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Tottenham's wing-backs just didn't have an impact on proceedings on Saturday afternoon as the team slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion. Winning seven of their previous nine league fixtures going into the clash, Antonio Conte's wing-backs had played a major part in their upturn in form.

Enduring such a frustrating time at the club following his move from Wolves in the summer of 2020 and having to make do with a bit-part role, Matt Doherty was enjoying the best period of his Spurs career during that run after forcing his way into the side. Grabbing a goal and an assist in the 4-0 drubbing of Leeds United at the end of February, the Republic of Ireland international followed it up with two assists against Everton and a further strike in the home win over Newcastle United.

However, Doherty was dealt a cruel blow just over a week ago after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in the 4-0 win at Aston Villa following a challenge by Matty Cash. His absence meant Emerson Royal started on the right against Brighton, with Sergio Reguilon getting the nod at left wing-back.

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The duo had no influence in third final third and statistics shined a light on their struggles over the 90 minutes. Emerson did not put a single cross into the box nor did he make a single attempt to dribble the ball forward, while Reguilon, who had a lower passing success rate than anyone in the Spurs starting line-up barring Harry Kane, did not attempt a single dribble forward and also saw his one attempted cross not find its intended target.

Reguilon's performance could see Ryan Sessegnon restored to left wing-back for Saturday evening's game