Another Premier League history as Spurs makes dramatic late comeback against Sheffield United
Ange Postecoglou is a man who can do no wrong in his new Tottenham kingdom.
The latest of late comebacks at home to Sheffield United that transformed a certain first loss into a fourth straight win must make the Australian appear that way to Spurs’ patient supporters, who have watched their new savior’s unblemished start to life in the Premier League now gilded by the latest of late comebacks.
The triumph marked the most recent successful comeback in Premier League history.
A 2-1 triumph on Saturday (Sunday AEST) put the cherry on top of a week that saw the 58-year-old honored as the League’s manager of the month – in his first month – and nominated for the award of FIFA’s finest men’s coach of the year.
Richarlison, the star striker whose performance he had been battling to maximize, made a triumphant return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to provide the game-winning goal.
Richarlison, who previously made news this week by declaring that he would “seek psychological help” for off-the-field issues while on international duty with Brazil, came off the bench in the 80th minute and headed Spurs even after the first eight minutes of stoppage time had been added.
Richarlison then deftly found the unmarked Dejan Kulusevski in the box to fire home a 100th minute winner and record the latest-ever winning comeback in Premier League history a few minutes later in the game that seemed to go on forever – there were 15 minutes put on in all at the end.
Postecoglou couldn’t have been happier, but primarily the Brazilian was just genuinely delighted.
We must maintain a healthy balance in our lives, and he too must realize how amazing his football still is. He’s a terrific football player, Postecoglou told BBC Sport.
“He’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life. I’m really pleased for him.
“Hopefully, he feels a little bit more at ease now to handle the other aspects of his life. It’s important for everyone to keep things in perspective, and maybe today will be helpful for him.
The perseverance and spirit that helped Spurs to their best start to a top-flight season in 57 years once again came through, even though this was far from their best performance under the Australian.
Given that they are a new group, he said, “It’s great to see some real resilience and spirit within that group already.”
“On days like this, you are challenged. It supports our sense that we can advance. The day was unforgettable for our fans, and everything that happened helped with our mission.
But this might only be the beginning. Postecoglou will experience a north London derby for the first time against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium the following Saturday. If he can manage to defeat the Gunners down the road on their home field, he will be positively revered if he is already the talk of Tottenham.