Why was Deki wearing a mask against Newcastle?

Dejan Kulusevski has told us why he went all Zorro in our 4-1 win against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.

It turns out that the in-form Sweden international broke his nose in the last minute of our derby against West Ham just 72 hours earlier on Thursday evening.

Not that the extra facial protection bothered him - Deki was outstanding again playing in a central ‘10’ role behind Richarlison, part of a fluid front four with Heung-Min Son and Brennan Johnson as we dominated against the Toon. Richy (2), Destiny Udogie and Sonny netted as we racked up 23 efforts at goal in a sparkling display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking to us at Hotspur Way on Tuesday, ‘Deki’ explained: “I broke my nose, unfortunately, in the last game against West Ham, right in the last minute. I didn’t think it was anything at the time, to be honest, but the medical staff made sure I got it checked, I had the X-ray and there it was - broken! It’s not straight, anyway. I broke it a couple of years ago and now I’ve done it again, it’s made it worse! That’s life!”

Asked what affect - if any - wearing the mask had, Deki explained: “The good thing about the mask is that it doesn’t affect your vision, because the holes are big, so I’m like a panda out there, but I could see everything. Then, it felt good, you know what, it gives you, I don’t know... a little bit of swagger. I liked it!”