Hugo Lloris's place in the Tottenham goal has come under threat following a string of high-profile errors. EPA
Hugo Lloris's place in the Tottenham goal has come under threat following a string of high-profile errors. EPA
Hugo Lloris's place in the Tottenham goal has come under threat following a string of high-profile errors. EPA
Hugo Lloris's place in the Tottenham goal has come under threat following a string of high-profile errors. EPA

Sport

Football

Lloris the liability - from World Cup winner to Spurs' weak link

Own goal against Arsenal the latest in a litany of errors by the Tottenham goalkeeper, but lack of options means Antonio Conte is likely to persist with the Frenchman against Manchester City

Steve Luckings
Steve Luckings

January 18, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

How do you solve a problem like Hugo? Tottenham's problems are widespread but none are more alarming or pressing than addressing the issues with their last line of defence.

Despite collecting 23 points from their first 11 matches – their best start to any Premier League campaign – Spurs have amassed only 10 more from their last eight. Tottenham's timidity on the ball has been an issue all season while their concession of first goals has been commonplace. Of their 33 points from 19 matches, 14 have had to be clawed back from losing positions.

And while it would be unfair to single out one player to blame for Tottenham's problems, Hugo Lloris' blunders are too frequent and many to be ignored.

Lloris' latest gaffe came at a huge cost in last Sunday's North London derby. The Frenchman allowed a tame Bukayo Saka effort – admittedly with the aid of a deflection – to bounce off him and into his own net from an angle that should not have caused any goalkeeper problems, let alone a two-time World Cup finalist.

