After a tale of two halves, it’s a case of two differing views and moods as Hughesy and Harry go head to head at the microphones…
Mark Hughes:
Firstly on the penalty…
‘The ref has made a really poor decision that has cost us the game and it’s really disappointing. There have been games this season where we’ve not deserved to get anything, but that wasn’t the case today.
‘I’ve no idea why he’s given it. It was a speculative ball into Shay Given’s hands, never a clear-cut goalscoring opportunity. Maybe the angle the referee had made him appear closer to the ball than he was.
City’s boss went on to reveal the extent of his frustration…
‘That’s the only excuse I can give him, because fundamentally that’s a very poor decision. I banged on the ref’s door as I went past! But I don’t think there’s any point trying to speak to him about it.’
And as the European door slams shut for next season he sums up the game…
‘We would have loved to be back in Europe and that’s obviously not going to be the case now.
‘We were much better in the second half. First half we were tentative and allowed Spurs to dictate, so they had the momentum, but after the break we were a lot more positive and got back to 1-1.
‘We were all pleased for Boji, it was important that he got back on the goalscoring trail and everbody saw what it meant to him. With three minutes to go, we felt we were the team most likely to score.’
Harry Redknapp:
The Spurs saviour summed up his view of the game rueing first half profligacy as City again sat to deep on the road…
‘We should have come in well clear – we had some great opportunities, played some great football first-half – could have come in two or three up for sure.
‘It never got started the second-half and we suddenly lost our rhythm, they came on stronger and then it was game on. They got a goal back and really we’re struggling to get a grip of the game then but we got the penalty in the end – that sewed it up.’
And on that penalty…
‘It looked a nailed on penalty to me – it looked like he climbed all over him.’
And with the door still ajar for Europe…
‘We have got to go to Liverpool for a very tough game so you would have to see Fulham as red-hot favourites but wherever we finish, seventh or eighth now, will be a terrific achievement.’
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