Roberto De Zerbi must avoid repeat of Pape Matar Sarr error after Sunderland horror show
Roberto De Zerbi‘s decision to drop Pape Matar Sarr for Tottenham Hotspur against Sunderland was costly.
Spurs have just six games left to save their Premier League status, but with all of the teams around them in form, it’s certainly looking like their fate is already sealed.
Nevertheless, De Zerbi will be looking to do what the majority of recently appointed Tottenham managers have done in their first home game in charge, which is to seal victory, and this time, against his former club.
The Seagulls are in fine form heading into the clash, while Spurs are looking just as lacklustre as they have all season.
However, Sarr’s inclusion in Tottenham’s starting 11 could make all the difference this weekend.
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Pape Matar Sarr omission was a huge error vs Sunderland
You can look at the decisions that went against Tottenham in their defeat to Sunderland all you like, but the truth of the matter is that they did not do enough to warrant a result.
And the majority of that stemmed from their inability to control the game in midfield, which was dominated by Granit Xhaka.
| Sunderland vs Tottenham | Passes completed | Duels won | Tackles |
| Bergvall | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Gray | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Gallagher | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| Xhaka | 55 | 8 | 5 |
The Spurs midfield lacked bite, which changed completely when Sarr was introduced to the game, albeit far too late to have an impact.
He won two duels in the 29 minutes he played, which was only one fewer than the starting midfield combined.
Sarr also completed 15 passes, which was over double what Lucas Bergvall achieved, and just three fewer than Archie Gray.
The 23-year-old may not be a game-changer, but he is the type of midfielder who can get control in a game, which will be needed against Brighton.
Who could Sarr replace vs Brighton?
The most obvious choice would be Bergvall.
While the Swede has had an excellent season individually, he was comfortably the most anonymous player on the pitch against Sunderland, and at this stage, Spurs can’t afford to carry anyone.
Sarr’s inclusion would improve their ability to defend transitions, while also adding a calming influence in possession.
It’s a clear call to make, but whether it is one that De Zerbi is willing to make in his second game in charge remains to be seen.
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