Tottenham v Arsenal ratings

TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 4. Was at fault for Arsenal’s opener when Saka’s shot somehow squirmed past the Spurs captain at his near post from the tightest of angles. Reuters
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 4. Was at fault for Arsenal’s opener when Saka’s shot somehow squirmed past the Spurs captain at his near post from the tightest of angles. Reuters
Cristian Romero – 5. Didn’t look assured at the back and the emotions of the fixture seemed to get to him, the Argentine making the occasional mistake alongside some rash tackles. Reuters
Cristian Romero – 5. Didn’t look assured at the back and the emotions of the fixture seemed to get to him, the Argentine making the occasional mistake alongside some rash tackles. Reuters
Eric Dier – 5. A birthday to forget for the centre-half who struggled to deal with Arsenal's attacking prowess. AP
Eric Dier – 5. A birthday to forget for the centre-half who struggled to deal with Arsenal's attacking prowess. AP
Clement Lenglet – 5. Couldn’t handle the pace of Arsenal’s attack. Spurs' defence looked alarmingly vulnerable at times. Action Images
Clement Lenglet – 5. Couldn’t handle the pace of Arsenal’s attack. Spurs' defence looked alarmingly vulnerable at times. Action Images
Matt Doherty – 6. Looked shaky defensively in his wing-back position and struggled with the overlaps of Zinchenko. Offered the occasional promising cross from the right flank. AFP
Matt Doherty – 6. Looked shaky defensively in his wing-back position and struggled with the overlaps of Zinchenko. Offered the occasional promising cross from the right flank. AFP
Pape Sarr – 6. Although a day to forget for his side, the young talent showed some positive signs in midfield. Getty
Pape Sarr – 6. Although a day to forget for his side, the young talent showed some positive signs in midfield. Getty
Pierre Hojbjerg – 5. Produced some enticing deliveries into the box which were not taken advantage of. AFP
Pierre Hojbjerg – 5. Produced some enticing deliveries into the box which were not taken advantage of. AFP
Ryan Sessegnon – 6. Could have done better defensively to stop Saka’s drive towards the box, which led to the away side breaking the deadlock. However, he provided a real threat going forward, and had a great opportunity to reduce the deficit but his effort was well saved. EPA
Ryan Sessegnon – 6. Could have done better defensively to stop Saka’s drive towards the box, which led to the away side breaking the deadlock. However, he provided a real threat going forward, and had a great opportunity to reduce the deficit but his effort was well saved. EPA
Dejan Kulusevski – 6. Looked the most likely to create something threatening going forward as his side searched for a way back into the game. Did well to drive with purpose at the Arsenal defence but was not enough in the end. AFP
Dejan Kulusevski – 6. Looked the most likely to create something threatening going forward as his side searched for a way back into the game. Did well to drive with purpose at the Arsenal defence but was not enough in the end. AFP
Son Heung-min - 5. Had a great opportunity to level the score but his effort was palmed away by Ramsdale. Other than the first half chance, he struggled to get himself in the game. EPA
Son Heung-min - 5. Had a great opportunity to level the score but his effort was palmed away by Ramsdale. Other than the first half chance, he struggled to get himself in the game. EPA
Harry Kane – 5. Had several clear-cut chances to get on the scoresheet but Ramsdale was able to keep his efforts out. Not a North London derby to remember for Tottenham’s main man. AP
Harry Kane – 5. Had several clear-cut chances to get on the scoresheet but Ramsdale was able to keep his efforts out. Not a North London derby to remember for Tottenham’s main man. AP
SUBS: Richarlison – (Doherty, 71) N/A - Provided a different dimension in attack with his side looking to rescue the game, but failed to offer anything threatening. Reuters
SUBS: Richarlison – (Doherty, 71) N/A - Provided a different dimension in attack with his side looking to rescue the game, but failed to offer anything threatening. Reuters
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Friendly match between Tottenham Hotpsur and OGC Nice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 21, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson / Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Friendly match between Tottenham Hotpsur and OGC Nice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 21, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson / Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose / Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose / Getty Images)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - January 1, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur's Ivan Perisic reacts REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - January 1, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur's Ivan Perisic reacts REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round - Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - January 7, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur's Bryan Gil and Son Heung-min during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs
Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round - Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - January 7, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur's Bryan Gil and Son Heung-min during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs
ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale – 8. Made several crucial saves, especially in the second half when Spurs were trying to get back in the game. An excellent performance from Arsenal’s number one. PA
ARSENAL RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale – 8. Made several crucial saves, especially in the second half when Spurs were trying to get back in the game. An excellent performance from Arsenal’s number one. PA
Ben White – 6. Struggled with the pace of Sessegnon when the Spurs man came forward, but did well to contain Son. AFP
Ben White – 6. Struggled with the pace of Sessegnon when the Spurs man came forward, but did well to contain Son. AFP
William Saliba – 7. There were a few dramatic moments at the end of the first half when the defender appeared to follow through his challenge on Doherty in the box, but referee Craig Pawson waved away the penalty shouts. A composed outing from the Frenchman. Getty
William Saliba – 7. There were a few dramatic moments at the end of the first half when the defender appeared to follow through his challenge on Doherty in the box, but referee Craig Pawson waved away the penalty shouts. A composed outing from the Frenchman. Getty
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8. A solid day at the office from the central defender who didn’t put a foot wrong, and who dealt with the physicality of Kane in the box. Getty
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8. A solid day at the office from the central defender who didn’t put a foot wrong, and who dealt with the physicality of Kane in the box. Getty
Oleksandr Zinchenko –7. Sound defensively and kept Kulusevski at bay. Going forward, he looked threatening and combined well with Martinelli. EPA
Oleksandr Zinchenko –7. Sound defensively and kept Kulusevski at bay. Going forward, he looked threatening and combined well with Martinelli. EPA
Martin Odegaard – 9. As usual, the Norwegian made Arsenal tick and topped off his performance when his effort from outside the box found the bottom right corner of the net to extend the lead. AP
Martin Odegaard – 9. As usual, the Norwegian made Arsenal tick and topped off his performance when his effort from outside the box found the bottom right corner of the net to extend the lead. AP
Thomas Partey – 9. Started an attack by playing a ball over the top to Saka, which resulted in his side taking the lead. The Ghanaian was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet after his powerful long-range strike in the first half clattered the post. AP
Thomas Partey – 9. Started an attack by playing a ball over the top to Saka, which resulted in his side taking the lead. The Ghanaian was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet after his powerful long-range strike in the first half clattered the post. AP
Granit Xhaka – 7. Known for his hot-headed antics on the pitch, the fierceness of this derby did not affect him this time and the midfielder had a cool and composed shift. Getty
Granit Xhaka – 7. Known for his hot-headed antics on the pitch, the fierceness of this derby did not affect him this time and the midfielder had a cool and composed shift. Getty
Bukayo Saka – 8. Another top performance from Saka who seems to be producing these displays week after week. His intelligent run down the right gave him the space to fire a shot directly at Lloris to give his side the lead. Reuters
Bukayo Saka – 8. Another top performance from Saka who seems to be producing these displays week after week. His intelligent run down the right gave him the space to fire a shot directly at Lloris to give his side the lead. Reuters
Eddie Nketiah – 7. Pressed well from the front and used his pace to get behind and threaten the opponent’s back line. Had a chance to make it 3-0, but his shot was well stopped. AFP
Eddie Nketiah – 7. Pressed well from the front and used his pace to get behind and threaten the opponent’s back line. Had a chance to make it 3-0, but his shot was well stopped. AFP
Gabriel Martinelli – 6. Not his most lively outing, but the Brazilian offered the occasional problem from the left wing. PA
Gabriel Martinelli – 6. Not his most lively outing, but the Brazilian offered the occasional problem from the left wing. PA
SUBS: Kieran Tierney (Martinelli, 79) N/A - The Scot’s arrival meant there was an extra defender on the pitch for his side, which helped get Arsenal over the line and take away all three points. Getty Images
SUBS: Kieran Tierney (Martinelli, 79) N/A - The Scot’s arrival meant there was an extra defender on the pitch for his side, which helped get Arsenal over the line and take away all three points. Getty Images
Takehiro Tomiyasu, (Zinchenko, 86’) N/A - Shored things up defensively. Getty
Takehiro Tomiyasu, (Zinchenko, 86’) N/A - Shored things up defensively. Getty
Emile Smith Rowe, (Nketiah, 90+3’) N/A - Came on with seconds left to just wind the clock down and secure the victory for Arteta’s side. AFP
Emile Smith Rowe, (Nketiah, 90+3’) N/A - Came on with seconds left to just wind the clock down and secure the victory for Arteta’s side. AFP
Fabio Vieira (Odegaard, 90+4) N/A - Was subbed on with seconds to go and didn’t impact the game. Getty
Fabio Vieira (Odegaard, 90+4) N/A - Was subbed on with seconds to go and didn’t impact the game. Getty

