Robbie Fowler slams Tottenham duo for static defending in Carabao Cup exit

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has criticised Tottenham midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur for failing to close down Cody Gakpo during Spurs' 3-1 Carabao Cup third-round defeat at Anfield in midweek, a result that eliminates Tottenham from the competition.

  • Competition: Carabao Cup third round
  • Result: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur
  • Spurs' Premier League position: 17th, two points from four games
  • Goals scored in league: 0
  • Key criticism: Bergvall and Bentancur static for Gakpo's goal
  • Next for Spurs: Must improve to climb the table under Roberto De Zerbi

What was said

"There are too many Tottenham players standing around. You know when Gakpo has the ball that he’s going to cut inside but you see Bergvall and you see Bentancur just standing there. Just go across and make his job harder."

— Robbie Fowler, speaking on ITV after the match

Fowler also noted that although Liverpool were not at their best, the victory was important following a disappointing result against Fulham last weekend. His comments highlight a broader issue with Tottenham's defensive organisation this season.

The quote underlines how Spurs' midfield failed to provide protection for the backline, allowing Gakpo to cut inside and score. Both Bergvall and Bentancur were singled out for their lack of movement, with Fowler expecting them to at least make Gakpo's job harder by closing the space.

The numbers

  • Premier League points: 2 from 4 matches
  • League goals scored: 0
  • League position: 17th
  • Carabao Cup result: Lost 3-1 to Liverpool
  • Carabao Cup status: Knocked out in third round

Why Bergvall and Bentancur were exposed

Roberto De Zerbi rotated his midfield for the Carabao Cup tie, handing minutes to Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur while summer signings Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali were left out of the starting lineup. That decision backfired as the pair struggled to cope with Liverpool's attacking patterns, particularly Cody Gakpo's movement inside from the left.

Bergvall, 20, recently signed a new contract until 2031 after Tottenham opted to keep him despite interest from elsewhere. He remains a talented prospect but the source notes he is seemingly not ready to play at the highest level consistently. Bentancur, who has had numerous fitness problems over the years, has been featuring regularly under De Zerbi this season but was guilty of ball-watching for the goal.

The lack of midfield pressure allowed Gakpo to advance unchallenged and finish, a moment that encapsulated Spurs' defensive issues. With Tottenham sitting 17th in the Premier League and yet to score in the league, De Zerbi faces a significant task to turn the situation around. The Italian will need to decide whether Bergvall and Bentancur can be relied upon in high-pressure moments or whether Fernandes and Tonali should be preferred moving forward.

Talking points

  • Should De Zerbi persist with Bergvall and Bentancur after such a passive display, or are Fernandes and Tonali now undroppable?
  • Is Bergvall's new contract until 2031 justified given his struggles to impact games at the top level?
  • Can Tottenham's winless league start be blamed on tactics, personnel, or a lack of confidence?
  • Does Fowler's criticism highlight a wider leadership void in the Spurs squad?

What happens next

Tottenham return to Premier League action with De Zerbi under pressure to deliver a first league win of the season. With only two points from four matches and no goals scored, the next fixture is crucial for lifting the club away from 17th place. The manager must decide whether to recall Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to the starting lineup or give Bergvall and Bentancur another chance to prove Fowler wrong.

Frequently asked questions

What did Robbie Fowler say about Bergvall and Bentancur?

Fowler said the pair were "just standing there" and failed to make Cody Gakpo's job harder during the goal, adding that too many Tottenham players were standing around.

What was the score between Liverpool and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup?

Liverpool won 3-1, knocking Tottenham out of the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage.

How many points do Tottenham have in the Premier League?

Tottenham have accumulated only two points from four league matches and are currently 17th in the table, having failed to score a goal in the league so far.

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