Paul Merson believes Tottenham’s players struggle to cope under pressure but has offered a positive outlook ahead of their London derby on Saturday.
Spurs Still Smarting from Amex Collapse
The international break may have given Ange Postecoglou and his squad time to reflect on their second-half collapse at the Amex Stadium, but the sting of their 3-2 defeat to Brighton will still linger.
Postecoglou criticised his side’s lack of intensity and desire in the loss, making it clear that their performance was unacceptable.
However, the Australian manager expressed confidence in his ability to resolve Spurs’ issues, stating he is the man to turn things around (Football.London).
Merson Highlights Tottenham’s Fragile Mentality:
Merson, speaking in his Sportskeeda column, pointed to Tottenham’s mental fragility as a key issue, stating that several players hide when the tide turns against them. The former Arsenal star believes this is a major hurdle that Postecoglou needs to address.
“This is a massive football match due to the intense rivalry between the two sides,” Merson said, previewing the upcoming derby.
“Tottenham looked great for 45 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, but they eventually ended up doing what they’re known for during that 3-2 loss. The ‘Spursy’ tag seems to never leave them!
“We saw the same thing happening during the game against Leicester City, now it’s happened again. When they’re 2-0 up and cruising, everything seems great. But as soon as they concede, no one wants to stand up for each other. That’s a worrying trend and a huge problem for Ange Postecoglou.”
Merson’s remarks highlight the recurring theme of inconsistency within the Tottenham squad. As they prepare for a crucial derby clash, Postecoglou will be hoping his side can respond and begin to shed the “Spursy” reputation that continues to haunt them.