Jose Mourinho has defended Hugo Lloris despite the goalkeeper’s error that cost Tottenham victory at Crystal Palace.
Lloris failed to claim Ebere Eze’s free-kick and was punished when Jeffrey Schlupp pounced on the rebound to equalise for the hosts.
Harry Kane had given Spurs a first half lead with a swerving shot from distance, but Mourinho’s men failed to build on their advantage and eventually paid the price.
The Londoners remain top of the Premier League after Liverpool and Chelsea both dropped points over the weekend, while Leicester City and Southampton made up ground on the leaders with wins.
But despite Lloris’ mistake, Mourinho jumped to the Frenchman’s defence when talking to the media after the game.
“My goalkeeper is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League so I would never be critical of the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, period,” said the Tottenham boss (via Sky Sports).
In fairness to Lloris, he couldn’t see the ball until it dropped in behind a group of players right in front of him, meaning he was unable to react quickly and claim it.
The 33-year-old has been virtually error-free since he returned from an elbow injury last season, and this one didn’t really resemble the howlers he had been making during the latter stages of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.
Patrice Evra was absolutely correct, so was Graham Sourness when the ball was played into that area Lloris should have been more positive, go and get the ball!! Don’t wait for it to hit him. He is a very good shot stopper, very indecisive in commanding his area,he has a pair of hands he should use them more often! Classic example Benteke was unmarked with a free header, unchallenged and headed over the bar. Where was Lloris? Transfixed on his line. We have conceded too many goals from set piece play because of his reluctance to be more positive. Great goalkeepers don’t depend on their defender’s to head the ball clear.