Bissouma completed just 24 touches fewer than Newcastle goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and failed to influence the game as Spurs slipped to 16th in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League struggles continued on Tuesday as Newcastle United inflicted a seventh home defeat of the season on Thomas Frank’s side. Spurs now sit 16th, just five points above the relegation zone.
Despite a stronger second half, Spurs were unable to turn the game around, with analyst Alasdair Gold noting:
“There’s just no confidence and seemingly no real plan on the pitch other than hoping for set piece goals.”
Bissouma’s poor performance
Yves Bissouma started the match but was substituted at half-time after a disappointing first-half display:
- Passes completed: 19/20
- Chances created: 0
- Ground duels won: 1/3
- Fouls committed: 2
- Total touches: 24 (fewer than Vicario’s 40 in goal)
Football.london rated Bissouma just 4/10, highlighting his lack of influence in midfield. Spurs improved marginally after he was taken off, with Joao Palhinha or another midfield anchor expected to start against Arsenal this weekend.
Context and next steps
Bissouma returned to the team after missing the first half of the season due to disciplinary reasons. However, his form has yet to justify his inclusion, and with his contract expiring this summer, Spurs may need to reconsider his long-term role.
Upcoming fixtures are tough:
- 22/02: Arsenal (H, 1st)
- 01/03: Fulham (A, 12th)
- 05/03: Crystal Palace (H, 13th)
- 15/03: Liverpool (A, 6th)
- 22/03: Nottingham Forest (H, 17th)
If Tottenham are to climb out of the relegation zone, dropping Bissouma from the starting XI could be a necessary step.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
