Brian Kerr recently reminded us of his legendary status in football by describing Brighton's towering centre back pairing of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy as something that elicited thoughts of a donut shop. 'Dunk N'Duffy' is a classic 'Kerrism' and the Dubliner's wit was at the forefront of my mind as I witnessed the duo resemble a donut without holes in their spirited rearguard against Tottenham in the Premier League last night.
For 88 minutes Spurs dominated the ball against Brighton at the new White Hart Lane, but were frustrated. Dunk and Duffy controlled the skies, rendering Fernando Llorente invisible, and it was defenders Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld that tested the Seagulls' goal as Spurs began to panic.
Christian Eriksen was the fulcrum for all attacks, the Dane constantly seeking to provide the magic ball to unlock the resistance of Chris Hughton's side.
Finally, Eriksen got the chance to fizz in a shot from outside the area, and it gathered speed as it blitzed into the bottom corner, leaving Brighton goalkeeper Matt Ryan floundering.
The goal ensured Tottenham's 100 percent record at their new home was intact, and they now have vital breathing space in the bid to make the top four.
Two wins from their final three matches against West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton should be enough to qualify for the Champions League, provided they don't secure passage to next season's competition by winning in Madrid on June 1st.
The Brighton game is one a previous iteration of Spurs may have failed to win. The 'Spursy' fragility may have returned.
It won't be character that's going to cost Mauricio Pochettino's men this season; it's squad depth.
Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko are all injured and Son Heung Min is going to miss the first leg of the Champions League semi final against Ajax because of suspension. If Spurs are going to run out of lives, especially against the fearless Dutch, this will be the reason. Not signing players in successive transfer windows is a risk that could work against the North London outfit at the most critical time.
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