I think it's a fair point. These are the same bunch who wanted to die for the shirt against Chelsea, so the 'leadership and man-management' question hanging over Hughes's head is less valid. Apart from playing de Jong in the first instance, who in my eyes looked jaded and unable to keep up with play for the most (obviously still not over swine flu), then I don't think Hughes did much wrong. The Tottenham players looked more hungry and hassled us on the ball much more than we did them. Surely the players on the filed have to stand up and take some responsibility. The likes of Barry, Adebayor and Robinho are players of immense talent but they are just not firing on all cylinders right now. That's the harsh reality - players wander in and out of form and let's all be honest, with the exception of Barry who has shocked me with his lack of guile, we knew that when we bought them.
Of course it's fair to say that Hughes is the man who brings these players in, but I do wonder when the same people rollicking Hughes for his inept management are the same people willing to turn a blind eye to some truly absymal performances by the players.
In short I think the blame for tonight's debacle has to be split twelve ways!
