“I won’t hide my honest opinion about him because he’s too horrible and does not deserve to wear this white shirt”- Spurs Legend tells Ange Postecoglou to drop ‘horrible’ £35M man after causing the team to concede a dying minute goal
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has taken aim at midfielder Yves Bissouma for what he described as “lazy” defending, which cost Spurs a late goal in their 2-2 draw against Roma during their Europa League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The result, which saw Ange Postecoglou’s side drop valuable points, was a bitter pill to swallow for the hosts, who were minutes away from securing a crucial win that would have elevated their standing in the competition.
The game initially appeared to be heading in Tottenham’s favor after goals from their attacking duo, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, had overturned Roma’s early advantage. However, a stoppage-time equalizer from veteran defender Mats Hummels, who capitalized on a defensive lapse, ensured that Spurs were left ruing their inability to see the game out.
Robinson Slams Bissouma’s Positioning
Paul Robinson, speaking as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, did not hold back in his criticism of Yves Bissouma’s role in the late equalizer. The former goalkeeper highlighted how Bissouma failed to push out of the penalty area after a corner, inadvertently playing several Roma players onside, including Hummels, who took full advantage of the error. Robinson expressed frustration at the lack of awareness and commitment from the midfielder.
“It is Yves Bissouma who is standing in front of his goalkeeper. He’s playing everyone onside,” Robinson explained. “If Bissouma steps out of the six-yard box, Hummels is two or three yards offside. But he doesn’t – he’s lazy and stays in the six-yard box. As a goalkeeper, how many times do you see that? Forster makes an absolutely fantastic save. You think it’s a match-winning moment, but from the resulting corner, a goal like that goes past you.”
Robinson, who spent part of his career between the posts for Spurs, also lamented the team’s inability to perform the defensive basics, particularly during set pieces. He praised Fraser Forster’s brilliant save in the buildup but expressed disappointment that such a heroic effort was ultimately undone by poor marking and positional play.
“It’s just the basics – defending set plays. The corner was unavoidable because it was a brilliant save by Forster. The reaction he had and the power in his hands to get it over the bar was incredible. But then, from the resulting corner, Tottenham completely switched off. Everyone was still admiring Forster’s save, and nobody picked up the free cross that came in. Hummels was unmarked.”
Tottenham’s Defensive Failings
Robinson’s analysis extended beyond Bissouma, as he criticized the overall defensive organization and leadership during the critical moments of the game. He pointed out that Tottenham’s failure to defend the corner effectively was symptomatic of a broader issue with their approach to set pieces.
“They have only got themselves to blame. Defensively, from the set play, it’s all about organization, leadership, and marking players in the box. I think it was either Nicola Zalewski or Angelino who delivered the cross. The initial corner went all the way through Tottenham’s defense. Then, as the ball came back in to Hummels, there were two or three other Roma players who could have tapped it in at the far post. It’s just the fundamental basics of defending corners and set plays, especially that late in the game.”
Such lapses, Robinson suggested, are not only frustrating but also avoidable with proper focus and discipline. He stressed the importance of leadership in these moments, calling for more accountability from Tottenham’s senior players.
Europa League Challenges
The result leaves Tottenham in a precarious position in the Europa League, sitting in ninth place in their group standings. A victory over Roma would have propelled Spurs into the top four, but the late equalizer now leaves them with 10 points from five matches, and much work still to be done.
With three group-stage games remaining, Tottenham’s path to qualification hangs in the balance. Their upcoming fixtures against Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Elfsborg will be crucial as they aim to secure enough points to progress to the knockout rounds. Postecoglou will undoubtedly look to address the defensive frailties that have hampered the team’s European campaign thus far.
Domestic Form Offers Hope
While their Europa League form has been inconsistent, Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance in domestic competition. Their most recent Premier League outing saw them dismantle Manchester City with a resounding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, a performance that underlined their attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
That victory lifted Tottenham to sixth place in the Premier League, leaving them just three points adrift of the top four. With momentum on their side, they now prepare to host Fulham in their next league fixture, a match that presents an opportunity to further close the gap on the Champions League positions.
A Pivotal December Ahead
As the busy winter period approaches, Tottenham face a challenging schedule that could define their season. Following the Fulham game, Spurs are set to take on AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Southampton in early December. These matches will be critical as Postecoglou’s men aim to climb the table and put pressure on their rivals.
While Tottenham’s attacking unit, led by the likes of Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson, continues to impress, their defensive issues remain a cause for concern. Postecoglou will need to find a solution quickly, ensuring that the team does not let more points slip away due to avoidable errors.
The Bigger Picture
For Tottenham, the draw against Roma serves as a stark reminder of the importance of defensive discipline and focus, particularly in high-stakes moments. If they are to achieve their ambitions this season, both domestically and in Europe, these lapses must be eradicated.
With a mix of promising young talent and experienced campaigners in their ranks, Spurs have the tools to compete at the highest level. However, consistency – both in their performances and their ability to execute the basics – will be key to determining how far they can go. The coming weeks will provide a litmus test for Postecoglou’s side, as they seek to strike the right balance between flair and solidity.
Ultimately, Tottenham’s fate will hinge on their ability to learn from setbacks like the Roma game and use those lessons to build a more resilient and cohesive unit moving forward.