Ex-Chelsea captain reveals his thinking behind substitution of Udogie in Spurs win v Man Utd 

Former Chelsea captain Andy Townsend is of the opinion that Tottenham Hotspur young star Destiny Udogie was substituted midway through the second half of the 2-0 win versus Manchester United because he was walking a disciplinary tightrope. 

Manager Ange Postecoglou made two changes to the side that forced Brentford to a 2-2 draw on the opening day, but Italy U21 international of Nigerian descent, Udogie kept his place in the starting lineup.

After a goalless first half,  hardworking Senegal midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scored his first goal for the club four minutes into the second half. 

In the 52nd minute, Udogie came close to doubling the advantage but saw his low drive saved by Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, before he picked up a needless booking. 

The Italian-Nigerian left-back was shown a yellow card after giving away a free-kick and then preventing it from being taken quickly in the 63rd minute. 

Postecoglou reacted by taking off Udogie and bringing on a more experienced defender, Ben Davies. 

"He certainly got himself up the pitch in the second half, didn't he Udogie?" Townsend, who was on commentary duties for the Premier League world feed, said as Udogie was being substituted. 

"On that yellow card so I can understand Ange Postecoglou bringing on Ben Davies."

Udogie committed three fouls before he was replaced, more than any other player that featured in the game. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: tottenhamhotspur.com

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