This was no isolated incident. Premier League statistics do not count own goals as errors leading to a goal but the reality is that Lloris' mistakes have cost his side on at least four occasions this season – and that's before taking into account his passing that constantly puts his teammates under unnecessary pressure.

Arsenal have been beneficiaries in both encounters this season. During October's first meeting at the Emirates, Lloris' weak save from Saka's initial effort forced a goalmouth scramble in which Cristian Romero miskicked the ball back to Lloris, though the Frenchman was ultimately at fault as he let the ball roll under his body, allowing Gabriel Jesus to smash home as Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners.

Callum Wilson, right, chips the ball over a stranded Hugo Lloris to give Newcastle the lead against Tottenham on October 23, 2022. PA
Callum Wilson, right, chips the ball over a stranded Hugo Lloris to give Newcastle the lead against Tottenham on October 23, 2022. PA

A mad dash from goal saw him collide with Callum Wilson before the Newcastle United striker turned and lobbed the stranded Frenchman in a league match later that month, while his attempt to keep out Miguel Almiron's effort left plenty to be desired, too.

Lloris' first match after losing the World Cup final on penalties with France produced another error-strewn display in the New Year's Day meeting with Aston Villa. The Spurs stopper inexplicably spilt a routine Douglas Luiz shot from 35-yards and was then beaten to the rebound by Ollie Watkins who set up Emiliano Buendia to score.

