4 of the biggest mistakes Mauricio Pochettino has made at Tottenham this season

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It’s been a very rocky start to the 2019/20 season for Tottenham Hotspur.

The north Londoners are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, and have not been at the races so far.

Mauricio Pochettino seemingly has his work cut out to deliver Champions League football again, with fourth-placed Manchester City currently 11 points ahead of Spurs, although there is obviously a long way to go.

The manager has done so much for the club, but he cannot go without blame for Spurs’ disappointing start.

Here are four of the biggest mistakes Pochettino has made so far this season:

Selling Kieran Trippier

Perhaps easy to say with hindsight, but Pochettino is definitely suffering for having sold Kieran Trippier in the summer.

But maybe it was a mistake to allow the sale when Serge Aurier was going to be the regular replacement.

Right-back has been a real problem for Tottenham this term, and the manager seemingly cannot find a solution.

Perhaps the fit-again Juan Foyth could be the answer to his prayers, but for now Trippier’s ghost remains unbanished.

Not playing Lucas Moura enough

Tottenham fans love Lucas Moura and get frustrated with Pochettino when he’s left on the bench.

The Brazilian was a hero against Ajax last year in the Champions League, but then started the final as a substitute.

He had a brilliant pre-season ahead of 2019/20, yet still seems unfancied to start by Pochettino.

Moura is dangerous and direct, and Pochettino using him so sparingly is astounding.

Persisting with Eriksen

Eriksen has been in horrible form this season and yet he has been getting the nod from Pochettino most of the time.

The Denmark international has been a fine servant for the club down the years, but it would seem his contract situation is affecting his performance, even if he doesn’t believe it is (BT).

Pochettino has a fine player in Giovano Lo Celso waiting to make an impact, meaning he really should be reducing Eriksen’s role going forwards.

Late subs

One thing that often grinds the gears of Tottenham fans is Pochettino’s tendency to perhaps let too much time pass before making substitutions.

That trend has continued this season, and perhaps the club would have more points to their name if he just twisted a bit earlier in games.

Things such as hooking Tanguy Ndombele early against Everton and leaving the totally ineffective Eriksen on until deep into injury time have caused irritation for supporters.