JOSE: ‘OFFICE’ REF TO BLAME

Sheffield United have extended their unbeaten run at home to Tottenham in the top-flight to six games (W4 D2) since their last defeat in December 1975 (2-1). Tottenham have lost their first Premier League away game against a newly-promoted side since a 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in April 2012, ending a run of 23 such matches

(W19 D4).

Sheffield United have gained their first league victory since the Premier League restart in June, with more shots on target yesterday (5) than they managed in their previous three such games combined (3).

Jose Mourinho has lost seven Premier League games as Tottenham manager, one more defeat (6) than he suffered in his first two seasons in the competition as Chelsea boss (2004-05/2005-06). spare referee Chris Kavanagh any blame, but slammed VAR. “Normally I am an emotional guy,” he said. “But now I never complain about the guy with the whistle as he’s not the referee any more.

“I used to disagree with decisions, I used to complain, I used to go to the fourth official, but the man on the pitch is the assistant referee.

“The man and the lady with the flags used to be the assistant referees, now they are the assistant assistant referees.

“The referee is in the office. I think the referee should always be the man on the pitch and the people in the office should just support, just assist. We are going in a direction that is really bad for the game.”

Spurs collapsed after the disallowed goal as United recorded their first win since the return, and Mourinho said his side must show more character.

“We have to do better,” he said. “We cannot just mentally die after Michael Oliver gives a decision.”

Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “I totally understand his frustration. We’ve had the rub of the green on that one, but it’s long overdue so we’ll take it.”