TOTTENHAM boss Antonio Conte left fans utterly shocked after taking off FOUR players in the second half of their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Spurs were drawing 1-1 with the Gunners after 45 minutes at the Emirates as Harry Kane’s penalty cancelled out Thomas Partey’s stunning strike.
But the game went away from the visitors in the second period.
Gabriel Jesus restored Arsenal’s lead, before Emerson Royal was shown a straight red card for a horrible challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Granit Xhaka then swiftly handed Arsenal a two-goal advantage – with Conte making the four changes in the 73rd minute, shortly after Arsenal had extended their lead.
But he bizarrely opted to hook attacking players Son Heung-min and Richarlison, along with Ivan Perisic and Clement Lenglet.
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And they were replaced by the much more defensive quartet of Yves Bissouma, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon and Matt Doherty.
This led to a huge backlash on social media as fans slammed Conte’s decision to try and limit the scoreline as opposed to trying to get back into the game.
Speaking on social media, one person said: “Lmao Conte making five subs at once. This ain’t a pre season friendly my guy.”
Another added: “Lol making it look like a pre-season game 🤣😂.”
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A third said: “Four subs, Antonio? Four? That’s insane.”
And a fourth replied: “Four subs at once? Conte’s head is in a frying pan.”
The defeat leaves Spurs four points adrift of Arsenal – who continue to lead the way at the top of the Premier League table.
Next up for Conte’s men is a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Arsenal host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
