Tim Sherwood was extremely disappointed after his Tottenham team were defeated 4-0 by rivals Chelsea in a recent match at the Bridge. The two sides had drawn the reverse fixture 1-1 at White Hart Lane earlier in the season, but this encounter was more one-sided. Tottenham put up a brave fight in the first half and dominated the match, but they were unable to keep up with Chelsea once they brought on Oscar in the second half. The Brazilian was brought on as a replacement for Frank Lampard at half-time.

He provided a massive boost to Chelsea, as they started dominating almost immediately. The opening goal came as a result of an error from Jan Vertonghen, whose intended backpass to the goalkeeper was intercepted by Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroon international pounced to score the opening goal, while he helped the club win a penalty minutes later. Younes Kaboul was also sent off for trying to prevent a goalscoring opportunity. Eden Hazard converted the penalty, while Demba Ba added two quick goals near the end of the match.

Sherwood was extremely downbeat in his postmatch interview, as he said that the players lacked a fighting spirit needed to stay at the top against a club like Chelsea. He also dismissed the chances of Tottenham finishing in the top four this season.

“Obviously, the first goal anyone can slip, and it’s a bad error. The second one, the penalty and the sending-off has gone against us, unfortunately. The game’s over after that. It still doesn’t legislate for the capitulation. A lack of characters. Too many of them are too nice to each other. We need to show a bit more guts and not want to be someone’s mate all the time. It can’t always be me,” said the Tottenham boss, whose job is now under jeopardy.