After Chelsea blew a huge opportunity last night, Ange Postecoglou reportedly called Eric Dier to reiterate his desire for Tottenham Hotspur to play a high defensive line.
The Athletic reports that Ange Postecoglou was seen doing something with Eric Dier following the incident in the second half.
Due to the red cards received by Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, Tottenham used fewer players for the majority of their 4-1 loss to Chelsea last night.
The reckless tackle of his countryman Enzo Fernandez resulted in the Argentine defender’s dismissal in the 33rd minute.
Only ten minutes after the break, Udogie was sent off for a second yellow card, but Spurs were able to hold the score at 1-1 until the 75th minute.
Due in large part to Guglielmo Vicario’s outstanding performance in goal, the Spurs were able to maintain their high defensive line.
Furthermore, it appears that Postecoglou redoubled his efforts following the lost chance.
What Postecoglou did to Dier after a Chelsea opportunity was lost
According to The Athletic, Postecoglou had a conversation with Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg immediately following Cucurella’s squandered chance.
It is said that the Australian manager contacted the two players to reaffirm his intention for them to continue pressing as a center-back tandem all the way up to the halfway line.
Postecoglou’s decision to stick with a high line after his team was reduced to nine players was undoubtedly a daring one.
It gets even more strange when you take into account that Spurs had lost Romero, Udogie, and Micky van de Ven—three of their fastest defenders.
Postecoglou, though, has demonstrated that he will not compromise his style of play when facing a tough opponent or when his team is down a player.
In the end, Chelsea scored three goals last night, but it’s crucial to remember that Tottenham had opportunities to tie the score before Nicolas Jackson’s rapid double in stoppage time.
