Antonio Conte told Mikel Arteta to stop “complaining” after the Arsenal boss blamed referee Paul Tierney for “destroying” his team’s chances in the north London derby.
Spurs’ opening goal of a momentous 3-0 win came from a Harry Kane penalty in the 22nd minute and Tierney then showed defender Rob Holding a second yellow card 11 minutes later. Kane added a second before half-time and Son Heung-min scored a third for the hosts shortly after the break.
“If I say what I think, I will be suspended for six months and I want to be on the touchline for our next game on Monday night,” Arteta said.
“I want the referee to come in front of the cameras and explain his decisions because we were so excited to play this game and this beautiful occasion was destroyed tonight.
More from Football
Kane's brief flirtation with Man City is now a distant memory through a haze of Arsenal-bashing13 May, 2022
Newcastle will be ambitious in transfer market but success won't happen overnight, warns Howe12 May, 2022
Kane and Son reignite Champions League race as Spurs run riot against Arsenal12 May, 2022“I haven’t spoken with Rob Holding but you can imagine that having to leave so early in a huge match like this is very tough.”
In response, Conte pointed out that the derby was only taking place on Thursday night because the original date in January had been postponed at Arsenal’s request amidst an injury crisis. The Premier League approved the change despite Arsenal only recording one positive Covid test.
“Arteta is a really good coach but he has just started this job and he has to be more focused on his team and not to keep complaining,” Conte said.
“In six months here [since taking the Spurs job], I have listened to him complaining a lot. He needs to be more calm. But if he doesn’t want to accept my advice, I don’t care.
More on Tottenham Hotspur FC
“The red card was clear for me and if we want to complain we have the opportunity every game to talk about referees, decisions and postponed games. If you remember, Arsenal did well to postpone this game in an incredible way when only one player had Covid. I didn’t forget this because it made us a bit angry.
“If we want to complain I can also ask why we have to play again on Sunday at 12 o’clock and Arsenal do not play until Monday night and have one more day’s rest.”
Tottenham return to action against Burnley on Sunday, knowing a win will at least temporarily take them above their rivals into fourth. The gap has been cut to one point in the race for the Champions League, with Spurs boasting the greater goal difference.
from Football | News and analysis from the Premier League and beyond | iNews https://ift.tt/eoXqIKF
Post a Comment