Ange Postecoglou explains why he took James Maddison off at half-time
Ange Postecoglou has revealed why he brought on Pape Matar Sarr for James Maddison at half-time in Tottenham’s 4-1 win against West Ham.
Spurs blew away Hammers in the second period
While Tottenham did not have the best of starts to the London derby, conceding in the 18th minute, they did finish the first half strongly, drawing level through Dejan Kulusevski on 36 minutes.
The home side then came out all guns blazing after the interval, managing to blow away Julen Lopetegui’s men in the space of 15 minutes with three quickfire goals at the start of the second half.
Ange Postecoglou explains substitution
Spurs’ change in fortunes in the second period was down to an inspired substitution that Postecoglou made, with the Australian deciding to bring Sarr on in place of Maddison.
The Tottenham head coach has now revealed why he made the change, explaining that he felt his side needed more running power in the middle of the park.
When asked about the Maddison substitution at the interval, he told Football.London: “I just felt we West Ham ask you certain questions in midfield areas and I just felt Pape’s running power would help us in the second half.
“They obviously worked hard in the first half and I thought he could give us some real energy. I thought he did really well and he gave us a platform to be really threatening every time we went forward and clinical in our football.”
Postecoglou shows another string to his bow
A section of Spurs fans have questioned Postecoglou’s reluctance to make tactical changes when things are not going to plan, with many feeling that the 59-year-old should have reacted sooner in the second half against Brighton.
The Tottenham boss showed this afternoon that he is more than capable of making smart tactical tweaks, with his decision to bring Sarr on nullifying West Ham’s threat and helping his side recover the ball time and again in midfield.
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