Roberto on why he substituted goalscorer Archie Gray at half-time against Palace
Roberto De Zerbi explained that he brought on Pedro Porro for Archie Gray at half-time of our 2-0 win against Palace due to Archie’s yellow card in the first half.
Archie picked up his caution after 15 minutes - just minutes after Jean-Philipe Mateta’s straight red for a rash challenge on Micky van de Ven.
Ten minutes later, the versatile defender/midfielder broke the deadlock with a clever routine that left him free at the far post to head home Mo Kudus’ deep corner.
However, Roberto explained that he didn’t want to take risks in the second half with Archie on a yellow card and us in complete control against Palace's 10 men – Pedro also getting important minutes under his belt after returning from injury.
Asked in his post-match press conference if Archie’s substitution was an injury or tactical decision, Roberto replied: “No, the yellow card. I didn't want to take a risk for another yellow card. I'm sorry, because he was playing very well. I explained why I took the decision, but I think it was the right decision in that moment.”
Asked later about Archie’s form, he added: “He's improving a lot. After Manchester United, he's playing very, very well, as a mature player - also the team.”