English Premier League side Tottenham secured another top spot position this season after they earned a convincing 2 – 0 victory over Belgian outfit Antwerp in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Goals from Benfica loanee Carlos Vinicius and Giovani lo Celso were enough to cap up a spirited week for the Spurs who moved top of the Premier League table after they got the better of north London rivals Arsenal, on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho, who has monitored his sides transition since he took charge two seasons ago will sure smile inwardly to himself owing to their current run of form.
Hence, Mourinho, will have to focus on his task of choosing from a large squad during match day as the Portuguese did not make use of England international Dele Ali in the entire duration despite using all five substitutes.
Alli’s absence in yesterday’s game has further raised speculations concerning his well-being at the north London club owing to his lack of game time under the Portuguese manager.
To keep at bay possible reports of an existing row between the duo, Mourinho revealed that the 24-year-old was unhappy during the game.
Alli left the bench after Mourinho made his final change but came back after a short while later to continue the match from the sideline.
“Let’s not run away from reality,” Mourinho told reporters of Alli in a post match. “A player on the bench who realises all five subs have been used of course is not a happy player and I would not expect him to be happy.”
“The game is open, when I thought about the changes the result was 0-0 then we scored a goal but that didn’t change my mind.
“I told him to go, I told every player that left the pitch to go because when the weather is cold I prefer they go to the dressing room and have a shower,” he said. “I told them to go, some prefer to stay.
“Winks decided to go and I am happy with that because I am the one that told him to do it.”
Harry Winks appeared to have also headed the direction of the changing room after coming off for Tanguy Ndombele on 59 minutes.
After the win, Mourinho’s men would be expecting a favourable draw in the Round of 32 as they shift focus on the announcement of their next opponent in the coming week.
Tottenham will travel to Selhurst park to face high-flying Crystal Palace on Sunday in the English Premier League.
Discussion about this post