Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of finishing in the top four took a huge blow on Saturday evening after losing 3-2 to Manchester United, their rivals for that coveted final berth in the top four.
Antonio Conte’s side showed character to recover from multiple setbacks, responding to Cristiano Ronaldo’s opening goal via a Harry Kane penalty. The Portugal legend doubled his tally before a Harry Maguire own goal set up a tense finish with the scores level. Up popped Ronaldo to complete a hat-trick and secure the three points for the home side late on, converting from a corner.
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Conte was urging his players to remain calm from the touchline, something which Sky Sports reporter Adam Bate picked up on as he seemed to question the Tottenham manager for that approach.
Bate was providing updates on the broadcaster’s live web commentary on the match and, shortly before Maguire’s own goal made it 2-2, he posted: “Conte urging his players to keep calm in possession which feels slightly counter-intuitive with the clock ticking down and his team behind, but he clearly thinks their best chance is to continue as they are.”
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It could easily have been a different scoreline on another day, with Spurs arguably enjoying more of the attacking threat throughout the 90 minutes, having equalled the hosts’ 10 shots. However, those lapses in concentration and Ronaldo’s ruthlessness in front of goal proved the difference, leaving Conte with plenty to mull over.
They are now five points adrift of United in the top four, but games in hand don’t help Spurs, who are seventh after this defeat. Arsenal ahead of them have two games in hand with a three-point cushion already, leaving Tottenham with a mountain to climb and Conte perhaps pondering over whether he should have encouraged his team to be more proactive when chasing the game at Old Trafford.
In other news, Daniel Levy must act after this Antonio Conte woes