A hard-earned victory over Nottingham Forest tonight was marred somewhat by a second red card of the season for Yves Bissouma. Speaking after the game, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gave his thoughts on the incident.
Spurs made it two consecutive wins with a 2-0 victory at the City Ground tonight, overcoming a physical Nottingham Forest side who looked to combat Ange Postecoglou‘s expansive play with a high-pressure approach.
A first-half goal from Richarlison put Spurs ahead, before Dejan Kulusevski doubled the lead and put the result beyond doubt.
Postecoglou appreciates Spurs players’ commitment
However, things got a little more precarious for Tottenham after Yves Bissouma put in a reckless and dangerously high challenge. Despite getting a yellow card from the referee, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned, with the midfielder picking up his second red card of the season.
In his post-match interview (via Football.London), Tottenham boss Postecoglou commented on Bissouma’s red card and the challenge which led to the dismissal.
He said: “I think they slowed it down and they saw what they saw and we have to cop it. It’s an issue but it’s not so much discipline. Tonight – like I say I haven’t seen a slowed-down version – but it’s just a desperate lunge more than anything malicious.
“The guys are having to adapt to learn to play our football without crossing a line but I loved the commitment they showed. Unfortunately, we paid a price because it’s not just this game. He obviously misses a big chunk of football but it is what it is.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I’ve got to disagree with Postecoglou on this one. I don’t think Bissouma meant to hurt anyone or even put in such a clumsy challenge, but some of these Spurs players have really got to start using their head and toe the line better. These red cards are really going to cost us.