Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has claimed that the introduction of Richarlison changed the game in Spurs’ favour following the 2-2 draw at Chelsea yesterday afternoon.
Tottenham found themselves 2-1 down in injury time but managed to level when Ivan Perisic’s corner was met by the head of Harry Kane to send the away fans into a frenzy. Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg had levelled the score earlier in the second half.
It was an intense affair between the two sides with both managers clashing off during the game, resulting in a fiery handshake war between the two tacticians at the end of the game and both managers being sent off. (Guardian)
Tottenham were hoping to win in a ground where they have managed to secure just win just one in their last 37 matches across all competitions having drawn 12 and lost 24 but will be pleased to come away with a point given the circumstances (Sky Sports).
With his side looking to get back into the match, Antonio Conte handed Richarlison his Premier League debut for Tottenham in the 57th minute of the match in place of Ryan Sessegnon and the Brazilian provided the impetus his side needed in the final third of the pitch.
He told Sky Sports: “I think Richarlison made a difference, he really did. They changed the system to a back four, two up front. And he just provided energy. In the first half, it looked like Tottenham were playing in the sun, it was too hot. They couldn’t get around the pitch. There was just no energy, no spark”
“But I thought Richarlison made a huge difference in terms of just making those runs in behind and providing energy that Tottenham just didn’t seem to have.”
Our View
Tottenham showed grit and determination to hang in the game when they were 1-0 down, when in previous years they would have crumbled and the match would have been out of sight by half time.
It was a testament to Antonio Conte in the belief he has instilled in the group to never give up and keep fighting until the final whistle, in what could prove to be a crucial point come the end of the season.