Lee Yeong-pyo Makes Defense Mistakes

It was a nightmare for Lee Yeong-pyo (31. Tottenham Hotspur).

Prior to the semi final match of the 2007-2008 Carling Cup between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur held in Emirates Stadium in London on Jan. 10, local media reported that Lee was included in Tottenham manager Juande Ramos’ list of eight players who will be expelled.

To make the matter worse, 34 minutes into the second half when Tottenham was leading by 1-0, Lee tried to block Theo Walcott of Arsenal by tackling him. However, his tactic failed, allowing a goal and leading the game to 1-1 draw. As a left fullback, Lee joined 10 games in a row and ran for 90 minutes. But the game didn’t end as the way he expected. Tottenham failed to win 20 matches against Arsenal since a 1-1 draw in November 1999.

England sports channel Sky Sports said that the Korean player did well, giving seven points. Meanwhile, Lee’s agent denied the report on Lee’s removal from the team.

yjongk@donga.com