Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, has suggested that Bruno Fernandes' dismissal was a result of the pressure his team applied during their impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Spurs showcased their skills at Old Trafford, taking the lead within three minutes thanks to Brennan Johnson. The game took a turn when United's captain, Fernandes, was sent off for a high boot on James Maddison.
Tottenham capitalised on this, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring the second goal after half-time and Dominic Solanke adding a third. Despite Fernandes' insistence that it was 'never a red', claiming it was a foul but not worthy of a dismissal, Postecoglou chose not to engage in the debate about the fairness of the sending off. Instead, he highlighted how it occurred after Spurs had put United under 'enormous' pressure.
"I think it was a consequence of how we were going in the game," he said. "Just putting enormous pressure on them. The amount of chances that we were creating, we weren't letting them get out of their half. It was a strong all-round performance."
The Australian coach conceded that his team could have scored more goals, but he commended his players for their quick start and control of the game after United were reduced to ten men," he added. "I thought it was an outstanding performance. Started the game really well, scored a great goal, should have had two or three and been away. They get a red card and we control the game really well. Just an outstanding effort from the lads."
Fernandes was adamant it wasn't a red, telling the media after the game and firmly disagreed with the decision. "I agree that it is a foul but it is never a [sending off]," he told reporters. "The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul."
The outcome puts immense pressure on United's manager Erik ten Hag following consecutive 3-0 defeats at home - the previous loss being against Liverpool in their last Premier League match at this venue.
However, Ten Hag remained resolute during his post-match press conference, asserting that the club's hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, continues to support him after choosing to retain the Dutchman over the summer.
"No I am not thinking about [being sacked]," Ten Hag said. "We all made this decision to stay together in summer, as ownership group, leadership group. Also we made the decision, after a clear review, what we have to improve as an organisation and how to construct a squad."
"All the decisions were made in togetherness, also knowing it would take some time. We are all there on one page, one boat, the ownership, the leadership group, the staff, players too."