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‘First time in my life’: Tottenham figure stunned by actions involving Arsenal

Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal congratulates his players after the final whistle during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on January 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Antonio Conte has stated that he was left ‘surprised’ the Tottenham and Arsenal game was postponed on Sunday, as he told his pre-match press conference.

The Tottenham boss added that ‘for the first time in my life’ a game was postponed because of ‘injuries’.

Over the weekend, both Spurs and Arsenal were due to lock horns in the second north London derby of the campaign.

But those in the Arsenal camp asked for the game to be halted by the Premier League because of their lack of players available – and it was approved.

There was a strong reaction to that call and whether or not the right decision was made.

Ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Leicester City tonight, Conte shared his blunt thoughts on the matter.

“It was, for sure, a strange decision,” said Conte. “I think if the Premier League decides to postpone games for injuries, then it means they have to try to make a better schedule and to reduce playing games.

“If they don’t want injuries. If they don’t want the risk to postpone for injuries.

“I repeat, this is the first time in my life, that there is a league that postpone the game for the injuries. This is very strange and very surprised for this.”

Tottenham Hotspur's Italian head coach Antonio Conte points during the second leg of the English League Cup semi final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London on January 12, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images

These games clearly should be played and Premier League clubs are using COVID to try and get games called off that shouldn’t be.

This isn’t an Arsenal issue, but the fault of the Premier League and their lack of leadership and authority from the top.

When a team like Leeds are filing their squad with teenagers, then perhaps others should follow suit.

All in all, this is a big hole the Premier League is digging for themselves because this simply can’t continue as the season drags on.