At a glance:
- De Zerbi says referee faced pressure after West Ham-Arsenal
- Italian had his say on David Raya foul
- Tottenham denied late penalty vs Leeds
Roberto De Zerbi’s fifth game in charge of Tottenham ended in a 1-1 home draw against Leeds United.
Mathys Tel scored the opening goal of the game, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin restored parity for the away side from the spot kick to ensure the two teams shared the spoils.
It was an eventful game of football filled with drama and controversy, which was expected as Tottenham are still locked in a relegation dog fight.
De Zerbi was booked during the game and was his usual fiery self on the touchline.
And speaking after the game, the Italian feels the referee was under a lot of pressure, especially after what happened during Arsenal’s Premier League clash against West Ham United on Sunday.
De Zerbi on the refereeing during Tottenham vs Leeds
The Tottenham boss was booked by referee Jarred Gillett after he constantly stepped out of his technical area.
Read More: Michael Owen calls out massive VAR blunder during Tottenham 1-1 Leeds
While De Zerbi admitted that the circumstances of the game led to his fiery behavior, he added that the referee himself was under immense pressure.
During the West Ham-Arsenal game, there was late drama as Callum Wilson had the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time.
However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out as David Raya was adjudged to have been fouled.
De Zerbi doubled down on the fact that the right decision was made in favour of Arsenal. However, he added that the match officials have been under a lot of pressure these days, which is understandable considering the stakes involved.
“The first minute until the end of the game the referee went to me, ‘if you go out, yellow card,’ and I think they were not calm today.
“Maybe they suffered the pressure of yesterday’s West Ham-Arsenal game and VAR. For sure, we suffer the pressure today for the speed of the ball, for the order of the pitch and we didn’t play with patience on the ball.
“Frenetic and we were rushed but also the referee was not calm. I don’t know, I can’t understand the polemic about yesterday’s VAR because it was a foul, 200 per cent, not 100 per cent if you want to talk about football.”
What next for Tottenham?
Tottenham face European football-chasing Everton next, after which they will wind up their season against Chelsea.
Read More: Roberto De Zerbi reveals what he told Mathys Tel immediately after Tottenham blunder
West Ham United, on the other hand, face Newcastle United at St James’ Park before facing Leeds United at home on the final matchday of the season.
If the Hammers lose to Eddie Howe’s side, Tottenham can be mathematically safe with a win against Everton, so everything could be done and dusted next weekend.
That said, the gap between themselves and West Ham is just two points. And with two games left to go, don’t be surprised to see a few more twists and turns as the relegation battle draws to a dramatic climax.
