Jose Mourinho has refused to discuss Tottenham’s ‘poor’ performance in the north London derby and has again questioned the penalty decision against his side.
Tottenham’s recent run of positive results was halted following a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates on Sunday, the visitors taking the lead through Erik Lamela’s wonderful goal before falling to a fightback from their north London rivals.
The winning goal came from the penalty spot after Alexandre Lacazette was brought down by Davinson Sanchez, the French forward stepping up to score from the spot and hand Arsenal all three points.
Mourinho was unhappy with the decision and criticised referee Michael Oliver in the aftermath, whilst Lacazette conceded his side were fortunate to have been awarded a penalty.
Mourinho has once again described the incident as a ‘very bad refereeing decision’, though refused to expand on his side’s showing as he prepares Spurs for a Europa League last-16 second leg with Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow.
“I am not ready to discuss this with you,” said Mourinho on the north London derby at his pre-match press conference.
“It is about analysing the reasons for a disappointing performance. I don’t want to discuss with the media three days after, and 24 hours before an important game.
“After the game, I said we didn’t play well at all. That is a very honest way to approach the situation from our side. The approach from minute one was poor.
“We had a very bad refereeing decision, but let me make clear, for me, Michael [Oliver] is a good referee. I am normally unlucky with him but I have no problem with him reffing me. One of best refs in the Premier League and European football. Decision decided the game but nothing against the honesty and quality of the referee.”
Spurs head into tomorrow’s second leg with Dinamo Zagreb in possession of a 2-0 lead, Harry Kane having scored both goals in the first meeting between the two sides.
The Croatian side’s plans for the return have been thrown into chaos, however, with manager Zoran Mamic having been handed a four-year jail sentence after being found guilty of fraud.
Read – Remembering when a 21-year-old Ronaldo Nazario won the Ballon d’Or
Read Also – The five substitutes to score and be sent off in Premier League history