions, Spurs must address their recurring issues of inconsistency and inefficiency.

With important matches looming in both domestic and European competitions, the coming weeks will test the resilience and adaptability of Postecoglou’s squad. If Tottenham can convert their chances and tighten up defensively, they will be well-positioned to compete at the highest level.