Postecoglou effect: Tottenham extends their wining steak, with outstanding performance

Tottenham still haven’t lost under Ange Postecoglou, putting Bournemouth to the sword in an efficient display

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is still unbeaten in the Premier League, following his side winning 2-0 win away at Bournemouth.

As the Lilywhites weathered significant pressure from the home side, James Maddison was once again at the center of everything that was good for Tottenham, scoring the opening goal and displaying his talent in midfield. With chairman Daniel Levy there at the Vitality Stadium, Spurs were singing, “We’ve got our Tottenham back,” at the game’s conclusion.

Before the game even started, Bournemouth had to affirm on Twitter that it would indeed go on as scheduled after some supporters received a BBC notification indicating otherwise. Bournemouth pressed high from the off in the wet, much like they did against Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola’s attackers pressing up to give Spurs’ center-backs and goalie very little time in possession.

The Cherries had the better of the first 10 minutes of the game, forcing the visitors into some sloppy mistakes but it was the composure of James Maddison that helped to change the game. Maddison had the first big chance of the game after 14 minutes, forcing a save from Neto after Tottenham had countered from Bournemouth pressure: it was just two minutes later that the England international latched onto a wonderfully weighted through-ball from Pape Sarr to give Postecoglou’s side a 1-0 lead.  After 21 minutes, Sarr could have doubled the Lilywhites’ advantage from a similar position, as Tottenham evaded the Bournemouth pressure in their own third to flood down the pitch.

Much of the first half followed this pattern – though Bournemouth started to grow into the match and posed a threat themselves. Philip Billing and Ryan Christie both forced Guglielmo Vicario into saves, either side of Richarlison rounding Neto. On that occasion, Joe Rothwell and Milos Kerkez combined to spare their keeper.