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Paul Merson insists Tottenham have just papered over the cracks in the win over Crystal Palace… and says he’s ‘shocked’ by the number of goals Antonio Conte’s side concede with their defensive set-up ahead of the northern derby London.
- Tottenham thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 to end a recent slump
- However, Paul Merson says the result only ‘papered over the cracks’ at Spurs
- He ripped off the Tottenham defense for the number of goals they concede
- Tottenham host Arsenal in a crucial north London derby on Sunday
Paul Merson has insisted that Tottenham’s problems have not been left behind ahead of the North London derby against Arsenal.
Tottenham thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 to stop the rot after a five-game winless run.
Antonio Conte’s side host the Gunners on Sunday, and Merson says Tottenham’s result against Palace was a good result for Arsenal.
Paul Merson (right) says Tottenham only papered over the cracks against Crystal Palace
Merson says Tottenham would have lost the game if not for Harry Kane (right)
said in his Sky Sports Column: ‘I think Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace was a great result for Arsenal because, in my opinion, it covered the cracks.
‘If Harry Kane had played Crystal Palace they would have won easily. Tottenham were atrocious in the first half.
“If they had lost that game, as it looked like they were going to lose before half time, then on Sunday everyone says: ‘Oh, Arsenal are going to clear the pitch with Tottenham.’
Merson said he is ‘surprised’ by the number of goals Tottenham concede with their defensive setup.
Merson also criticized Tottenham’s midfield saying they had “no tricks” and that although Spurs’ top three players are in attack, they don’t have anyone to give them the ball.
He also stated that his full-backs, which were Matt Doherty and Ivan Perisic against Palace, are not good enough for Conte’s system.
Merson also said he was “surprised” by the number of goals Tottenham concede given their defensive setup with three players at the back.
Tottenham have conceded 25 league goals this season, with only Fulham and Brentford conceding more in the top ten.
But it’s good to play the way they play, with two holding midfielders, as well as three central halves, and letting in as many goals. I can’t explain how hard it is to do what they do.
Conte hopes win over Palace will build momentum starting against Arsenal
They conceded at least two goals in 10 straight games up to the Palace game. I find it extraordinary.
He said: ‘It’s good to play the way they play, with two holding midfielders and three central halves, and letting in so many goals. I can’t explain how hard it is to do what they do.
‘They sent at least two goals in 10 games in a row until the Palace game. I find it extraordinary.