“It’s just part of the game”

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken out about Arsenal and the so-called ‘dark arts’ they have used in games.

The Gunners statistically waste the most time in the Premier League, while some of their rivals have lodged complaints against them with the PGMOL.

However, the Tottenham manager has defended Mikel Arteta but also insisted he didn’t know much about it and wouldn’t encourage his team to do it.

Speaking at his press conference before Spurs’ game against Qarabag in the Europa League, he said: “You make it sound like it’s good versus evil, Batman versus… whoever, I don’t know, I don’t know .” Superheroes so good.

“Look, I think it’s just part of the game and it’s always existed. I’ve already said that I don’t believe in the dark arts, I don’t know how to do them, they’re just not in my nature, but I’ve seen them be a very effective tool.

“My thing has always been: When teams crash like that, we have to be even more disciplined to make sure we don’t let it distract us.

“Ultimately the role of every manager and team is to try and unsettle an opponent in one way or another. Some do this by trying to disrupt and contain the dynamics of the opposition, others want the dynamics, they want the dominance.

“It depends on which side of the coin you fall on. The reason I do what I do is because I’m comfortable in this space and I know how to do it.

“Changing my approach would mean delving into an area that I don’t really place much emphasis on in the way I coach or speak.”