Tottenham paid the perfect tribute to the passing of their fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone with a gritty 1-0 win over Brighton.
Spurs were playing just three days after the sudden death of the man nicknamed ‘The Marine’ because of his rigorous training regimes and it was Harry Kane that popped up with the first-half winner heading home Heung-Min Son’s cross.
Spurs head coach Antonio Conte added: “I think he was in the hearts of every single player and my players were really devastated by the pain but the life sometimes, you know it happen many situation not only to us. Life sometimes is not good. At the same time you have to cope with the situation in the best possible way. And then I am sure Gian Piero will stay with us forever. I am sure about this.”
A mixture of suspension and perhaps some tired legs with this being Tottenham’s third game in seven days triggered Conte to switch his formation to play a 3-5-2 with Yves Bissouma making just his second start in a midfield three. The switch worked well with Tottenham dangerous in attack and assured at the back.
It was a disappointing start to life at the Amex for new Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, whose team had 14 shots but rarely troubled Hugo Lloris as the Tottenham defence stood firm.
(Sky Sports)
