Mikey Moore failed to live up to the hype as Tottenham lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday (27 October).
Ange Postecoglou’s side were all over the place in South London.
With Spurs having won seven of their past eight matches, while Crystal Palace were yet to win in the Premier League, most people would have been expecting an away win.
However, Postecoglou’s side were dreadful in the final third, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half goal enough to seal all three points for the home side.
None of Spurs’ attacking players covered themselves in any glory, with Moore failing to build on his exciting performance in the 1-0 UEFA Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (24 October).
Postecoglou made the perhaps surprising decision to start the 17-year-old, and Jamie O’Hara thought this was a mistake, calling the Australian’s team selection decision “naive” while speaking live on Sky Sports News (27 October).
And based on Moore’s overall performance, it is hard to disagree with O’Hara.
Mikey Moore struggles for Tottenham v Crystal Palace
Moore is a very exciting talent. However, Spurs fans must be patient, and Postecoglou might have gone a bit early starting the teenager in a London derby away from home in the Premier League.
As per Sofascore, the wide player succeded with zero per cent of his dribble attempts, while both of his crosses into the box were inaccurate.
In addition, he won just two of his seven ground duels and only 50 per cent of his aerial duels.
While he did complete 83 per cent of his passes, he also gave the ball away 10 times on what was a full Premier League debut to forget.
It would be harsh to criticise the player too heavily considering his age. However, after that display, Postecoglou might want to be a bit more careful as to when he plays the talented teenager.
One of the best non-Arsenal vs Liverpool matches this Premier League Sunday is a London derby- Tottenham Hotspur at Crystal Palace. Although this game’s biggest star, Tottenham talisman Heung Min-Son, has been all but ruled out with a thigh injury. However, the news is better for Lucas Bergvall and Djed Spence, both of which could feature here, should they pass late fitness tests.
“Sonny is still not right or feeling 100 percent,” Spurs boss Ange Postecoglu said about the South Korean superstar. He won’t train today and unlikely for the weekend.”
Tottenham Hotspur Preview Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Kickoff: Sunday October 27, 3pm local, Selhurst Park, London
Google Result Probability: Crystal Palace 24% Draw 24% Tottenham Hotspur 52%
Regarding Bergvall, Postecoglu said: “Lucas is OK; I think it’s just cramp. Obviously, he hasn’t played a lot.” On Spence, he said: “He’s getting closer. Hopefully, next week, he’ll be joining up with [team] training.’”
Now let’s take a detailed look at the fitness situation for the other sides, starting the host Eagles. Chadi Riad (knee), Rob Holding (undisclosed), Chris Richards (thigh) and Matheus Franca (chest/abdominal) are all sidelined here. Meanwhile Cheick Doucoure (ankle) is a doubt.
With Heung-min Son sidelined, Ange Postecoglou finds himself facing a critical decision about who will take up Tottenham’s left-wing spot; with Timo Werner, Richarlison, Mikey Moore, and James Maddison all being contenders.
A critical role left vacant
Son’s injury has left Tottenham with a void that demands thoughtful consideration, especially given how pivotal Son has been to the club’s attacking threat this season. The Lilywhites, riding high on recent form, are preparing to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Postecoglou now needs to rethink his strategy, particularly in finding someone who can bring the same energy and threat on the left flank, ensuring Tottenham’s forward momentum remains intact.
There are several options for the manager: loanee Timo Werner, academy talent Mikey Moore, versatile midfielder James Maddison, and returning forward Richarlison.
