Paul Merson believes the Tottenham players are not able to cope when they come under any pressure, but he has offered a positive prediction for the London derby on Saturday.
While the international break would have given some time for Ange Postecoglou and the Tottenham players to take stock of what happened in the second half at the Amex Stadium, there is no doubt that they will still be hurting.
The Australian coach made it after the game that the lack of intensity and desire his players showed against the Seagulls was unacceptable but confidently asserted that he is the man to fix Tottenham’s issues (Football.London).
Merson remarked that we have already seen enough evidence of the fact that this Spurs side lacks the required mental strength to cope with adverse situations, claiming that many of their players tend to hide when things are not going their way.
The former Arsenal man said that this is a ‘huge problem’ that Postecoglou somehow has to fix.
The pundit told Sportskeeda ahead of Saturday’s London derby: “This is a massive football match due to the intense rivalry between the two sides. Tottenham looked great for 45 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, but they eventually ended up doing what they’re known for during that 3-2 loss. The ‘Spursy’ tag seems to never leave them!
“We saw the same thing happening during the game against Leicester City, now it’s happened again. When they’re 2-0 up and cruising, everything seems great. But as soon as they concede, no one wants to stand up for each other. That’s a worrying trend and a huge problem for Ange Postecoglou.
“Spurs crumble too quickly under pressure. We’re only in October and we’ve seen it happen twice now. They were probably playing their best team against Brighton, I really don’t think there’s a lot wrong with that lineup either. When things are going well, all their players want to get on the ball and do things. But when it’s not, no one seems to want the ball! This is the problem.”
Merson backed the Lilywhites to get back to winning ways at home against the Hammers, but he does not think there will be a lot separating the two sides.
He added: “West Ham have not lived up to expectations. When Julen Lopetegui finds his best XI, they will start firing. But I still doubt if he knows that. They got a big win over Ipswich Town last time out and the international break probably came at the wrong time for them.
“West Ham could be back to where they started now, and with the break giving time for things to settle down at Tottenham, I’m backing Spurs to win.”
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 West Ham.
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