Cristian Stellini was left disappointed as Michael Keane scored a late goal to deny Spurs a win in their first match after the departure of Antonio Conte
Tottenham’s caretaker Cristian Stellini was disappointed with the team’s inability to control the game after they drew 1-1 against Everton in their first match since Antonio Conte’s departure.
The team had taken the lead in the 68th minute through Harry Kane’s penalty, but Michael Keane’s late goal meant that they were unable to secure a victory.
Although Harry Kane’s penalty in the 68th minute looked set to secure a victory for Spurs under Stellini, Michael Keane’s impressive long-range goal in the dying minutes of the game earned Everton a crucial point.
Stellini was particularly annoyed with the outcome, especially since Tottenham had a numerical advantage for most of the second half following Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red card.
Stellini expects top-four race to be a tough one
“My feeling now is that we have lost two points,” he told Sky Sports. “We had an [extra] man against them, we needed to control the game.
“We tried to do [that] but not in the way I expect. With 11 players, we have to do much better. You control the game with the ball, not without.”
“We are in the same position [as] last season. Tottenham have to be ready to fight. Now we think about the next game”
Stellini claims referee David Coote made the correct decision in sending off both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lucas Moura. Stellini was standing near Doucoure when he pushed Harry Kane in the face, leading to his red card. And he believed Moura’s late challenge on Keane was also deserving of a red.
“I think Harry conceded a lot of tackles today before the red card,” he said. “Lucas, his tackle was too dangerous. Both of the red cards are clear for me.”
Tottenham’s draw against Everton allowed them to reclaim a spot in the top four of the Premier League, having accrued 50 points, the same as Newcastle United and Manchester United. However, their competitors have two more games left to play.
Despite this, Stellini is confident that Spurs can rely on their experience from the previous season when fighting for a place in the Champions League.
“It will be a tough race,” he conceded. “But one year ago, we had 51 points. We were fifth, and today, we are fourth.
“We are in the same position [as] last season. Tottenham have to be ready to fight. Now we think about the next game.”
