Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has defended his decision to introduce Matheus Fernandes as a late substitute in their goalless draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Fernandes replaced Conor Gallagher in the 83rd minute as Spurs avoided defeat for the first time in the Premier League this season.
Spurs struggled to threaten Nottingham's resolute defence and did not register any shot on target at the City Ground despite dominating possession.
DE ZERBI GIVES REASON FOR MATHEUS FERNANDES LIMITED PLAYING TIME
De Zerbi has defended his tactical plan to start Gallagher ahead of Fernandes on Saturday.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager felt the England star has a better understanding of the City Ground than Fernandes.
"You know, I have experience enough to know what this stadium is," De Zerbi was quoted as saying by Football London.
"This stadium is England football. And Gallagher, he knows better this type of games. Mateus becomes, for sure, in my time in Tottenham, one of the best players.
"But I'm lucky because I have more players, many players, and I have to find the right balance, the right first XI, if I can, before the game."
Fernandes arrived at Spurs for a reported £85 million fee from West Ham United in July and the Portuguese midfielder gave a good account of his qualities in Tottenham's 2-0 loss to Newcastle United a week ago.
He only managed to play seven minutes in the goalless draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
DE ZERBI DEMANDS IMPROVEMENT IN FINAL THIRD
Saturday's result handed Tottenham Hotspur their first point of the season after losing their first two Premier League games.
Spurs reinforced their attacking force this summer with new signings, but the Italian manager is far from happy with the inability of his team to convert chances in front of goal.
"After that, we have to improve, for sure. What is the problem? The problem is the last third, not because we have not the quality," De Zerbi said after the game. "We have great players.
"Yes, I think Marmoush has the quality to score 15 goals. Mathys Tel is a top potential player. Mudryk as well. Savio is another top player.
“We have to be better in the last decision, to keep calm when we are in the last third and take the best decision.
"We shot with Marmoush in the last 10 minutes, and there was Robertson overlapping. If Robertson received the ball, Kudus at the second post scores alone.
"I think we have to work, but also I'm positive because I want to see this spirit, this fight away from home."
