View: 0% Tottenham dud should be embarrassed after ‘Sloppy’ display v Bournemouth

Jamie Carragher’s criticism of Pedro Porro following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth was entirely justified, as the right-back’s performance left much to be desired.

Despite Spurs staging a late comeback to salvage a point, Porro’s individual display was a glaring weak link in an otherwise resilient team effort. The match, played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (9 March), saw Bournemouth take control early on, with Marcus Tavernier capitalizing on a delightful cross from Milos Kerkez to give the visitors the lead just before halftime.

While Tottenham fought back in the second half with goals from Pape Matar Sarr and Son Heung-min, Porro’s mistakes and overall poor performance were impossible to ignore.

Porro’s error in the build-up to Bournemouth’s opening goal drew sharp criticism from Carragher, who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports. The former Liverpool defender didn’t mince his words, stating, “What a cross from Kerkez! This is all about him. Inch perfect.

Tavernier at the back post guides it in. You won’t see a better cross than that all season. The goal came from Porro’s sloppy pass. It was criminal.” This moment encapsulated Porro’s struggles, as his careless pass gifted Bournemouth the opportunity to take the lead.

However, Porro’s mistakes didn’t end there. His overall performance was riddled with errors, as he won just three of his seven ground duels, lost his only aerial duel, and gave possession away a staggering 24 times.

His passing accuracy stood at a disappointing 70%, and only four of his nine crosses found their intended target. To make matters worse, he failed to complete a single dribble, highlighting his inability to influence the game positively.

Porro’s performance was symptomatic of a broader issue in Tottenham’s squad, as several players struggled to make an impact. Cristian Romero, for instance, was also far from his best, looking uncharacteristically shaky in defense. However, Porro’s display stood out for all the wrong reasons, raising questions about his consistency and reliability.

Tottenham’s late fightback, spearheaded by Sarr’s stunning strike and Son’s composed penalty, ensured the team avoided defeat. Yet, the draw did little to improve their position in the Premier League table, as they remain 10 points behind Bournemouth.

The Cherries, who sit in eighth place with 44 points, have been one of the surprise packages of the season, while Spurs languish in 13th with just 34 points.

Porro’s struggles this season have been a cause for concern, and his performance against Bournemouth was a stark reminder of his inconsistencies. Manager Ange Postecoglou must address these issues promptly, especially with a crucial UEFA Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on the horizon.

The second leg of their Round of 16 tie, scheduled for Thursday (13 March), presents an opportunity for Spurs to redeem themselves after a disappointing first leg. However, Postecoglou cannot afford another subpar performance from Porro, as his mistakes could prove costly in such high-stakes matches.

The Australian manager needs to have a frank conversation with Porro to understand the root cause of his struggles. Whether it’s a lack of confidence, tactical misunderstandings, or simply poor form, Postecoglou must find a solution quickly.

Tottenham’s defensive frailties have been a recurring theme this season, and Porro’s performances have often exacerbated these issues. If he fails to improve, Postecoglou may have no choice but to explore alternative options at right-back.

Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that Porro has shown flashes of his potential in previous matches. His attacking prowess and ability to deliver dangerous crosses have been valuable assets for Spurs.

However, his defensive lapses and tendency to lose possession in dangerous areas have overshadowed his contributions. For Tottenham to achieve their objectives this season, Porro must rediscover his best form and cut out the errors that have plagued his game.

As Spurs prepare for their Europa League showdown with AZ Alkmaar, the focus will be on bouncing back from their domestic struggles. The team’s ability to respond to adversity will be tested, and Porro’s performance will be under scrutiny.

If he can rise to the occasion and deliver a composed display, it could mark the turning point in his season. However, if his struggles continue, Postecoglou may be forced to make tough decisions to ensure Tottenham’s campaign doesn’t unravel further.