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Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ian Wright has told BBC’s Match of the Day 2 that he feels “gutted” for Tottenham Hotspur teenager Troy Parrott after the Irish striker was afforded just three minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.
In a topsy-turvy match, Spurs took the lead twice thanks to goals from Steven Bergwijn and Serge Aurier – either side of a Matt Doherty equaliser. But Wolves came out with the spoils, as Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez scored second-half strikes.
With Spurs chasing the game, Jose Mourinho eventually brought 18-year-old striker Parrott onto the field of play with just three minutes left to play. It was his third senior appearance, but Parrott failed to make an impact.
Arsenal icon Wright questioned Mourinho’s decision not to give Parrott more of a go, stating that he was confused over Parrott’s lack of action given Spurs’ need for a striker. He feels, if given the chance, he could mirror Harry Kane.
“I’m a little bit confused,” Wright said. “They need a striker. Put Parrott on. I don’t know what three minutes is going to do for him. Give him 20 minutes, see what he is about. See if he can link the play, give Spurs a different way of playing.
TBR’s view – Wright is bang on, Parrott is needed during run-in
Spurs have become predictable to defend against given their lack of striker. A lack of a talisman up front has seen opposition centre-backs enjoy their afternoon against Mourinho’s side, and even the presence of Parrott would improve that.
Certainly, Parrott has the physique of a striker that is able to have the ball played into his feet and hold it up for teammates. With the likes of Lucas Moura, Dele Alli, Bergwijn and other attacking talent around him, surely Parrott would bring the best out of those – like Kane does.
Giving him a chance may not only see Spurs solve their striker crisis, but save the need to spend millions in the summer.
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