Tottenham boss Igor Tudor decided to name just seven players on the bench against Liverpool, with three academy stars, and journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that the manager was 'making a point' with the decision.
Going into the game against Liverpool, Tottenham's injury situation reached another low. Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero were both ruled out after the pair clashed heads against Atletico Madrid, something which undoubtedly sums up their season.
The double blow meant Spurs are in double figures for injuries, while Conor Gallagher also missed the game at Anfield due to illness.
There's no doubt Tottenham need to improve drastically, despite their current injuries, and they are sleepwalking to relegation as it stands, still searching for their first victory of 2026.
Tudor 'Making a Point' for Tottenham vs Liverpool
Reacting on X during the first half of Tottenham's game at Anfield against Liverpool, Gold has described the 'absolutely mad' bench named by Tudor. Gold suggests that he was 'making a point' after the 'horrible' January transfer window left them short of players.
Against Liverpool, Tudor named three academy players - James Wilson, James Rowswell, and Callum Olusesi - on the bench, while he also named two goalkeepers in Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin.
Tottenham U21 Fixtures May Explain Things
Tottenham U21s do play against Leeds United on Monday evening, which might explain the lack of academy players involved against Liverpool.
On the other hand, it's not uncommon that players are involved with the senior squad before featuring for the U21s, even if given a small cameo in the first team.
Tudor could have easily named more academy players on the bench without giving them a run-out, so it makes sense that Gold believes he was trying to make a point.
Only two of the players on the bench would be considered part of the senior squad when everyone is fit, with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani among the substitutes.