Gary Neville shocked by Yves Bissouma ‘madness’ for Tottenham in dramatic 3-3 draw at Manchester City
Gary Neville couldn’t believe what Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was doing as he lost possession to gift Jack Grealish a goal for Manchester City.
Spurs took the lead then came back from behind twice in a dramatic 3-3 on 3 December at the Etihad, as the Ange Postecoglou era continued in suitably eye-catching form.
The treble-winners looked like they had stolen the points when substitute Grealish swept the home side ahead in the 81st minute as Bissouma self-destructed outside his own area, before Dejan Kulusevski’s 90th-minute equaliser.
The Mali international’s return from suspension was badly needed with Postecoglou’s options further depleted thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury against Aston Villa last week, but the former Brighton man’s performance was dismal.
According to SofaScore stats he conceded possession 13 times in total, and none more damagingly than for the City third as he turned back into danger and was surrounded by three opponents close to his own box.
He was duly dispossessed by Rodri and the ball was sent through to Erland Haaland who cut the ball across for Grealish to score, with Neville baffled by what he had seen.
The Sky Sports pundit reacted live on the broadcaster’s match coverage, saying (6.11pm): “What are Spurs doing? You mentioned about creating your own problems. There might be a foul in the build up where Rodri tackles Bissouma but Bissouma’s dilly-dallying on the ball.
“What’s he doing? He turns back into trouble. He’s just got a simple pass out left and he decides not to. You say about the game of dare, but a game of madness really.”
It was part of an all-round disappointing performance from the 27-year-old as he also won just three of his nine total duels in the air and on the ground (33%) and failed to find a target with his single long pass.
SofaScore stats recorded his error late in the second half as one which led directly to a goal, while he also committed two fouls and failed with 66% of his three dribble attempts.
Postecoglou’s squad has been repeatedly weakened by injury and suspension but the “madness” displayed by Bissouma on his return to the XI meant his availability didn’t prove to be a boost.
In other Tottenham news, a former England international has issued an “absolute” verdict on Postecoglou pressure after wins have deserted the Australian.