Playing for 90
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Five reasons Tottenham are in fifth place

By Rucker Haringey

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to kick off during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to kick off during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

3. Christian Eriksen’s struggles

The stylish Danish attacker tends to be a target of criticism from many Tottenham fans. Much of that discourse is unfair. However, the fact that he hasn’t found the back of the net in any of his eight starts on the year is a valid criticism.

I’ve long been a defender of Eriksen’s, but even my patience is growing thin at this point. He just doesn’t seem to be a great fit for the way Pochettino wants to play. He’s excellent on the ball, but is very hesitant to really challenge the opposition with any sort of physical play.

That lack of physicality means that he can only really impact the match by creating scoring chances. He does have three assists on the year to his name, but again, zero goals. It’s hard for him to play well without finding the back of the net.

If Spurs are going to challenge for a Premier League title they are going to need Eriksen to drastically improve his performance. Frankly, he might find himself on the bench if his form doesn’t improve soon.

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