Sports
Pedro Porro Was ‘Dreadful’ in FA Cup Loss to Aston Villa
Aston Villa piled more pressure on Thomas Frank after knocking Tottenham Hotspur out of the FA Cup and the Danish coach might need to drop one of his struggling players.
Frank was on the receiving end of a ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ chant from Villa fans and even some Spurs supporters. This came during a disastrous first-half display, which saw the visitors take a two-nil lead through Emi Buendia (22′) and Morgan Rogers (45+3′).
The Dane might have given his team a telling off at half-time because they came out a different side, getting themselves back in the game through Wilson Odobert (54′). But an equaliser didn’t arrive and a 2-1 loss resulted in boos from the home supporters.
Frank faces an uphill battle to try to turn the tide, and most fans have made clear they are no longer backing their manager. But if he is to be dismissed, they want him to take one of his players with him.
Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa: Poor Porro
Spurs’ recruitment has long been under scrutiny, and it seems the Lilywhites’ fanbase has started to take aim at Pedro Porro. The Portuguese right-back was highly rated during the start of his spell in North London, but recent displays have raised concerns.
Tonight might have been a turning point regarding Porro’s support from fans as he put in a disappointing performance. He was too easily beaten by Donyell Malen for Buendia’s opener, and he left gaps for the Villans’ second.
Porro was also poor in possession, completing 74% of his passes, and was dragged out of position on a number of occasions. His frustrations also got the better of him, leading him to shout at the linesman and receive a booking for his troubles.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in Frank’s side this season, but his defensive vulnerabilities have been on display for all to see. With Djed Spence on the bench, it should be time for the English full-back to be handed a run at right-back rather than as a makeshift left-back.
Frank decided to bring Spence on for Porro, who had 56 touches, in the 82nd minute, and that should be a sign that he had seen the light. But the Dane might not even be in the job to make such a decision, and if he does part ways, the consensus is that the Portugal international should also.
Tottenham’s defeat means they are out of both domestic cup competitions and only have a Champions League pipe dream to finish the season with a trophy. It’s been a calamitous campaign and start to Frank’s reign that might be on the brink of ending prematurely.
Porro has been with Spurs since the summer of 2023, when the club swooped for his signature in a £39.7 million deal. He arrived from Sporting CP, having previously spent time at Manchester City and drawn interest from Real Madrid.
The North Londoners’ fans might be hoping Madrid come back in for Porro, given their frustrations with the right-back. One fan fumed on X:
“I stg Porro is playing against, how is Frank not hooking him.”
Another is urging him to bounce back:
“Porro has been an absolute calamity this game. He really needs to turn it around.”
One alluded to his lack of composure in possession:
“Everytime Porro gets the ball he gives it away.”
Another branded his display disgusting:
“Get Porro off the pitch. Absolutely disgusting performance.”
One joked:
“Pedro Porro is Sergio Reguilon with a right foot.”
Another added:
“Porro is dreadful.”
One fan labelled his outing:
“Nah Porro hall of shame performance.”
Another doesn’t enjoy watching him:
“Porro is truly one of the worst fullbacks defensively I have ever had the misfortune of watching.”
One suggested they want a flop back:
“Pedro Porro is genuinely the worst player I’ve ever seen.I miss Emerson Royal.”
Porro could be looking over his shoulder at Spence following his performance, which was one of many nights to forget for the Portuguese. Some Spurs fans who want him gone might get their wish as Madrid Universal reports that Madrid are weighing up a potential move for the former City man.
