An insight into the decision of Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte to leave Yves Bissouma on the bench from the off in the club’s meeting with Arsenal has been provided late on Sunday.
The latest edition of the North London Derby, of course, is currently being played out.
In a crunch clash for both sides amid the battle for both the Premier League title and top-4 spots, Spurs welcomed their fiercest rivals to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the final fixture of the gameweek.
To this point in the action in England’s capital, though, Conte’s hosts have been taught nothing short of a footballing lesson.
This comes with Arsenal in cruise control, two goals to the good, owing to a Hugo Lloris own goal, and ensuing Martin Odegaard stunner:
What a finish this is! 💥
Take a bow, Martin Ødegaard 🔥 pic.twitter.com/d4qZMhCoVm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 15, 2023
As alluded to above, Tottenham’s woes, thus far, have come with boss Conte having made a big call ahead of kick-off, in affording youngster Pape Matar Sarr a first ever league start.
It would appear, though, that his manager was essentially left with no choice but to throw Sarr in from the off this evening.
This comes with it having since been revealed that Yves Bissouma’s place on the bench comes with the former Brighton standout struggling with an ankle concern.
Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, also remains unavailable for selection.
(🟢) Yves Bissouma has still been feeling his ankle problem this week. #THFC@AlasdairGold
— The Spurs Watch (@TheSpursWatch) January 15, 2023
