Tottenham to use Gomes as a scapegoat
Harry Redknapp is preparing to get rid of Heurelho Gomes in the summer following his mistake on Wednesday in Tottenham's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, according to reports in Friday's edition of the Daily Mail.
The awful error, which gifted Cristiano Ronaldo the only goal of the game at White Hart Lane, is being painted as "the final straw" for Redknapp with regards to the Brazilian, which appears a bit harsh given that it didn't actually cost Spurs anything, as Real Madrid were already coasting through.
Their description of the gaffe as the shot-stopper's "latest howler" is also a little misleading because most of his worst moments as Tottenham's number one occurred in the 2008-09 season, whereas their main shortcomings in the current campaign have been caused up front rather than at the back.
That's why we're sceptical as to whether there is any truth to the Mail's claim, but they do back up the rumour with the suggestion that Redknapp is tracking Almeria custodian Diego Alves, Dynamo Kiev keeper Maksym Koval and Manchester City reserve Shay Given as potential replacements.
The Mail also speculate over whether the failure of any Spurs player to console Gomes after his blunder in midweek is a further sign that there is a lack of faith in him amongst the squad, however captain Michael Dawson was quick to express confidence in him in the aftermath.
Even if there is to be a change between the sticks for the Lilywhites at the end of the season, the Brazil international looks likely to keep his place until then, and the north Londoners will need him back to his best by Wednesday, as they are hosting neighbours Arsenal in the Premier League.
Think Tottenham will scupper their rivals again? They are [2.9] to win...
Published: 17 Apr 2011
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