Tim Sherwood slams Tottenham star who ‘always’ lets fans down and tackles major potential Conte change
Tim Sherwood feels that Emerson Royal is unreliable and will “always” frustrate Tottenham fans, following his red card against Arsenal.
The Brazilian full-back received a sending-off from referee Anthony Taylor midway through Spurs’ 3-1 loss on Saturday. Harry Kane had levelled after Thomas Partey’s fine opener.
However, Gabriel Jesus made it 2-1 four minutes into the second half and Granit Xhaka sealed the points for the hosts.
In between Arsenal’s second and third strikes, though, Emerson got his sending off after a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian caught his fellow countryman on the byline, with Martinelli seemingly going nowhere with the ball. And Sherwood says that the decision is typical of a player who has always proved he cannot be trusted at the highest level.
“When you slow it down, Anthony Taylor hasn’t sent him off, the linesman sent him off,” the former Spurs boss told talkSPORT (03/10, 9.10am).
“I think it’s quick communication and it’s frustration [from Emerson]. The guy will let you down time and time again, I always say it about him.
“He has a rush of blood to his head, but it’s just frustration, chasing the ball and not getting a touch of it.
“He’s [Martinelli] so deep, he’s defending, there’s absolutely no need to do it. I thought it was a little bit harsh, I don’t think he’s hurt anyone by doing it. If you’re straight on and going over the top of the ball, you’re going to hurt someone.
“It could have gone either way, but you can’t argue with the decision.”
Sherwood tackles Conte change claim
The defeat brought about questions over whether Tottenham should be more adventurous and not just play on the counter-attack after sitting deep and soaking up pressure.
Spurs began the season by grinding out wins despite unconvincing performances, but it is now two defeats in three games.
Still, Sherwood believes that serial title winner Conte will stick with what he knows best, given his predecessors have not won anything playing a different style.
“I think he’s got too much drive and too much belief in what he does,” Sherwood added.
“Jose [Mourinho] fell into the same thing a little bit, winning football matches and everyone was ignoring how they were playing. As soon as it starts going wrong, everyone was pointing to the style.
“I think Conte doesn’t care, he’s not there to entertain the fans. In his head, he’s there to win football matches and win a trophy – finally.
“What Antonio will point to is the fact that, me previously, [Mauricio] Pochettino, all these managers who want to play a different style and want to be attractive, but what’s in the trophy cabinet? Zero.
“So, he’s got every right to do it his way and I think he’s got that drive and burning desire to want to win. I honestly believe he’s the right man to win.”
Tottenham must trust their manager
There is no doubt about it, Conte has shown more progress with Tottenham than any of his recent predecessors.
Pochettino of course did more for Spurs than the Italian has right now, but given time, Conte may emulate or better the Argentine.
In between, Mourinho started well but his tenure at Tottenham quickly turned sour.
And Nuno Espirito Santo never really got going. The Portuguese in fact only lasted 17 games last season before he got the sack.
Conte, though, has finally got Tottenham back in the Champions League and winning football matches.
Yes, there will be bumps in the road like lately, with defeats to Arsenal and Sporting.
However, the players have to trust that they have the right man in charge to finally end their trophy drought.
It just remains to be seen whether Conte will extend his contract and stay beyond this campaign.
READ MORE: Antonio Conte quitting Tottenham could lead to disastrous player exodus, according to pundit
