He Wasn’t – Ange Postecoglou Admits Tottenham Star Wasn’t 100 Per Cent Heading Into Arsenal Game
Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has acknowledged that James Maddison wasn’t fully healthy before the match with Arsenal.
Heung-Min Son scored twice to help Spurs tie the game at 2-2 and earn a point for the visitors during their Sunday afternoon Premier League match at Arsenal.
Maddison started the north London derby and played for 78 minutes before being removed. He has been a vital player for Spurs so far this season.
Postecoglou commented on Brennan Johnson, who was substituted just after the hour mark, and stated that Maddison wasn’t at full strength going into the derby but still managed to survive it.
In his press conference following the game, Postecoglou said of Brennan, “I’m not sure with Brennan, he felt his hamstring.”
“Madders wasn’t at 100 percent going into the game, but he got through it fine.”
The Tottenham manager also acknowledged his happiness with the tie, saying that his team offered all against Arsenal.
“It’s not a matter of being pleased with the outcome.
You can think you’ve escaped after getting a result and a tie, but I didn’t believe that today.
“I believed we competed head-to-head with a top team.”
Tottenham’s Premier League record under Postecoglou remains undefeated as a result of the outcome of the derby match.
‘LAUGHABLE’ – Tottenham boss Ange responds to the media comparism between him and Mikel Arteta
Tottenham boss Postecoglou dismisses similarities between himself and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Ange Postecoglou has denied any parallels between himself and Mikel Arteta, the manager of the Gunners, in a press conference before of tomorrow’s match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal (h/t football.london). Despite this, he has continued to express his love for Arteta.
Football is about to witness one of its greatest rivalries at this time of year. The North London Derby is, in fact, about to begin. Things feel different now after what appeared to be a significant showdown on paper but ultimately fell short.
Arsenal has improved since the start of last season. Only Manchester City has performed better than them throughout this time, thus few opponents want to play Mikel Arteta’s well-prepared team.
One of the most heartwarming videos you will see today ❤️⚽️
Ange Postecoglou went out of his way at a @SpursOfficial fan Q&A session to make sure a young fan got to ask his question.
An incredible manager, but an even better person. pic.twitter.com/NrYCRiXMtD
— KEEPUP (@keepupau) September 21, 2023
In any other situation, Tottenham would enter this game on guard and honestly fearing the worse. However, this time, Spurs have been outstanding this year and will likely favor their alterations against Arsenal.
This season, both sides have competed in 5 Premier League games, winning 4 and drawing 1. Arsenal is in fourth place, whereas Tottenham is second in the standings due to their superior goal differential.
Anyone who has studied this team and grown weary of the pragmatic, unimaginative game played under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte would be extremely surprised by Tottenham’s 13-goal advantage over Arsenal in the league so far.
The general mood among N17 supporters is excellent because Ange Postecoglou has restored positivity and joy to them. In press conferences, he has also been a good time, and today was no exception when he was questioned about Arteta’s likeness.
“No we’re not close. The football world’s a funny one. In terms of similarities… I’m 58, he’s whatever. I’ve had 26 years, he’s five years into it. He’s managed in one country, I’ve managed in a few. I’m not sure how he’s got a great head of hair… He’s a lot fitter than I am. I don’t know mate, there’s not a lot of threads I can sort of join between us!”
It’s the kind of witty Ange response to which we’ve all grown accustomed in recent months. Despite the Australian’s criticism that there aren’t many parallels between the two coaches, they both enjoy coaching offensive, exciting football.
