Tottenham’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left fans frustrated, but it was Jamie Carragher’s post-match critique that grabbed headlines. The former Liverpool defender didn’t hold back as he questioned the quality and confidence of Spurs midfielders Xavi Simons and João Palhinha, claiming the pair “lacked the nerve” to compete at Premier League level.

It was a flat evening for Thomas Frank’s side, who managed only one shot on target despite long spells of possession. Chelsea, inspired by Moises Caicedo’s tireless pressing and Robert Sánchez’s assured goalkeeping, edged the contest through a single goal, but the match was defined less by clinical finishing and more by Spurs’ struggle to take initiative in midfield.

Carragher pointed to a moment where Simons opted for a safe backward pass instead of threading the ball forward to attackers. Moments later, Palhinha’s sideways play drew audible groans from the home crowd. Here is what he remarked on Sky Sports (h/t The Standard)

“The guy you’ve spent the money on, he’s creative, he’s got players running forward, he’s got all the time in the world, and still he goes back,”

Jamie Carragher believes Tottenham Hotspur star lacks the courage and quality.

Carragher didn’t stop...