Neither facet had been good or notably adventurous in a uninteresting first half, however it was Tottenham who bought the breakthrough when Brennan Johnson bundled in from shut vary.
After that it was all about defending what they’d.
Within the second half they’d only one contact contained in the opposition field, didn’t have a shot on or off course, and simply 19.8% possession.
And in uncharacteristic style Postecoglou sacrificed an attacking participant for a defensive one when Johnson was changed by centre-back Kevin Danso.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson mentioned: “It was a poor watch, it actually was an terrible recreation, however Tottenham ruined it. They spoiled the sport. That was the sport plan.
“It was not what we’re used to seeing from Ange Postecoglou. It was a gritty, horrible, defensive, decided, rugged efficiency.”
Tottenham actually rode their luck at instances and in addition wanted some large particular person performances as Micky van de Ven made an unimaginable goalline clearance from Rasmus Hojlund, whereas goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made an enormous save from Luke Shaw late on.
General Spurs had three pictures, simply 27.7% possession and accomplished 115 passes, all of the lowest figures Opta has on file by any staff in a significant European remaining (since 2009-10).
“This confirmed there’s a plan B,” former Tottenham ahead Gareth Bale mentioned on TNT Sports activities.
“I suppose as a supervisor if Ange Postecoglou additionally matures, and brings that sort of defensive facet to his groups, after all he can nonetheless have nice success right here.”
Ex-Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage added on BBC Radio 5 Reside: “He is tailored, large Ange.
“He hasn’t gone a full press, he hasn’t gone with a excessive line. He sat deep and received the sport as a result of he tailored.”
