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Handing Dominic Solanke the armband was a statement, and it worked

Explore Roberto De Zerbi’s rationale for choosing Dominic Solanke as captain in the match against Manchester United.

By Chynelle Dirksz · To The Lane And Back

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 10:10 PM

Key Things to Know

The writer argues Roberto De Zerbi's decision to name Dominic Solanke captain paid off with a stoppage-time equalizer.
Dominic Solanke scored a 92nd-minute header against Manchester United at Old Trafford to salvage a point.
Tottenham played with ten men after Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a straight red card.

The Story in 60 Seconds

To The Lane And Back argues that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi made a statement by naming Dominic Solanke captain against Manchester United, which paid off with a late equalizer. Despite playing with ten men following Rodrigo Bentancur's straight red card, Solanke scored a 92nd-minute header from a Sandro Tonali cross to salvage a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Following heavy media criticism of Solanke, De Zerbi explained that awarding him the armband showed total squad confidence in the striker. The writer praises De Zerbi's backing, noting Solanke justified the managerial gamble by securing a crucial away point.

Read the full article on To The Lane And Back

Handing Dominic Solanke the armband was a statement, and it worked

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