‘So Lazy’ – Tottenham Hotspur player slammed by pundit after late Roma goal

Tottenham Hotspur faced frustration in their Europa League campaign as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Roma at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not hold back in his criticism, singling out Yves Bissouma for his defensive lapse that allowed the Italian side to snatch a late equalizer.

Spurs had appeared on track for victory following goals from Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, but a stoppage-time header from Mats Hummels dashed those hopes, leaving the hosts to rue missed opportunities and defensive errors.

The decisive moment came after a corner when Bissouma, stationed in front of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, failed to step out and played several Roma players onside.

Robinson, speaking during BBC Live 5’s coverage, described Bissouma’s actions as “lazy” and suggested his lack of movement was a key factor in Tottenham’s inability to secure all three points.

Robinson highlighted how a simple step out of the six-yard box could have rendered Hummels offside, preventing the late equalizer. Instead, the midfielder’s static positioning left Forster helpless despite an outstanding save that initially pushed the corner out of danger.

Forster’s heroics in the lead-up to the goal added to the frustration. His reflex save, described by Robinson as “fantastic,” momentarily kept Tottenham’s lead intact. However, the subsequent lack of defensive awareness and organization from the resulting corner proved costly.

Robinson pointed out that Tottenham’s players seemed distracted by Forster’s save, failing to properly track runners or mark the eventual goalscorer. This lapse in concentration allowed Roma to capitalize and score through Hummels, who found himself unmarked to tap in the crucial goal.

Robinson also criticized Tottenham’s overall approach to defending set pieces, labeling it as disorganized and lacking leadership. He noted that basic defensive principles were neglected, particularly during critical moments late in the game.

The cross that led to the equalizer was delivered with ease, and Tottenham’s defenders failed to clear the danger or effectively cover their opponents. According to Robinson, multiple Roma players could have scored from the situation, further emphasizing the defensive shortcomings that plagued Spurs on the night.

The result leaves Tottenham ninth in their Europa League group, with 10 points from five matches. While the team remains in contention for the knockout stages, the dropped points against Roma represent a missed opportunity to climb higher in the standings.

A victory would have propelled Spurs into the top four of the group, providing a more comfortable path toward qualification. Instead, they now face additional pressure in their remaining fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg.

Manager Ange Postecoglou must now address the defensive issues that have undermined the team’s performances. While Tottenham’s attacking play continues to produce goals and excitement, their inability to manage key moments defensively has been a recurring problem. The lack of focus and discipline during set-piece situations, in particular, has cost them valuable points in both domestic and European competitions.

Postecoglou will also need to find solutions amid an already stretched squad. Injuries to key players have left the team short-handed in several areas, forcing him to rely on a smaller core of players.

While the attacking duo of Son and Johnson continues to deliver, the defensive side of the game requires immediate attention to ensure Tottenham’s progress in the Europa League and their ability to compete on multiple fronts.

Despite the setbacks, Tottenham still have opportunities to secure their place in the knockout stages. With three matches remaining in the group stage, the team can rebound from this disappointment by addressing their weaknesses and capitalizing on their attacking strengths.

Postecoglou’s focus will undoubtedly shift toward tightening defensive structures and ensuring that individual lapses, like the one highlighted by Robinson, do not derail their campaign further.

The match against Roma serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football, particularly at the European level. Tottenham displayed moments of quality and attacking flair, yet their inability to manage the game’s closing stages ultimately overshadowed their earlier efforts. The challenge now lies in translating their attacking potential into consistent results by solidifying their defensive approach.

As the Europa League group stage approaches its conclusion, Tottenham’s path to qualification remains in their hands. However, achieving success will require a collective effort to address the issues that have plagued their performances. The team’s ability to learn from this experience and implement necessary changes will determine whether they can fulfill their ambitions in the competition.

The road ahead includes crucial fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg, each presenting unique challenges. Tottenham must approach these matches with a renewed sense of focus and determination, particularly in defensive situations where lapses have proven costly. By striking the right balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity, Postecoglou’s side can regain momentum and strengthen their position in the group.

While the draw against Roma may feel like a missed opportunity, it also provides a valuable lesson for Tottenham as they continue their European journey. The ability to respond to setbacks and adapt to challenges will define their success in the competition and beyond. For now, the focus remains on improvement and ensuring that moments like Hummels’ late equalizer do not become a recurring theme in their campaign.