How Mauricio Pochettino Saved Lucas Torreira In The Tunnel After North London Derby

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was spotted having words with Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira, moments after he was sent off in the North London Derby.

Torreira was given a straight red by referee Anthony Taylor after a high tackle on Danny Rose in added time, and it was clear that the Uruguayan midfielder was frustrated by the decision.

Moments later, the 23-year-old stood in the Wembley tunnel, waiting to confront the referee about his red.

Of course, the risks of challenging a referee after the full-time whistle are high.

Image: PA

Tottenham manager Pochettino clearly knew this and proceeded to approach the Arsenal player in the tunnel, calming him down and preventing him from getting an extended ban.

According to The Evening Standard, he sympathised with Torreira in Spanish, saying the tackle was a genuine attempt to get the ball.

Pochettino didn't need to do that. Respect.

Lucas Torreira's performance against Spurs in the North London Derby back in December was dogged, tenacious and pitbull-like. It was a joy to behold, but he started on the bench last weekend.

The Gunners splashed a reported £26 million on the 23-year-old from Sampdoria, an absolute bargain.

Torreira's passionate celebration as Arsenal made it 4-2 last year gave their fans plenty to shout about. He took his shirt off, ran towards the corner and punched the ground in delight.

Is he one of the best buys of the season?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Derby, Football, Mauricio Pochettino, Lucas Torreira, Arsenal, tottenham

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_