Ange Postecoglou said following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Everton that referees are reluctant to make calls during games and “leave” it to VAR.
Spurs were twice pegged back by an Everton side who were looking to move out of the relegation zone. Spurs missed the chance to go level on points with Arsenal and Postecoglou said his side must take it on the chin after dominating large parts of the game.
Guglielmo Vicario received plenty of attention from the Everton players who smothered the goalkeeper for every corner. There were complaints about Jack Harrison’s goal, and weather he pushed the Spurs keeper as the cross was coming in.
Although Postecoglou accepted that Spurs’ deficiencies ultimately led to the dropped points, he stopped short of criticising the officials on the day but said in general that referees are less inclined to make big calls during games.
He said: “It just seems to be in general referees are reluctant to call these now and leave it to VAR.”
“It is obviously a difficult place to come and play and dominate and for the most part I thought we handled it okay,” said Postecoglou afterwards.
“Started the game really well, lost a bit of our composure. Second half was okay, created some good chances, probably needed a third to kill the game off.
“I think we needed another goal. In the last 10 minutes, it’s almost inevitable you will be put under pressure here. We had the opportunities. The keeper made some good saves that kept them in the game. We have to take it on the chin and move on.”
Asked if it disappointing to concede from set plays, he added: “Just as disappointing to concede any goal. There were about 30 set-pieces. It is stuff you have to deal with.”
