Tottenham: Timo Werner leaves Ally McCoist fuming after 4-0 loss v Newcastle
Timo Werner was disappointing in front of goal yet again as Tottenham fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park which left Ally McCoist fuming.
The former Rangers man slammed the German, insisting he should have headed his opportunity which came after just eight minutes as it became clear he lacked confidence in front of goal.
This is despite high praise for Brennan Johnson who delivered an “exquisite” cross to create the chance after a run up the right-hand side early in the game.
Speaking live on TNT Sports [13 April, 12:39], McCoist shared: “The run is brilliant, the ball is brilliant, but I’m sorry, that’s a header all day back into the far corner. He just… he lacks the confidence in front of goal.
“Take nothing away from the move though, the move is beautiful, particularly down the right-hand side using the pace of Brennan Johnson. The cross on the half-volley is exquisite.
“But the final finish from Werner leaves an awful lot to be desired and I think he’s got to header it in the first place.”
Timo Werner flops for Tottenham v Newcastle
McCoist’s criticism is nothing new when it comes to Werner. He has long been criticised for his lack of conviction in front of goal, further illustrated by his two goals in 12 games since arriving in North London.
Despite Spurs’ struggles overall against Newcastle as they recorded just two shots on target despite having 73 per cent of the possession, Werner’s early opportunity missed was one his team were made to rue. [Sofascore]
On top of that missed chance, the German completed just 33 per cent of his attempted dribbles, had a zero per cent success rate from crosses, recorded a low 81 per cent pass accuracy and won just two of his seven attempted duels.
This all came alongside losing possession 13 times, hitting the target with just one of his four attempted shots with a 25 per cent accuracy in front of goal, and failing to make any contribution defensively despite the 4-0 scoreline as he was dribbled past twice.
This performance, far from just lacking confidence in front of goal, summed up the issues with relying on Werner as a main source of attacking creativity and his wasteful nature could be what costs Tottenham the opportunity to reach Champions League football.
In other Tottenham, the club has been dealt a new blow after a UEFA rule change.
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