Michael Dawson shares ‘one of best things you’ll see’ in Tottenham vs Bournemouth
Tottenham’s defence has looked poor against Bournemouth as they show vulnerabilities at the back for the first time this season.
Thomas Frank’s side have been immense at the back, with Tottenham resolute against Manchester City and Burnley in their opening two games.
However, they conceded their first goal of the Premier League season against Bournemouth in the fifth minute on Saturday, with Djed Spence and Cristian Romero finding themselves out of position.
The Cherries almost made it two immediately after, which is cause for concern for Frank, as he goes into the break 1-0 down in North London.
Bournemouth should be further ahead – Michael Dawson
Bournemouth have looked the better side in the first half of the game on 30 August.
Spence, who has just received his first England call-up, has struggled in defence, and he again failed when Antoine Semenyo almost made it two.
The 25-year-old failed to stop David Brooks’ cross, which found Semenyo, who should have done better with the header.
| Tottenham | Club | Bournemouth |
| 0 | Expected goals | 0.67 |
| 0 | Shots | 7 |
| 228 | Passes | 153 |
Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was left unimpressed by Tottenham’s defending, but wowed by the other side of the equation.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Football (15:11, 30 August), Dawson said: “Bournemouth should be 2-0 up. I mean, Semenyo has to score.
“He had two big opportunities last week. He’s had a big one today. He starts it in the middle of the Tottenham Hotspur half. He sprays the ball out to David Brooks; you will not see a better cross today.
“Outside of his left foot, he cuts all the defenders out. Semenyo comes in six yards out. All he has to do is hit it on target, but he gets it all wrong and edges it over the bar. What a start for Bournemouth, only 1-0, should be two.”
- Read more: What Andoni Iraola has already admitted about ‘amazing’ Tottenham ahead of Bournemouth fixture
Djed Spence could lose his place in the Tottenham team
If Spence continues to struggle for Tottenham, he could lose his place in the side.
Ben Davies offers plenty of experience at wing-back, which could be utilised in the coming weeks, and Destiny Udogie has returned from his injury.
Either way, Frank will have to make good use of his available defenders, and no one’s place in the team is guaranteed.
The first half performance could be a one-off for Spence, who signed a contract extension with Tottenham almost two weeks ago, and he will no doubt be a mainstay this season.
Spurs’ defending will leave Frank scratching his head, especially as the Dane usually does well against Bournemouth.
With Dominic Solanke out injured, Tottenham supporters will also be wondering where the goals will come from, given their poor attacking output.
All eyes are on the second half, with three points needed again.
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