Mike Dean instantly reacts to Tottenham incident v Brighton live on Sky Sports
Tottenham are facing Brighton in their final Premier League game of the season following their Europa League victory in Bilbao.
Dominic Solanke scored from the penalty spot to give Tottenham a 1-0 lead in the first 20 minutes, as they aim to finish as high as 14th.
Despite winning the Europa League, Tottenham headed into this game aiming to improve their disastrous league form, but celebrations may have taken their toll.
However, they were able to take the lead from the spot, and former referee Mike Dean has now given his verdict on the incident leading to the goal.
Dean backs Tottenham penalty decision v Brighton
A penalty was awarded to Tottenham as Mathys Tel was brought down in the box by Mats Wieffer, and Solanke comfortably dispatched it.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (25 May, 4:17pm), former Premier League referee Dean confirmed that the decision was a simple one for Robert Jones to make.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 44 | 16 | 8 |
“He [Tel] just cuts inside and gets tripped up, it’s a dead easy decision for the referee,” Dean stated.
It was Solanke’s 16th goal of the season in all competitions, and it meant that Spurs headed into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, although Jack Hinshelwood has since equalised.
Solanke scores another penalty
It was Solanke’s first Premier League penalty this season, but his third overall, having netted two from the spot in the Europa League.
The Englishman scored a penalty against Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-final, a vital goal which sent Spurs through to the next round en route to their success.
The 27-year-old is an established penalty taker, having netted two in the Premier League for Bournemouth last season, and his finish was as confident as ever.
It has been a mixed season for Solanke, who took some time to settle following his big-money move from Bournemouth, but played a huge part in Europe as Tottenham won their first major trophy since 2008.
His latest goal could help Spurs move higher in the table and earn more prize money, and he will hope to build on this campaign next season.