Paul Merson slams Antonio Conte’s tactics after Spurs’ woeful first-half display against Arsenal
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‘It’s been quite DAMAGE’: Paul Merson criticizes Antonio Conte’s tactics after Tottenham’s dismal first-half performance against Arsenal… insisting he ‘has no idea how a manager of that quality’ couldn’t adapt your strategy
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has slammed Tottenham boss Antonio Conte for failing to change his tactics during Spurs’ dismal first-half performance in the north London derby on Sunday.
An own goal from Hugo Lloris and a long-range shot from Martin Odegaard gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead over Spurs at half-time as Mikel Arteta’s side dominated their north London rivals.
The Gunners entered the heated derby with extra motivation, knowing that a win would leave them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday.
Paul Merson slammed Tottenham manager Antonio Conte for not changing his tactics
Arsenal dominated Spurs in the first half, but the manager chose to stick to his form and tactics.
At half time, Merson said on Sky Sports: “The only heart for Tottenham is Kane’s chance.” Arsenal have been great. The Spurs have been very bad, but they had two good chances.
He went on to suggest that he and fellow studio pundits Jamie Redknapp and Louis Saha could have played defensive midfield instead of Arsenal star Thomas Partey, who almost scored a wonder goal in his impressive first half.
“Conte just let that team go out and let that team fall apart,” Merson said. I think any of us could play where Partey is, no one comes close.
‘I have no idea how a manager of that quality hasn’t tried to nip that in the bud. He’s been pretty embarrassing.
Harry Kane nearly pulled one back towards the end of the first half, but his team went 2-0 behind
Jamie Redknapp questions Conte’s decision to play Ryan Sessegnon against Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka caused Spurs left-back Ryan Sessegnon a lot of trouble in the first half and was directly involved in both of Arsenal’s goals, forcing Lloris’s own goal and setting up Odegaard on the second.
Redknapp, who described Saka as one of the ‘best attackers’ in world football, questioned Conte’s decision to play Sessegnon.
‘Saka is one of the best attackers in world football. The coach has to take responsibility (for choosing Sessegnon)’, said the former Spurs star.
‘This is where someone like Ben Davies comes in. I don’t remember 45 minutes in any derby as one-sided as this. Arsenal are like 12 men on the field, a class apart in 45 minutes. Magnificent. The midfield dominated that first half.
