Antonio Conte offers lifeline to two Tottenham outcasts after improvement in West Ham win

Conte rages with UEFA decision as Tottenham exit Conference League

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Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte has praised the application of Steven Bergwijn and Matt Doherty in their Carabao Cup 2-1 victory over West Ham on Wednesday night. It was Bergwijn who handed the hosts the lead just before the half-hour mark, playing a neat one-two with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before beating Alphonse Areola.

They were ahead for only three minutes, however, when Jarrod Bowen improvised from Manuel Lanzini’s mishit shot and rolled past Hugo Lloris.

Bergwijn showed tremendous agility and close control to beat three defenders and set up Lucas Moura for a close-range finish which proved to be the winning goal.

It was the Dutchman’s first goal in any competition since May and only his second in the entire calendar year after being used in a bit-part role under Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.

But the 24-year-old’s overall performance would have pleased Conte, who was able to leave Heung-min Son on the bench for the first half.

Doherty was also one of the standout performers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after making a rare appearance at right-back as part of Conte’s changes.

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And the Italian declared himself satisfied with the duo’s efforts after handing them a chance to impress.

“[Bergwijn and Doherty] played a really good game,” Conte told reporters.

“It means they are working hard, they are involved in what we do.

“I’m always very clear with my players — they have to give me everything and then if they deserve to play, they play.”

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Bergwijn had been linked with a return to the Netherlands in January with Ajax, while Doherty finds himself down the pecking order after the summer arrival of Emerson Royal and is yet to make a Premier League start.

But their notable displays on their return to the first-team fold will give the 52-year-old something to think about when selecting his team for the Boxing Day clash against Crystal Palace.

Conte has been tasked with ending Spurs’ 14-year streak without a trophy and the former Chelsea coach knows that this competition is winnable.

But he will have to beat his old employers to reach the final after being drawn together in the last four, with Liverpool or Arsenal awaiting for the winners at Wembley.

And the Tottenham manager is looking forward to returning to the club for the first time since his departure in 2018, although he was clear about where his loyalties now lie.

“For sure it will be nice for me,” the Italian said.

“I spent two amazing seasons with Chelsea and I enjoyed a lot, but now I am the manager of Tottenham and I am ready to give everything for this club.

“When you reach the semi-final, for sure in England to lift the trophy is very difficult. You find Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal [in the draw].”

Tottenham will face Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge on the week commencing January 3, 2022.

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