Doctor Tottenham (A Tottenham Hotspur Podcast)

E252 Lange With His Pants Down

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips
Why did VAR ignore a clear push on Dragusin that led to a Fulham goal, just days after a similar incident went against Tottenham?
The episode opens with the hosts and guest Jim sharing their 'five words or less' reactions to another poor week for Tottenham. They immediately critique manager Tudor's unexpected 4-4-2 formation against Fulham, highlighting the bizarre selection of Archie Gray at left-back and Conor Gallagher in right midfield. Jim explains the squad's fundamental imbalances, noting a lack of fit wing-backs, creative midfielders, and wingers, which forces Tudor into square-peg selections. The panel expresses frustration with players like Xavi Simons, who was ineffective and subbed off unnoticed. A major segment focuses on a first-half incident where defender Radu Dragusin was pushed in the box, leading to a Fulham goal that VAR did not overturn; this sparks a heated debate about inconsistent officiating compared to recent games. Discussion turns to the team's ingrained bad habits from the Thomas Frank era, with long balls and a lack of bravery persisting. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's poor kicking is criticized, exemplified by a stat showing none of his long passes found a teammate. The hosts assess which players, like Richarlison and Cristian Romero, might 'turn up' for the relegation fight, while others are accused of hiding. Guest Jim shares a fixture predictor model suggesting Tottenham will secure survival by just three points, needing wins against Palace, Forest, and Wolves. The failure of Sporting Director Johan Lange to reinforce the squad in January is condemned as negligence. The episode closes with speculation on which players would stay if relegated and tentative lineup suggestions for the critical upcoming match against Crystal Palace.
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