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Tottenham losing Leeds United clash shows four Ryan Mason players aren’t good enough
Tottenham lost 3-1 to Leeds United in their Premier League clash on Saturday.
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Tottenham boss Ryan Mason saw his 100 per cent win record in the Premier League come to an end on Saturday, with Leeds United winning 3-1 at Elland Road. It was a nightmare afternoon at the office for Spurs. And the defeat all but ends their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Tottenham fell behind against Leeds, with Stuart Dallas scoring in the 13th minute.
The winger was on hand to convert after Hugo Lloris parried the ball into his path, having stopped Sergio Reguilon from scoring an own goal.
Tottenham then levelled through Son Heung-Min, who struck in the 25th minute.
But Leeds secured victory by courtesy of goals from Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, who scored in either half.
For Tottenham, it was yet another poor Premier League result.
And Express Sport will take a look at the four Spurs players who, based on this afternoon’s display, aren’t fit for purpose.
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Eric Dier
Speaking before the game, Eric Dier insisted he didn’t deserve as much criticism as he gets.
But the brutal truth of the matter is the England international looks vulnerable at the back, which isn’t good ahead of the upcoming European Championships.
Dier allowed the ball to sail across the box for Dallas’ goal.
And he lost the run of Bamford for Leeds’ second goal of the afternoon, allowing the striker to get in front of him.
Dier can be capable on his day but the Tottenham star must improve if he’s to ever live up to his potential.
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Serge Aurier
Yet again, Serge Aurier struggled.
The right-back has failed to achieve consistency ever since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window of 2017.
And he was another who struggled at Elland Road.
Aurier wasn’t tight enough at the back, allowing the cross to get into the box for Leeds’ second goal.
He walks into the side because Matt Doherty, like himself, isn’t up to scratch. And this was another bad performance, even if he came close to scoring an equaliser.
Dele Alli
During Jose Mourinho’s time in charge, Dele Alli was often overlooked.
But the England international didn’t prove his old manager wrong against Leeds, instead putting in a flat display.
Mason, like Mourinho, faces a huge task to get the playmaker back to his devastating best.
Alli was hooked with Tottenham needing a goal, with Lucas Moura brought on in his place.
And that speaks volumes about his current situation, with the 25-year-old’s career currently at crossroads.
Gareth Bale
Look, there’s no denying Gareth Bale can be class on his day.
But when the Wales international is as bad as this, Tottenham would almost be better off playing with 10 men.
Bale has improved since Mourinho’s departure, scoring an outstanding hat-trick against Sheffield United last time out.
But he’s not worth the huge salary he earns and, like Alli, was taken off at a time where Spurs were trailing.
That suggests Mason isn’t sold on him and it’s looking increasingly likely the 31-year-old will return to Real Madrid once the season ends.