'It's a must-win game': how does hype affect a player's state of mind?

Must-win games. Devastating results. Embarrassing performances. The descriptions are as familiar to fans as a stray backpass or shanked shot (at least, if like this writer, you’re a Spurs supporter). But whilst extreme terminology is a routine part of playing and watching football, even the most die-hard of ‘hairdryer’ apologists would struggle to call …