Jamie Redknapp slams Serge Aurier after Spurs cup final defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 25/4; 19:02) that Serge Aurier made a ridiculous decision to give away the free-kick that led to the only goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup final defeat on Sunday.

Ryan Mason’s men were beaten in agonising fashion at Wembley. Aymeric Laporte scored late on for Manchester City to hand Pep Guardiola’s men the trophy.

The chance for Laporte came after Aurier gave away a free-kick by fouling Raheem Sterling.

It was a needless foul with Sterling heading towards the corner. And of course, Spurs were punished with the decisive goal coming moments later.

It came after what had been a reasonably good performance from Aurier up until that point. But Redknapp was extremely critical of the 28-year-old for that mistake.

“Aurier does well to start with, he follows the one-two,” he told Sky Sports. “And then, he makes the most ridiculous, rash decision that we see him do so often. Just stand up, don’t dive in, don’t give the foul away. Elementary mistake.”

It was unfortunately a reminder of why Aurier – who earns £70,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – has never quite managed to silence his doubters in North London.

On his day, he can prove to be an absolutely outstanding full-back. At the start of this season, he enjoyed a superb run of form.

However, decision-making has tended to be a real weakness for the Ivory Coast international throughout his time in the Premier League. And it went on to hurt Tottenham as City made the most of a free-kick in a dangerous area.