De Zerbi explains why Archie Gray was substituted at half-time against Crystal Palace
Tottenham supporters were left wondering whether Archie Gray had suffered an injury after the youngster failed to return for the second half of Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace.
Gray had given Spurs the lead in the first half, but Pedro Porro replaced him after the interval as Tottenham went on to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory.
However, Roberto De Zerbi quickly dismissed concerns about an injury after the final whistle, explaining that his decision was purely tactical.
The Tottenham manager revealed that Gray’s first-half booking influenced the substitution. With Crystal Palace already reduced to ten men following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s straight red card for a challenge on Micky van de Ven, De Zerbi did not want to risk Gray receiving another yellow card and leaving both teams with ten players.
Speaking after the match, De Zerbi explained: “No, the yellow card. I did not want to take a risk for another yellow card.”
The decision was particularly difficult because Gray had enjoyed an impressive first-half performance. Just ten minutes after receiving his booking, the teenager found space inside the penalty area to meet Mohammed Kudus’ delivery at the far post and put Tottenham ahead with a well-taken header.
De Zerbi admitted that he was reluctant to take the youngster off and confirmed that he had personally explained the reasoning behind the decision.
The substitution also provided an opportunity for Pedro Porro to regain valuable match fitness following his recent injury, with the Spanish defender getting a full second-half run-out.
Tottenham subsequently doubled their advantage through Jan Paul van Hecke’s second-half header, securing a third consecutive Premier League victory.
De Zerbi impressed by Gray’s growing maturity
Although Gray’s afternoon ended at half-time, De Zerbi was full of praise for the midfielder’s recent development.
The 19-year-old has established himself as an increasingly important figure in Tottenham’s starting XI, particularly since the draw against Manchester United in October.
The Italian manager believes Gray is showing significant improvement and beginning to play with the maturity expected of an experienced professional.
De Zerbi said: “He is improving a lot. After Manchester United, he is playing very, very well, as a mature player, also the team.”
