On the latest episode of The View from The Lane podcast for the Athletic, Jack Pitt-Brooke, James Maw and Charlie Eccleshare have been discussing the latest goings-on at Tottenham Hotspur. The trio focussed on Spurs’ transfer business in the recent summer window, as well as the Lilywhites’ impressive 6-1 win against Manchester United last weekend.
One topic of discussion on the recent episode, which was titled: ‘6-1 Reaction & Deadline Day Discussion‘, was the performance of Serge Aurier in the 6-1 win at Old Trafford. The Ivory Coast international produced a superb display, contributing a goal and an assist, which helped him earn an impressive 8.92/10 rating for his performance (per WhoScored).
Following Spurs’ summer signing of Matt Doherty from Wolves, it seemed as if the 27-year-old may perhaps be surplus to requirements at the north London club, with AC Milan seemingly very keen to sign him throughout the recent window, but he has stayed with Spurs and after his impressive display in his first Premier League start of the season, you could suggest that the Lilywhites were perhaps right to keep him as competition for the Republic of Ireland international.
Here’s what Eccleshare had to say about Aurier’s performance against Manchester United during the podcast:
“He made that place his own. He actually played really well against Chelsea [in the League Cup] as well and you could see [Jose] Mourinho was really chuffed with him, the way they embraced after the game. He completely justified being picked [on Sunday]. He was really, really good. This is exactly what Mourinho wants, that competition.”
He later adds:
“I do hope, in a way, he keeps his place for the West Ham game. Nothing against Doherty, who I think is really good and will, I’m sure, get the place back, but this is the point about the meritocracy, in that Aurier has absolutely deserved to keep the shirt for the moment.”
TIF Thoughts…
Eccleshare was clearly impressed with Aurier and seems to think that the added competition for places at Spurs is exactly what Mourinho wants.
Who should start against West Ham?
Aurier
Doherty
Therefore, after his superb display at Old Trafford, it would perhaps be unfair to drop him for Spurs’ next game against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after the international break, so it will be interesting to see which right-back gets the nod from Mourinho to start against David Moyes’ side.