Archie Gray has been called out after Tottenham’s 0-0 draw with Brentford on Thursday.
Thomas Frank was hoping to bring in Tottenham’s New Year with a victory, but his side were held at the G-Tech Community Stadium.
Frank started Gray as a number 10, in the absence of Lucas Bergvall, but the former Leeds United star did not impress.
He thought he had earned a penalty in the second-half, but there was not enough contact according to the referee and the VAR.
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What did Hackett say about Tottenham star Gray?
Keith Hackett believes that it was an act of simulation from the Spurs ace, who was attempting to fool the officials.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the former FIFA-listed official said: “Archie Gray and his fall to the ground is unconvincing, and he is attempting to win a penalty kick by simulation.
“Match officials have made the correct call.”
Gray still has a lot to learn at Tottenham
Gray is one of the most promising youngsters in the game, but he still has plenty to learn to become a regular star.
Play acting in the box will not help his game, and referees may question whether he has dived if he is genuinely fouled in the area now.
There was minimal contact, and he made a meal out of it, which will not bode well for his reputation with officials in the future.
He needs to focus on grabbing goals and assists for Spurs, rather than trying to win penalties by tricking the referee.
His performances have been wildly inconsistent, and Frank needs him to step up and prove that he deserves a place in the team.
He was not helped against the Bees, as he is not a number 10, so he had a difficult job to do on the night, as he is used to playing in central midfield, defence or at right-back.
When everyone is fit, he may not get into the side, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in brilliant form, so he needs to make a good impression when he does get a chance.