Paul Merson has voiced strong criticism of Tottenham Hotspur, asserting that the team's players have effectively disappeared during crucial matches. The former Arsenal midfielder pointed specifically to the recent match against Liverpool, where despite the presence of seasoned players, Tottenham suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat. This loss not only eliminated them from the Carabao Cup but also highlighted deep-seated issues within the squad. As Tottenham prepares to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup, manager Ange Postecoglou finds himself at the center of a storm of media and fan pressure.
Merson expressed his concerns about the team's performance, suggesting that the players were relying too heavily on manager Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy to shoulder the blame for their shortcomings. He remarked on the experienced lineup present during the Liverpool match, indicating that their performance was far from satisfactory. The media narrative appears to support Merson's observations, often placing the blame squarely on Postecoglou and Levy when Tottenham fails to secure victories.
"There were some experienced players out there. There were a lot of caps out there and for me it wasn't good enough. It was like 'if we get beat it'll be down to Ange and it will be down to Levy'." – Paul Merson
Tottenham's recent form has left them languishing closer to the relegation zone than to a coveted spot in next season's European competitions. This has heightened scrutiny on Postecoglou's tactics and leadership. Merson described Tottenham's current style of play as "horrible" to watch, a stark contrast to their previous gung-ho approach. The team's inability to maintain their lead at Anfield on Thursday night only compounded these criticisms.
Postecoglou is acutely aware that speculation about his job security will intensify if Tottenham exits the FA Cup prematurely, especially following their heavy defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Despite this, he remains focused on recovering his squad in preparation for Sunday's crucial match against Villa. Postecoglou is determined to stay true to his path, even as he navigates the mounting pressure.
"Everybody is hiding behind the manager and Levy now, that's what I feel." – Paul Merson
The media's portrayal of Postecoglou being caught between the expectations of fans and relentless media scrutiny has not gone unnoticed. Merson articulated this sentiment by stating that Postecoglou is trapped in a difficult situation. The manager’s resolve to improve Tottenham's fortunes remains unshaken, despite these challenges.
"I think Ange is caught in between [the Devil and] the Deep Blue Sea now." – Paul Merson
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