Had Moussa Sissoko not squandered a chance with the scores level against Liverpool on Sunday, the situation for a number of teams could have been very different.
Much has been made of his improvement this season, but was that miss a stark reminder Sissoko still has some way to go to truly convince?
6
Sissoko reacts after missing against Liverpool
Tottenham take on Crystal Palace in their first match at their new stadium on Wednesday night and they and Sissoko will hope to quickly bounce back from the disappointment of losing at the weekend.
As the ball flew high into the stands, there were fears it was heading for a back garden somewhere in Kirby – its whereabouts still to be confirmed.
The moment that proceeded Sissoko’s wayward attempt at goal was a visual paradox of the recent renaissance we were led to believe was nearly complete.
Powering forward, ‘only’ Virgil van Dijk stood between Sissoko and glory, a chance to be Tottenham‘s hero and a demi-god in both parts of Manchester.
6
Sissoko fires over against Liverpool
His ungainly run lacked conviction, you sensed it was never going to end the way it should have long before he received the ball.
The Frenchman always looks confused, unsure if the pass he has just controlled, was truly meant for him, desperate to get rid like a hot rock in a closed fist.
Now he was being asked to define both a match and a season, this was not in his script.
LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
You sense had Harry Kane, Dele Alli, heck, even Jan Vertonghen, been in that position, the net may have rippled, Alisson would have at least been tested, reality instead produced neither, his Demba Ba imitation was woeful to say the least.
But was this an elaborate April Fool’s Day joke that had come full circle, albeit 24 hours early?
Had Spurs fans been hoodwinked into believing Sissoko’s supposed rectification would end with a composed finish into the bottom corner?
Obviously not, but you half expected Mauricio Pochettino to sprint towards the travelling support, gesticulating and yelling ‘got ya’ as the realisation slowly became apparent to those still digesting a missed opportunity.
6
Pochettino has persevered with Sissoko
While Pochettino is credited with making Spurs a solid, title-contending team, competing in the Champions League, his genius lies in getting the best out Sissoko.
Signed for £30million back in 2016 from relegated Newcastle, the Frenchman spent the first two seasons impersonating a man who had just read ‘how to be a footballer’ on the way to his medical.
He seemed to lack the basic fundamentals, control the ball, pass the ball, it was hard to watch.
The awkwardness whenever he had possession or went looking for it was apparent to his team-mates, their confidence in him dwindled.
6
Sissoko had a difficult start to life with Spurs
Yet remarkably, last summer, something changed and Sissoko went from ridicule to a key member of the side.
The sale of Moussa Dembele, lack of transfer activity and an extensive injury list have aided his inclusion massively as has the belief from Pochettino.
The Argentine realised he was best suited to the centre rather than out wide, blind alleys have never known of such a visitor, and his quiet confidence in the midfielder had gradually transmitted over to the fans.
“Everyone knows the first two years here were not easy for me and maybe it took some time to adapt with a new team but also a new style of football because when I was in Newcastle the system was totally different and even the culture of the manager was different,” Sissoko said in a recent interview.
6
Sissoko was superb against Chelsea
Against Chelsea in November, he was excellent, here, there and everywhere, Sissoko appeared to know what he was doing and in turn manage to convince others, who had previously felt otherwise. He worked tirelessly and seemed to have turned a corner.
Fast forward five months and for anyone getting too carried away, Sunday was proof that Sissoko is capable of reverting to type, ‘normal service has been resumed’, one fan wrote when describing his performance.
The White Hart Lane faithful have been led to believe Sissoko has improved beyond recognition, but it is likely, many of them would have had him low on their list for ‘one-on-ones with the goalkeeper’ and with good reason.
In three years at the club, there has been one Premier League goal, against Huddersfield Town in 2017.
6
The Frenchman’s response will be interesting
This season, even less. Fourteen shots, three on target, all coming in 25 appearances, 23 of those as a starter.
At Liverpool, Sissoko had the chance to break his duck and fluffed his lines. What remains to be seen is how he reacts from here onward, whether this will effect his once fragile confidence or if the transformation from scapegoat to player reborn is not simply a tagline.
Much like his play, you can never be quite sure with Sissoko and only time will tell.
Championship round-up: Norwich beat Sheffield United to title as Derby secure final play-off place to face Leeds in 'spygate' rematch Norwich won the Championship title as Derby claimed a final play-off spot to set up a 'spygate' rematch against Leeds on the last day of the regular season.
Championship round-up: Norwich beat Sheffield U
Chelsea players to watch at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup national teams as they chase a World Cup trophy in France this summer. The FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off this Friday, June 7
Scotland at the 2019 Women's World Cup: Schedule, scores
Arsenal vs Brighton teams: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut
Leicester have revealed all their kits, including their away and third jerseys Premier League. We have seen a handful of Premier League sides, such as Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Liverpool appearance off their new strip, while the likes of Arsenal have teased their new design following a switch of manufactures from Puma to adidas.
New Premier League kits: Every confirmed and leaked shirt for
Tottenham transfer news LIVE: Spurs launch £53m club-record bid for Real Betis star Giovani Lo Celso Download Best WordPress Themes Free Download Download Nulled WordPress Themes
Tottenham Hotspur Table Club-Record £53 Million Bid For
Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester City: Mauricio Pochettino concerned about Harry Kane. Tottenham striker Harry Kane could miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, says manager Mauricio
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker 'ready' for Champions League
Liverpool eased past Porto with a 6-1 aggregate triumph to set up a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final clash with Barcelona. Goals from Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil Van
When is Liverpool vs Porto? Kick-off time, odds, TV channel
Tottenham Hotspur news: Spurs star reveals he would 'love to
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham: Spurs players filmed singing Wonderwall in dressing room after booking place in Champions League final Tottenham booked their place in the Champions League final with a sensational defeat of Ajax… and their post-match celebrations were documented on social talkSPORT 1 week ago Also reported by •BBC News
Inside Spurs' jubilant dressing room as Lamela and Co party
News collects all the stories you want to read. BUSINESS CARIBBEAN
Jordan Pickford's pub fight punishment confirmed by Everton
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'weighing up' £50million
Derby All the information you need to catch the big game West Midlands rivals Aston Villa and West Brom go head-to-head today in a huge Championship match and it'll be live on talkSPORT 2. The Baggies are currently ten points ahead of Villa in the table as they continue to push for an automatic promotion […]
Free stream, full coverage and confirmed teams for north
In-demand teenager Ryan Sessegnon is dreaming of the Premier League, with Fulham battling to finish in the Championship's play-off places. Sessegnon, considered one of the hottest properties in English football, has hit 13 league goals this season for Fulham, who sit fifth in the table.
Simon Downer nyheter, statistikker, bilder - Hampton
No comments:
Post a Comment