Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has opened up on his decision to hook James Maddison at half time during his side’s 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The north London side fell behind in the 18th minute when Mohammed Kudus opened the scoring.
Tottenham then levelled through Dejan Kulusevski, with the Sweden international’s terrific low shot too much for Alphonse Areola.
At half time, Postecoglou hooked Maddison with Pape Sarr brought on in his place. That change benefitted Tottenham, with efforts from Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min – and an Areola own goal – helping them secure victory.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has opened up on his decision to hook James Maddison at half time during his side’s 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday
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Speaking after the win, Postecoglou confirmed he took Maddison off for tactical reasons.
“Yes it was tactical, I just felt we needed a bit more running power in that midfield area,” he told TNT Sports.
“Pape gives us some good energy there and I thought that really helped us in the second half.”
It was a huge win for Tottenham, particularly given how they squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton prior to the international break.
And Postecoglou was pleased with his side’s reaction, with the Australian adding: “I thought we were good today.
“We had to work hard in the first half but we got back into the game after conceding.
“After that it was outstanding from the lads, good energy, some good goals although I thought we could have gotten a few more.
“Good day at the office.”
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Tottenham star Son also discussed the result.
He said Postecoglou was angry with his players after they fell behind against the run of play.
But Son was pleased to put a smile back on his manager’s face as Tottenham eased some of the pressure on the 59-year-old.
“To be back on the pitch is a joy, playing with my team-mates in a beautiful stadium is one of my favourite things – especially when you get the result,” he said.
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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his side’s victory over West Ham on Saturday
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“When we conceded the first goal he [manager Ange Postecoglou] wasn’t very happy.
“He talked about protecting our goal like a home. But generally altogether with the performance I am very happy.
“When I get the ball I try and find the best solution. In a one-on-one situation I’m very on it and most like to be in this situation.
“[The support is] incredible, I have been missing this support for three weeks and I didn’t go to the national team. Playing in front of these fans is a huge honour and I want to give them something back.
Tottenham were far too strong for West Ham in their Premier League clash on Saturday
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“Sometimes injury time [out] can be good, we have such a busy time, that two or three weeks was perfect to recharge myself and today I was feeling really, really good.
“It’s entertaining [football under Postecoglou] but also a lot of pressure. The winger is expected to create chance and get goals. I think it is a lot of joy and pressure which is where we should be.”