Here is your Tottenham Hotspur morning digest on Monday, April 18.
Ian Wright questions Conte tactics
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has hit out at Tottenham’s tactical approach during their 1-0 defeat to Brighton at home. Spurs failed to register a shot on target and were punished in the 90th minute by Leandro Trossard's composed finish.
The defeat is an undoubted blow to Spurs’ hopes of securing a top-four finish, however, they remain fourth following Arsenal's defeat to Southampton in the afternoon kick-off. But after Manchester United's victory over Norwich they now only trail Antonio Conte’s side by three points.
Given the nature of their previous results, Wright was left surprised by Spurs' poor display and criticised the tactics employed by manager Antonio Conte.
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Graham Potter shares a small joke
Following Brighton's impressive victory over the Lilywhites, manager Graham Potter was quick to praise his side's efforts in what was an excellent team performance.
The win means that the Seagulls have made it two wins on the bounce, defeating both north London teams in succession. Speaking after the game, Potter shared a small joke. "It was only fair that if we beat Arsenal we had to go to Spurs and beat them," he said in his post-match interview.
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Conte's plea to Premier League referees
Conte has urged Premier League referees to help protect players from dangerous tackles. It comes after Spurs wing-back Matt Doherty was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Irishman was on the receiving end of a scissor tackle from Aston Villa defender Matty Cash last week and the timing couldn’t be worse for the club and player.
The Italian said after the loss to Brighton at the weekend: “I think that sometimes the referee has to pay more attention and protect players. I understand that sometimes you go and you take the ball, but if you go and take half ball and half body and you damage the player, it's not the same.
“I think for the safety of the players, the referees have to pay great attention. You have to take the ball, but when you take the body, and you make damages to your opponent, I think you have to make a big punishment to the players."
Read more here.
