Antonio Conte was full of praise during his post-match press conference, following his sides important 2-0 win over Everton.
Conte was “really happy, really happy” with many of his players performances – especially his right back’s display, with Matt Doherty’s performance catching a lot of eyes.
The Irishman’s strong display begs the question as to why he has not been starting more for his side?
Conte seemed over the moon with Doherty’s performance, embracing the right-back when he was substituted.
This just shows how quick things can change in football, with Conte publicly criticising Doherty only a couple of weeks ago.
Conte praised his right-backs performance:
“About Matthew, honestly I’m really happy, really happy. He played a good game against Brighton but today he played better than the last game. He played well in the last game and I was happy also with it but today I have seen again the Matt Doherty of last season. I was really pleased and said to him ‘finally now you are the player that I know!”
Yves Bissouma is another player who impressed today despite only having played limited minutes so far this season.
His introduction early into the second half changed the game, as following the substitution Spurs took control of proceedings and from then on, Everton never really looked like they were going to get anything out of the game.
Conte commented on Bissouma’s impact:
“Bissouma played a really good game. I think that when we go to play with a midfield three, for him it’s in this moment it’s better to have two midfielders with him. His impact was really, really positive.
I think it’s his understanding that he’s in a top club and the pressure is different and the level of the intensity of the training sessions are more higher so the focus has to be every, every moment at the top.
The demands are a lot and he’s understanding this. We’re talking about a really good player and he played really well and I’m happy for this.”
The only negative from the game would have to be the injury to Richarlison. The Brazilian went down injured early in the second half and what was hoped to have been a small injury, may be worse than originally thought, with the Brazilian being pictured walking with crutches after the game.
The ex-Everton man was reportedly crying after the match, worried about his injury with the World Cup just over a month away.
Conte on Richarlison:
“Yeah for sure he’s out against Manchester United, for sure. He felt something in his calf and he won’t be available for that game. I don’t know but I think he needs a bit of time to recover. It’s a pity because we are talking about a player that gives us a lot of quality but at the same time also is strong and he improves our intensity.”
We all dislike the way we seem to start slowly and show a distinct lack of interest in going forward …. and I’m speaking generally. But I’m beginning to think that we simply play a very patient game in the first half knowing that, as soon as the opposition start to tire, we will up the tempo and intensity. The squad certainly does not lack for energy. Maybe the Conte way does have more merit than I thought. Who knows (apart from the Shadow)?
Not sure if this is the main “post match ‘page Geoff
But a good result and great display.
It was, workman like in the first half.
I do feel we changed when Bissuma came on, giving us a three in mid..
Points to take away
Bissuma is starting to find his feet
Which frees up Hoj and Bent to be more pro active.
Doh looks to be on his, way back with a good performance.
Kane and, Son appear to be on their way back.
I noticed in our last couple of games, players having a go from the 18 yrd box again for me that’s confidence coming into the team.
A few negatives:
Richi, hasn’t quite found his role yet, a lot of endeavour, huffing puffing, but not much end product, but I do feel it will come.
We still can’t take free kicks. Waste of money on a set piece ‘specialist'(IMO)
But hey, we limited Everton to no chances on target, actually beat a “park the bus’team.
Geoff n Niall, both post’s pretty much summoned Spurs as a team/squad.
The other thing I might add is that the prem is a marathon not a sprint, energy being saved I believe until the final hurdle/run in. COYS