Jonathan Woodgate said during commentary on Radio 5 Live – as per BBC’s Live coverage – that Antonio Conte looked “subdued” towards the end of Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Conte watched on as his Tottenham side struggled against a top-six side once again. Sitting off United, Spurs were picked apart in the second half – and for much of the match. Hugo Lloris was in inspired form, luckily for Tottenham.
Had it not been for the Spurs captain, it could have been four or five. Ultimately, goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes was enough. Conte’s side tried to sit deep and counter. But they really struggled to get out of their own half at times.
Ex-Tottenham defender Woodgate was on co-commentary duties for 5 Live. Watching on at Old Trafford, the former Leeds and Real Madrid centre-back said that Conte looked “subdued” in terms of body language late on last night.
“Spurs just couldn’t get near United in the centre of the pitch. Man United were on top of them. They gave the ball away so many times. Conte looked subdued towards the end because Spurs were so poor,” Woodgate told 5 Live.
Woodgate: Conte looked subdued towards end of Tottenham defeat
Conte has got to change his tactics against the top six. Ultimately, his side are not good enough to sit off the likes of United, Chelsea or Arsenal and rely on their counter attack. They need to push up, and play in the top six’s faces.
He needs to get his Spurs side playing on the front foot and actually take the game to the top six. They were lucky against Chelsea, battered by Arsenal. If they are going to lose the way they are playing, they might as well have a go.
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