Spurs fans have been discussing some quotes from Jose Mourinho following the 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Portuguese manager discussed the difference between the two squads on show during Saturday’s early kick-off, saying: “Look at Chelsea they played a World Cup-winning striker up front, England’s second striker on the bench, and Belgium’s second striker in the stands. We had no strikers on the pitch, no strikers on the bench and two in the hospital.” per Alasdair Gold
Spurs are still without Harry Kane after the England international tore his hamstring in early January, but the North London club failed to find a replacement during last month’s transfer window. They have subsequently lost back-up striker Heung-Min Son after he fractured his arm in a win against Aston Villa, which has clearly left the 57-year-old seriously concerned about his lack of options in attack.
Who is more to blame for Spurs' defeat against Chelsea?
Levy
Mourinho
Reaction from Spurs fans to Mourinho’s comments on his lack of striking options can be seen in the tweets below.
Mourinho: "Look at Chelsea they played a World Cup winning striker up front, England’s second striker on the bench, and Belgium’s second striker in the stands. We had no strikers on the pitch, no strikers on the bench and two in the hospital." https://t.co/Lk8zVjqP2V
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) February 22, 2020
Doesn’t excuse getting outplayed in every other part if the pitch. Toothless performance. Out thought by Lampard again.
— Andrew Campbell (@Andrewc88) February 22, 2020
I hope levy is hearing this, someone put the speaker in his office
— The Duke of Ekpoma (@dayvid_d_taylor) February 22, 2020
Just excuses ! Only 4 1st team players injured. Too rigid in the way he wants to play. A footballing dinosaur! Is this the man you want to give funds to in the summer ? IDTS
— Shelf ish (@CoulsdonTHFC) February 22, 2020
Awful from Morinho. We look beat from the 1st minute, no press, just sitting back and inviting pressure. We look like we will get beat in every game
— trdhorseracing #StandUp4Brexit (@trdhorseracing) February 22, 2020
A huge dig at our owners! And I must admit I like it !! #levyout
— Vangen (@Vangen10) February 22, 2020
How does not having no attackers mean we don’t have a defence or midfield either. Playing for a goalless draw in a derby is unforgivable. Telling our players they can’t win before a game normally has a negative affect.
— Glyn (@Atomheart1972) February 22, 2020
Love this, ENIC OUT
— BergwijnSZN (@Swenty_) February 22, 2020
These Spurs fans are seemingly split between criticising the manager for his excuses and praising him for what they believe to have been a ‘dig’ at the owners of the club, perhaps for their lack of backing during the January transfer window.
What do we think?
Spurs were outplayed at Stamford Bridge, registering just three shots on target during the entire game, which can perhaps be put down to their lack of a senior striker. Again, it seems baffling that no striker was brought in during the January transfer window, but perhaps that was out of Mourinho’s control.