Matt Doherty @ Atletico Madrid

[EQP]

I don't think it's any coincidence that the upturn in Doherty's performances has been at the exact same time that Romero has strung a few games together. Must be such a confidence boost to know that someone like Romero has your back. No disrespect to Sanchez, but the difference is pretty spectacular.

I'd also add that Kulusevski's addition on that right side has also helped Doherty tremendously. Having a selfless, hard-working and clever player in Kulu has allowed Doherty to take more risks and take up positions where he knows he'll receive a quality pass.

 

[VoteMe4Prez]

He was a turnstile matched up against Tierney last year. It was a hard watch.

I don't think this version of Matthew Doherty would be letting that happen again with Kulu supporting.

 

[Japhet]

He was a turnstile matched up against Tierney last year. It was a hard watch.

I'd put that pretty much 100% on the manager. He hung Doherty out to dry in that match and did absolutely fuck all to help him, even when it was obvious he was in trouble.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

I don't think it's any coincidence that the upturn in Doherty's performances has been at the exact same time that Romero has strung a few games together. Must be such a confidence boost to know that someone like Romero has your back. No disrespect to Sanchez, but the difference is pretty spectacular.

I think it is much broader than that. Even when Doherty played on the left - he looked much better than he did just a couple of months ago - with no Deki or Romero to help on that side.

I think what we are seeing is that the players have finally bought in to what Conte is selling, and we are seeing players moving to the correct positions, and balls being played to the correct positions. Everyone has been building confidence in each other that they will be where they are supposed to be on the pitch.

When you know where you should go with the ball, and you know that your teammate will be there, everyone looks better.

 

[CanadaSpurs]

I'd put that pretty much 100% on the manager. He hung Doherty out to dry in that match and did absolutely fuck all to help him, even when it was obvious he was in trouble.

Agree with this for sure.

 

[Ranjeet]

This is worrying, hopefully him trying to carry on playing hasn't made the injury worse

 

[spursfan77]

This is worrying, hopefully him trying to carry on playing hasn't made the injury worse

Just wondering what happened to him. It looked innocuous but that doesn’t sound good. Dan kilpatrick will be happy though, he loves a bit of bad news.

 

[easley91]

Really hope it isn't a bad one. He was just finding his groove. That stat Sky showed about goal contributions since Feb 19th he was on 5 and the best of the rest under Kane, Son and Kulusevki.

 

[delawarespur]

This is worrying, hopefully him trying to carry on playing hasn't made the injury worse

Looked like a contact injury so I hope it’s just a bone bruise or a contusion. We’ll need him for the rest of the season. Gutted for him as he has really started to find himself again these past few months.

 

[DJS]

So frustrating for him if he’s now out as he was really on form for us.

Its in situations like this where I feel Cash’s tackle should be reviewed and punished, although that‘ll never happen.

 

[SE Spurs]

Didn't like the challenge from Cash. I know he won the ball, but he was certainly intent on taking Doherty out.

Really hope the injury isn't too bad. With a little help from Conte, he's finally had some consistency, and looking like he belongs in the team.

 

[Nick]

We need him back, hopefully it's not too serious

 

[Tucker]

Gutted for him, he’s been playing so well.

 

[curlacious]

 

[Nick]

Get him starting RWB next game pls

 

[Reado]

Shame about his injury as really enjoyed watching him the past month or so. Yes Cash got the ball but it was heavy and unnecessary, and clearly was made with the intent to leave a bit on him. Hopefully it was just an impact injury and he recovers, as he's been an important part of our improvement recently.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

This is so cruel.

Also shows how utterly incompetent our medics are for allowing him to play on for 10 or so minutes despite him pulling up three times.

 

[Cavehillspur]

Fuck sake gutted for him.

 

[cjbyid]

Well bollocks.

Proper shit luck after the way he's performed.

 

[slartibartfast]

Shit. Thats not good. We cant rely on Emerson for rest of season. Maybe time to try someone else.