Jamie Carragher was quite surprised with how difficult one Tottenham Hotspur player found playing out from the back against Manchester City.
Carragher was speaking on Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game and made the comments towards the end of the first half.
Whilst the pundit wasn’t shocked to see Ange Postecoglou’s side stick to their philosophy, he was surprised by how much Emerson Royal struggled.
Commenting on Tottenham’s defence against City, Carragher said: “That’s where they have struggled, especially Emerson Royal.
“Every time the goalkeeper gives it to him you feel like he’s the one who’s going to lose the ball.
“He lost it in a really bad situation, [Erling] Haaland should have scored, one just afterwards when the ball goes under his foot.
“He’s found it difficult in terms of trying to play out from the back, where you actually think, that’s one of the reasons you play a full-back at centre-back.”
Of course, Carragher is referring to the decision to play Royal over Eric Dier, who was watching on from the sidelines.
Jamie Carragher was very underwhelmed by Tottenham’s Emerson Royal against City
Although he did struggle, Emerson Royal should be afforded some sympathy.
There are very few places to go in world football more difficult than the Etihad – a difficult trip in your most familiar position.
And given Royal still isn’t familiar with a centre-back role, and is playing alongside another full-back, his performance is understandable.
It does seem a little too easy to say a full-back should dictate things on the ball at centre-back, however, that must be an ode to Postecoglou’s thinking.
Although Carragher’s comments are undeniable, £26m Royal and Tottenham shouldn’t be judged on this City tie.
Patience is needed with this Spurs project given a lot of things are going against them right now.
Postecoglou’s side did look impressive at times despite all those missing, and it but be so frustrating to think how well things could be going with both Micky van de Ven and James Maddison fit.
Alas, that will have to wait until the turn of the year.
A point at which Tottenham may also look to the transfer market, a side now linked with an intriguing £13m signing.