‘We can do much better’ – Conte gives verdict on Spurs draw with Southampton

Antonio Conte has suggested Tottenham ‘can do much better’ following his side’s 1-1 draw against 10-man Southampton yesterday. 

In what was Tottenham’s first Premier League game away from home in 51 days, Spurs fell behind after 25 minutes to an excellent finish from James Ward-Prowse. 

However, Conte’s men were gifted a way back into the game when Heung-min Son was brought down by Mohammed Salisu in the penalty area, with the Saints defender given his marching orders with a second yellow card. 

Harry Kane comfortably dispatched the penalty for his fourth goal of the season to hand Spurs an undeserved leveller heading into half-time. 

Kane then thought he grabbed his second of the game early into the second-half – finishing excellently past Fraser Forster – but saw his effort ruled out for a contentious offside. 

Spurs were convinced they had finally taken the lead on 67 minutes when Forster dropped the ball into his own net, but referee Anthony Taylor deemed Matt Doherty to have impeded the Saints stopper. 

Despite pushing relentlessly for the last quarter of an hour, Spurs couldn’t find that all-important goal, meaning it ended a point apiece. 

With the encounter at St Mary’s coming 48 hours after Spurs’ 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, Conte made three changes to his starting line-up to keep his side fresh.  

The Italian admitted it is difficult to play a certain way due to the tight fixture turnaround and claims his side has a lot more to offer on the performance front. 

He said (via Football.London): “I think both [good defending and struggling to break them down]. They defended very well. To find space it wasn’t easy. 

“At the same time, we can do much better. To move the ball more quickly and find the one we want. I think to play after 48 hours is not easy for every team.

“I think I have seen a bit of fatigue in my players. For this reason, we make not the good decision in the last pass and the finish.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

It was a frustrating afternoon overall for Spurs and one that could be important to look back on toward the end of the season. It is a tough period physically, but Spurs really should have had the power and presence – especially with an extra man – to put the game to bed. 

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