The final 30 minutes of Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat at Anfield should offer Ange Postecoglou some encouragement moving forward.
For the first time since 2004, Spurs have suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats following Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.
Tottenham were well-beaten over the weekend and with three games left to play, their hopes of a top-four finish have all but disappeared.
Spurs fans may have feared the worst after watching their side fall four behind in the 59th minute in Merseyside. But Ange Postecoglou finally decided he’d seen enough and turned to his bench just after the hour mark.
On came Richarlison, James Maddison and Oliver Skipp, with the Brazilian striker netting and providing an assist as the Lilywhites threatened a late comeback.
While Richarlison undoubtedly changed the game for Spurs by providing a focal point up front, Skipp also impressed in a completely new role.
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Oliver Skipp must start against Burnley
Emerson Royal has filled in at left-back after recent injuries to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies, with the duo set to miss the remainder of the season.
The Brazilian struggled at Chelsea last Thursday and had a tough afternoon up against Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
Skipp was the surprise choice to replace him at left-back on the hour mark and the midfielder may have given Postecoglou some food for thought off the back of a bright cameo.
The 23-year-old looked comfortable while inverting and also played a role in Tottenham’s second goal of the game as he picked out Richarlison in the box, who then teed up Heung-min Son.
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Skipp’s stats vs Liverpool
Skipp has struggled for minutes this season, with plenty of names ahead of him in the midfield department.
The Englishman, previously lauded as ‘outstanding‘ by Maddison, has managed 21 appearances in all competitions, starting from the off just six times.
But his display at Anfield could offer Postecoglou a different option at left-back while Udogie and Davies are sidelined.
Despite only playing 29 minutes, the statistics reflect what was a positive performance from Skipp as he picked up a 6.9 match rating from Sofascore. In comparison, Emerson was handed a 6.4 after a difficult afternoon.
- 29 minutes played
- 24 touches
- 14/14 passes completed
- 1 key pass
- 1/1 long ball completed
- 1/1 dribble attempts completed
- 1 interception
We’ve seen enough of Emerson this season to know he just isn’t suited to Postecoglou’s demands and off the back of Skipp’s cameo, he deserves a chance from the off at left-back on Saturday.