Tottenham had a nightmare opening 45 minutes against Liverpool today and Gary Neville was not impressed with one player.
Spurs went to Liverpool with pretty much the same XI as last time out but much like the game at Chelsea, it was more of the same poor play from Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Liverpool went ahead when Mo Salah scored a header, before some poor goalkeeping from Vicario allowed Andy Robertson to slam in a second before half-time.
For Tottenham, it was just what they didn’t want in the opening half and watching on for Sky Sports, Gary Neville felt full-back Emerson Royal showed his lack of awareness as a defender when it came to Salah’s goal.
Gary Neville unhappy with Emerson Royal during Tottenham v Liverpool
Speaking on Sky Sports on co-comms about Royal and the small mistake he made for the goal, Neville pointed out where it went wrong for the Brazilian.
“He looks once and if you don’t look again you are dead. You are done. It’s the classic full-back mistake,” Neville said.
Neville’s comments were backed up by PremierLeague.com pundit Jim Beglin as well, who suggested the Spurs full-back is a weakness in the XI.
“We wondered when we saw the teams whether Emerson Royal would be a weakness coming up against Salah. He’s been given a lot of freedom so far and he’s caused the Brazilian loads of problems. The header is sufficient, but Salah has looked sharper again,” Beglin said.
Not good enough
There’s been a narrative around Emerson Royal all season from many a Spurs fan and that is that he’s simply not up to the task.
Again today, with how he switched off for Salah’s goal, it showed why those who watch Tottenham a lot would like another full-back or two signed.
Tottenham paid around £25m for Emerson and when you look at his defensive frailties he showed today and his overall performance levels, you have to say it’s been a poor signing.
Ange Postecoglou spoke in midweek about refreshing things in the summer. Royal, then, could be one who finds himself on his way.