In a recent article, Alasdair Gold criticised the performance of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Matt Doherty in Spurs’ North London derby defeat on Sunday.
The match was ultimately decided by goals from Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette, whose respective strikes cancelled out Erik Lamela’s stunning opener for Spurs 33 minutes into the game, with Mikel Arteta’s side eventually running out 2-1 winners.
While none of the Tottenham players covered themselves in glory for their efforts at the Emirates Stadium, Doherty was arguably one of the worst performers on the day, with the £74,000-per-week Irishman earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.4 for his display, a rating better than only Son Heung-min – who was withdrawn due to injury after just 19 minutes – and Hugo Lloris.
Rather unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old was one of the players who came under fire in Gold’s article for football.london looking back at the defeat, with the journalist claiming that there is “no excusing” the way Kieran Tierney drifted past the Tottenham right-back shortly before Odegaard’s goal, suggesting that Doherty “might as well not have been there.”
Gold added: “Doherty was pulled all over the place and was left frequently out of position as Arsenal targeted his side of the pitch with overloads, knowing Bale would not be providing the same cover as Son and then Lucas would on the opposite flank for Sergio Reguilon.”
Should Spurs sell Doherty this summer?
Yes
No
Transfer Tavern Take
Since joining Tottenham late last summer, Doherty has not endured the best of times in north London thus far, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.71 over his 15 Premier League appearances this season – ranking him as the club’s joint ninth-best performer in the top flight.
Following his latest display, which Gold has understandably criticised, and with Serge Aurier waiting in the wings, it is not difficult to imagine a scenario in which Doherty spends the next few games on the bench for Spurs.
In other news: Tottenham have been sent a warning over Harry Kane – find out more here!
About the Author
