Harry Kane’s penalty deep into first-half injury time proved to be enough for Spurs as they clung onto a vital three points against Burnley this afternoon.
As a Davinson Sanchez flick struck the outstretched arm of Burnley striker Ashley Barnes, referee Kevin Friend originally waved away half-hearted penalty appeals from Spurs players.
However, upon VAR inspection, Barnes’ arm was adjudged to be in an unnatural position and up stepped Kane to cooly slot his team ahead on the stroke of half-time.
Burnley players and staff were furious with the decision and made their frustrations clear whilst heading into the changing room.
Speaking to Football.London after the match, Spurs boss Antonio Conte weighed in on the controversial decision.
He said: “It was 200% a penalty, not 100%. It was so clear. When your arm is in this way and you take the ball. I think it was so clear.”
The victory means that Conte’s side move into the top four, two points above North London rivals Arsenal who face a trip to Tyneside to take on Newcastle United on Monday night.
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With Spurs in ninth place when Conte took charge in November (Sky Sports), it is clear to see that the Italian’s methods are reaping rewards at the business end of the season.
Spurs Web Opinion
It is understandable that Burnley feel aggrieved at the penalty decision as they had worked tirelessly to limit Spurs to a small number of half-chances.
However, Barnes is playing with fire by having his arm so high in his own penalty area and VAR in operation he was never going to get away with it. With Kane stepping up there was only going to be one outcome.
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