Graeme Souness has blasted Cyrus Christie for allowing Georges-Kévin N’Koudou to whip in a last-ditch cross for Harry Winks during Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.
Winks headed home a 93rd minute winner in what was effectively Spurs last attack of the game as the England midfielder completed a second-half comeback for Mauricio Pochettino’s side after a Fernando Llorente own goal gifted Fulham a half-time lead.
Christie was left wanting for both Dele Alli’s headed goal and Winks’ matchwinner and Souness let him have it on Sky Sports post-match show.
“Fulham had their moments during the game but they’re both crosses,” said Souness.
“If you’re a defender you’ve got to work harder to stop a cross. Get closer, [N’Koudou’s] cross was too easy. That’s too easy.
“It’s the last minute of the game, work harder to stop that cross. Take a blow for a cross, put your body on the line, you’re relying on your teammates to get you of the hole.
“They’ve gone to sleep at the vital moment and it’s cost them points.”
Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri had said before the game that he fancies the Cottagers to stay up this season despite having just three wins all season.
“Of course I am positive – and I think at the end we survive,” said the Italian.
“Of course it’s not easy, but at the end, we will survive. I expected a very tough season for Fulham. Because when you grow up and arrive at the Premier League, it’s important to realise the tempo, the intensity and the quality of the players. I hope now that in the last matches that there are we can do something good for the team.”
Fulham will now play Brighton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United over the next three games as they trail 17th place Newcastle United by seven points.
