Spurs came out on top 2-1 against Chelsea in a lively pre-season friendly at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, but Paul Merson isn’t convinced Tottenham have everything sorted ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi fielded a full-strength side including recent signings Andrew Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and £100 million man Sandro Tonali, while Xabi Alonso also went strong for Chelsea, handing minutes to Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana.
Tottenham broke the deadlock inside 17 minutes when Tonali curled home a stunning effort from distance, his first goal since arriving from Newcastle in a big-money switch. Chelsea hit back within minutes though, as Estevao nodded in at the far post to level things up.
The game swung dramatically after the break. De Zerbi turned to substitute Kevin Danso, but the defender’s introduction went badly wrong almost immediately. Just three minutes into his cameo, Danso lost control of the ball with Joao Pedro through on goal, and was forced to haul the striker down as the last man. The referee had no option but to send him off.
Cameras caught a clearly unimpressed De Zerbi on the touchline as his side’s numerical advantage evaporated.
Merson didn’t hold back in his assessment of Danso’s error, questioning how the defender could switch off so badly and pointing out that a mistake of that magnitude piles unnecessary pressure on the team and gifts the opposition a major opening, regardless of the game’s competitive stakes.
Supporters online were largely in agreement, with many arguing it was a clear-cut red regardless of the friendly nature of the match, others noting Danso barely lasted three minutes before his early bath, and some stressing that officials can’t apply different standards just because it’s pre-season.
Spurs still had the final say despite playing over half the second period a man light. In stoppage time, Jamie Donley struck the post, and Richarlison was on hand to bury the rebound and snatch a last-gasp winner.
It’s another feel-good pre-season result for De Zerbi’s side, though Merson’s comments hint at defensive frailties Tottenham will need to iron out before the real action starts.
Spurs continue their build-up with a closed-doors friendly against Getafe on August 8, followed by a double-header against Hoffenheim on August 15 and 16, before opening their league campaign at Brentford on August 22.
