It’s been a challenging season for Alvaro Morata. A new league, a new and extra-physical style of play, a target-man role which may not suit him as well as we had hoped, a back injury ... and a ... few ... missed chances along the way.
He had another one on Thursday at Turf Moor, a missed chance that is, when Burnley were showing signs of life and a second goal would have put them away.
It’s not the first ... or second ... or third ... time he’s missed one like that (Arsenal in our 1-1 draw in January comes to mind) and it looks like the frustration finally got the best of him. When Conte decided to substitute him fifteen minutes later (for reasons not necessarily related to the miss) Morata had a bit of a fit on the sidelines, including throwing things around on the bench.
I dont think Morata is very happy pic.twitter.com/3JmG0wGMqj
— ⚜Ryan (@JxyaDybala) April 19, 2018
As Conte himself said, Morata should be angry. It would be a bad sign if he weren’t, because every player needs a competitive fire. And there’s added pressure on him, given that he came in as a £58 million leader of the attack.
Still, Morata was sensitive to how his tantrum was perceived and within two hours had issued a public apology on Twitter. He’s nothing if not aware of how he’s perceived by the media and fans; perhaps even too aware, often times too concerned.
Three important points for us. The best way to get ready for Sunday’s game was winning today. I want to apologize for my reaction when I was sent to the bench, when I fail I get really angry with myself. pic.twitter.com/Vxg4eC7X3Q
— Álvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) April 19, 2018
No apology needed, Alvaro. Keep fighting.