There are plenty of other examples: during the 2017/18 season, he made as many as five during the Premier League season – his worst to date – and that's without factoring in the biggest gaffe in World Cup final history when he was tackled by Mario Mandzukic trying to dribble round the Croatia striker from inside his own six-yard box.

France were 4-1 up at the time, so no real harm done, but on another day, that lapse in concentration could have cost Les Bleus the biggest prize of all.

There is no denying Lloris is capable of the spectacular, and his leadership qualities have helped guide the club through their most successful period in decades. But his propensity to commit avoidable mistakes should make his place in Tottenham's goal vulnerable. The reality is, with only veteran Fraser Forster as a viable alternative, the Spurs captain is likely to keep his place for the Premier League trip to Manchester City on Thursday.

Lloris signed a two-year contract extension in January 2022 but Spurs boss Antonio Conte must surely now be considering replacing the former Lyon keeper if he hopes to sustain Spurs' top-four challenge. Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak as well as David Raya and Jordan Pickford of Brentford and Everton respectively have been linked with January moves.

Arsenal's 2-0 win at their North London neighbours put them eight points clear at the summit and left Spurs five points off the Champions League places. Unless the issue of Lloris the liability is addressed, Spurs' woes are only set to worsen at the Etihad.

Atletico Madrid's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been linked with a move to Tottenham. EPA
Atletico Madrid's Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak has been linked with a move to Tottenham. EPA
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

War and the virus
On Women's Day
Europe's top EV producers
  1. Norway (63% of cars registered in 2021)
  2. Iceland (33%)
  3. Netherlands (20%)
  4. Sweden (19%)
  5. Austria (14%)
  6. Germany (14%)
  7. Denmark (13%)
  8. Switzerland (13%)
  9. United Kingdom (12%)
  10. Luxembourg (10%)

Source: VCOe 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Tomorrow 2021
You might also like
The specs

Engine 60kwh FWD

Battery Rimac 120kwh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry

Power 204hp Torque 360Nm

Price, base / as tested Dh174,500 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Transgender report
The Indo-Pacific
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

World Mental Health Day
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
  • Drones
  • Animals
  • Fireworks/ flares
  • Radios or power banks
  • Laser pointers
  • Glass
  • Selfie sticks/ umbrellas
  • Sharp objects
  • Political flags or banners
  • Bikes, skateboards or scooters
While you're here
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Read more
Tomorrow 2021
Tomorrow 2021
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company profile

Company name: Dharma

Date started: 2018

Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: TravelTech

Funding stage: Pre-series A 

Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs

While you're here:
More from this story
While you're here
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

BORDERLANDS

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Eli Roth

Rating: 0/5

UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS
%3Cp%3E1%20Esha%20Oza%2C%20age%2026%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E2%20Theertha%20Satish%2C%20age%2020%2C%2066%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E3%20Khushi%20Sharma%2C%20age%2021%2C%2065%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E4%20Kavisha%20Kumari%2C%20age%2021%2C%2079%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E5%20Heena%20Hotchandani%2C%20age%2023%2C%2016%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E6%20Rinitha%20Rajith%2C%20age%2018%2C%2034%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E7%20Samaira%20Dharnidharka%2C%20age%2017%2C%2053%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E8%20Vaishnave%20Mahesh%2C%20age%2017%2C%2068%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E9%20Lavanya%20Keny%2C%20age%2017%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E10%20Siya%20Gokhale%2C%20age%2018%2C%2033%20matches%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E11%20Indhuja%20Nandakumar%2C%20age%2018%2C%2046%20matches%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

Our commentary on Brexit
On Women's Day
While you're here
World Mental Health Day
THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Getting there

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.

The stay

Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.

Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com

Updated: January 18, 2023, 8:34 AM`
Tottenham HotspurPremier LeagueArsenalManchester City