Mark Clattenburg delivers verdict on Destiny Udogie tackle in Tottenham loss v Chelsea
After tackling Raheem Sterling, Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie was “lucky” not to receive a straight red card, according to Mark Clattenburg.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night, Spurs lost 4-1 to Chelsea, their first Premier League loss of the current campaign.
Two players were sent off throughout the game: Cristian Romero and Udogie. Although Clatterburg believes that Udogie was fortunate to have remained on the field during the first half, the left-back was given two yellow cards.
He gave Sterling a crazy challenge in the first half, and when the Italy international attacked the same man early in the second half, Michael Oliver had no choice but to back down.
“Wrong choice. For two reasons, Destiny Udogie was fortunate. One, in order to avoid suffering a major injury, Raheem Sterling pushed his leg away. Secondly, Brooks neglected to inform Oliver that this challenge was deserving of a red. With his studs visible, Udogie led with his two feet while in the air. Football has to forbid challenges of this nature, according to Clatterburg’s article in the Daily Mail on November 7, page 69.
Spurs need to bounce back
There were five goals disallowed in a crazy game. Spurs had a fantastic start, but their defensive poise wavered. The home team suffered the consequences as a result of the careless and pointless challenges made by players such as Romero and Destiny.
Chelsea’s attackers were also able to score freely because Postecoglou continued to play the high line even after losing both players. One has every reason to wonder if that was the best course of action after Nicolas Jackson scored a hat-trick.
Postecoglou will also be concerned about Micky van de Ven and James Maddison’s injuries, as both players will probably be out for some time.
In a related development:
‘First time I’ve ever seen’ – Gary Neville could not believe what Spurs fans did vs Chelsea
The London derby on Monday was the first time, according to Gary Neville, that he had ever witnessed a home club receive a standing ovation following a significant defeat.
The 4-1 victory over Chelsea flattered the Blues more than any scoreline in history, considering the Blues were second best for much of the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In the opening thirty minutes of the match, the away team was clearly going to be overwhelmed by the Spurs’ enthusiasm and effort, and they were unable to keep up.
But on 33 minutes, Mauricio Pochettino’s team gave Chelsea a huge lifeline when Cristian Romero was sent out for a foul inside the area. Chelsea equalized from the penalty that followed.
At the 55-minute mark, Destiny Udogie received his marching orders, leaving Tottenham with a mountain to climb. Most people would have assumed that Ange Postecoglou’s team would have closed down by then.
However, they persisted in trying to create opportunities and maintained a higher defensive line. The strategy nearly paid off, as the home team came within a hair’s breadth of an equalizer a few times.
Tottenham kept sending players forward, but in the end, the Blues punished their opponents with a couple of late goals. Nevertheless, when the final whistle blew, the home crowd cheered the team’s desire and effort despite the narrow loss.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 6: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 6, 2023 in London, England.
Tottenham should be proud despite 4-1 defeat
Neville emphasized that Spurs can win the game and leave with a positive attitude.
It is the first time the analyst has ever witnessed a team lose 4-1 and receive a standing ovation, he said to Sky Sports. This night is insane. Crazy all the way through.
The players who continued to play will make Ange Postecoglou pleased. In the end, the game was crazy, thrilling, and explosive.
Despite the crushing defeat, there are unquestionably many things that can be learned from yesterday’s game, and the performance may inspire the team.
The primary concern, though, is what we will now have to deal with in the upcoming weeks about the injuries and bans.
