‘Donkey’ – Jamie O’Hara Tears Into Four Tottenham Players After Palace Defeat
Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has delivered a brutal assessment of four Tottenham Hotspur players following their damaging 3–1 loss to Crystal Palace on Thursday night — a result that leaves Spurs just one point above the relegation zone with only nine games left in the Premier League season.
Tottenham actually began the match brightly, going ahead through Dominic Solanke after impressive play from Archie Gray. But the game turned on its head when defender Micky van de Ven was shown a straight red card for dragging down Ismaila Sarr inside the box.
Sarr converted the penalty before adding another goal in the second half. Between those strikes, Jørgen Strand Larsen had already fired Palace ahead before halftime, completing a dramatic comeback for the visitors.
The defeat triggered boos from frustrated home fans directed at Spurs manager Igor Tudor, while several players were heavily criticised for their displays. O’Hara was one of the most outspoken voices after the final whistle.
O’Hara singles out four players
Speaking on talkSPORT alongside Jason Cundy, O’Hara did not hold back as he slammed the performance that has dragged Tottenham dangerously close to relegation — something the club hasn’t experienced in nearly five decades.
He singled out Pape Matar Sarr, branding him a “Championship-level player,” while also calling Mathys Tel a “donkey.”
O’Hara also criticised Conor Gallagher and Brazilian youngster Carlos Souza.
According to O’Hara, Sarr simply isn’t good enough for the level Tottenham need, while Gallagher’s performances have been far below expectations. He also questioned how Gallagher ended up at Atletico Madrid, claiming the midfielder has been “awful” despite reportedly earning £200,000 per week.
O’Hara was equally harsh on Souza, suggesting the young Brazilian looked uncomfortable on the ball and struggled throughout the game. As for Tel, he insisted the signs were already there last season that the forward wasn’t ready for this level.
Spurs dragged into relegation battle
Following the defeat, Tottenham now sit just one point above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining — a worrying position for a club of their stature.
Their upcoming schedule offers little relief. Spurs next travel to face Liverpool FC at Anfield before a crucial clash with Nottingham Forest.
They also still have to play Sunderland AFC, Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea FC, and Everton FC in what promises to be a tense run-in.
On top of the domestic pressure, Tottenham must also juggle their campaign in the UEFA Champions League, where they face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 next week.
Can Tottenham avoid relegation?
Despite their struggles, Spurs still appear to have a stronger squad than several teams around the drop zone. If they can grind out a few vital wins and draws in the coming weeks, survival remains achievable.
Current projections suggest Tottenham could narrowly escape the drop, potentially finishing somewhere between 15th and 17th if they manage to pick up enough points before the season ends.
