‘Every single time’: Pundit says £40m Tottenham player kept getting embarrassed against Tamworth
Tottenham Hotspur faced a challenging afternoon in their FA Cup clash against Tamworth, where the Premier League side struggled to assert dominance over the National League outfit.
Playing at the Lamb Ground, Spurs found it difficult to create meaningful chances, with Tamworth showing resilience and, at times, looking the more threatening side. The hosts exploited their strengths, particularly through the long-throw prowess of Tom Tonks, which caused Tottenham significant trouble in the first half.
James Maddison came close on a few occasions, attempting to inject creativity into Tottenham’s attack. However, the overall performance was lackluster, raising concerns for Ange Postecoglou.
The lack of attacking sharpness was evident, and defensive frailties further compounded Spurs’ struggles. Pedro Porro, in particular, found himself outmatched by Tamworth winger Beck-Ray Besongbap Enoru, who delivered an inspired performance.
Porro, a Spain international who joined Spurs for £40 million in January 2023, was expected to handle the challenge comfortably. However, Enoru, the 22-year-old winger, caused him significant problems throughout the match.
Within the first 30 seconds, Enoru forced Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky into a sharp save, setting the tone for a difficult outing for Porro. The Tamworth winger’s pace and skill consistently left the Tottenham defender exposed, with Enoru frequently cutting inside or driving down the flank.
Stephen Warnock, providing commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked on Enoru’s dominance, stating, “Enoru has got the beating of Pedro Porro every single time. He is happy to go inside or outside.”
The talented winger’s performance reached a peak in the second half when he drew a booking for Porro after another impressive dribble. It was a humbling experience for the Tottenham right-back, who has faced world-class opponents like Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Erling Haaland in the Premier League.
What made Enoru’s performance even more remarkable was his background. Off the pitch, the Tamworth star works as a sales assistant at Zara, a stark contrast to Porro’s elite footballing pedigree. Yet, on this occasion, the winger showcased his potential to step up to a higher level.
Enoru’s display caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, raising questions about his future and whether he could transition from retail to professional football full-time.
Despite Tottenham eventually winning 3-0, the result flattered the visitors, masking the difficulties they faced for much of the match. Postecoglou will undoubtedly analyze the performance closely, particularly the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by a lower-league side.
The game serves as a reminder that, in football, reputations count for little once the whistle blows, and any team can pose a challenge on their day.
Enoru’s standout performance also underscores the beauty of the FA Cup, where players from modest backgrounds have the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage.
For Tottenham, the match highlighted areas that require improvement, while for Tamworth, it was a proud moment that showcased the talent and determination within their ranks.