Antonio Conte has refused to comment on Emerson Royal's red card as his Tottenham side tasted Premier League defeat for the first time this season.
The wing-back was dismissed on the hour with his side 2-1 down at the Emirates following a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli. Emerson's studs were deemed to be too high by Anthony Taylor as they crunched the Arsenal forward's ankle and he was given his marching orders.
His dismissal hampered Tottenham's chances of getting back into the game and bought about a surprised reaction from the likes of Richarlison, who were clearly not expecting Taylor to produce a red card. Arsenal scored their third minutes after Emerson walked, which all but killed Tottenham's chances of getting back level.
"I don't want to comment on the referee's decision," said Conte when quizzed on whether he thought Emerson's red was warranted. "With the red card, [went] the game. It was a really difficult game after that. We had to change totally then."
Conte also added on the performance and his thinking: "We had the opportunity to exploit much better and stay up and I repeat that I think we made big mistakes in the last pass and with easy passes but it happens and straight after the national team it is a bit difficult because players arrive at a different time.
"Now we have to move on but we know our role in this league and we have to try and do our best to stay close to the other teams at the top. I tried to give minutes to players because the game had ended and also to try and save energy."
Eric Dier claimed Tottenham didn't start well enough, which was the story of both halves, and failed to adapt following Emerson's dismissal. He said: "We didn't start well, conceded a poor goal after the sending off and it was difficult. It was 2-1 at that point and they scored straight away again. We couldn't really organise ourselves before they got the third.
"This is the beginning of the season so it is not too much of a big blow. It's disappointing, of course, but we lost here at the start of last season as well and built again and had a good finish. I am sure we can do the same and go again this year."
The defeat means Tottenham are now four points behind rivals Arsenal, who will retain top spot after their eight league win of the season. Conte's side will retain third place regardless of the other scores this weekend.
