Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi has insisted that his team “deserved to win” in a controversial defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
De Zerbi’s Seagulls began the match four points off Tottenham but a 79th minute winner from Harry Kane saw Spurs take a 2-1 win, after Lewis Dunk equalised with a header to cancel out Son Heung-min’s opening goal.
Brighton though had two goals controversially disallowed by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for handballs by Kaoru Mitoma and Alexis Mac Allister, whilst two penalty appeals were denied by referee – Stuart Attwell in an explosive contest.
Brighton also dominated possession with 65% and produced 15 shots compared to 12 delivered by Tottenham, whilst De Zerbi and oppositional manager – Cristian Stellini were both red carded following a second-half melee on the touchline.
“We played a great game, we are really frustrated but we know football and have to accept the result,” commented De Zerbi post-match as Brighton slipped 10 points off the top-four but currently hold two games in hand – soon to be three games in hand after matchweek 32.
De Zerbi though is “really proud” of his players for their performance as he continued: “We played very well and we are happy with the quality of our play in this stadium and against this team. But the players are frustrated with the result.”
“I didn’t speak to the referee during the game and I don’t like it when the other bench is complaining,” added De Zerbi, who iterated that he doesn’t believe that he should of been sent off as he said: “I don’t think I deserved the red card but I accept the decision.”
The Italian also refused to rein in his passion as he said: “I can’t change my passion but I will try to stay in my place on the bench.”
On their prospects of a top-four finish, De Zerbi admitted that the controversial loss means that it will be “very difficult to achieve the Champions League.”
Brighton though face another away clash in London next weekend as they head to Chelsea, and De Zerbi has urged his “proud” players to continue to “try to play like this next Saturday and in every game until the end of the season.”