Xavi Simons showed flashes of quality in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday, but he has once again found himself under fire.
The loss marked another damaging Premier League setback for Spurs, dragging them closer to the relegation zone. Boos echoed around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at both half-time and full-time, and pressure is mounting on Thomas Frank, with Joe Lewis reportedly considering a managerial change.
Simons worked hard to spark creativity for Spurs and frequently looked to carve out chances, though he often lacked support in the penalty area. Despite his efforts, it was his second-half dive that angered supporters most, prompting a wave of criticism across social media.
The 22-year-old has already faced scrutiny from fans and pundits this season, with some suggesting he appears lost in certain matches. Signed for around £51 million, expectations remain high given the form he displayed in Germany, and supporters are still waiting to see that version of him consistently in north London.
Frustration peaked when Simons seemed poised to lead a promising counterattack but instead went to ground, earning a yellow card for simulation. Many Spurs fans took to X to vent their anger, with some even calling for the club to fine him. One supporter described the dive as “vile,” while another insisted both Simons and Pape Sarr should face punishment for going down too easily.
Yet beyond the controversy, there were encouraging signs in his overall display. In a team clearly low on confidence and struggling under Frank, Simons stood out as one of the brighter performers. According to the match statistics, he created six key passes and won eight of his 12 duels, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
On another day, he might have registered an assist. However, he must learn to stay on his feet in crucial moments if he is to win over the Tottenham faithful and fulfil his potential.
