Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte said Emerson Royal’s dismissal had “terminated” his team’s hopes once morest Arsenal in the north London Premier League summit.
Tottenham were 2-1 down at the Emirates Stadium following Gabriel Jesus took advantage of a gaffe on goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to give Arsenal the lead minutes following the start of the second half.
Without justification, the Brazilian Royal committed a violent offense once morest his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli while he was in the middle of his stadium, for referee Anthony Taylor to show the red card in a decision supported by the video assistant referee.
“It was difficult following the red card, especially because in the starting line-up we played with three strikers (Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Richarlison), as well as Ivan Perisic, who is in the position of wing-back but performs offensive duties,” the Italian coach said.
“When you play with 10 men and you are 2-1 down, the task is not easy because you have to dispense with two strikers, try once more to find the balance with 10 men and then try to wait for the counter-attacks and set-pieces to equalise.
“In this period, the opponent scored the third goal before I might make changes. The situation was very difficult. I think the red card ended the match.”
