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October 19, 2024
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou revealed that James Maddison’s half-time substitution during their Premier League encounter with West Ham was a tactical decision. Maddison, a key player for Spurs, was taken off at the break despite concerns over a potential injury after he appeared to take a knock late in the first half. However, Postecoglou made it clear that the change was strategic rather than due to injury, suggesting it was part of his game plan to adjust the team’s approach in the second half.
West Ham had taken an early advantage in the match, finding the net just 18 minutes in. The goal came from Mohammed Kudus, who capitalized on an accurate and inviting cross from teammate Jarrod Bowen. Bowen’s well-timed delivery allowed Kudus to convert from close range, putting the Hammers ahead in what had been a tightly contested first portion of the game. West Ham’s early lead set the tone, placing pressure on Spurs to respond quickly.
Tottenham eventually found their equalizer 10 minutes before half-time. It was Dejan Kulusevski who brought Spurs level, receiving a well-placed pass from Maddison in midfield. Kulusevski made a decisive run toward the West Ham defense, driving forward with intent. As he approached the edge of the box, he unleashed a powerful shot that left West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with no chance, leveling the scoreline and giving Spurs a much-needed boost just before the break.
At the interval, the only change made by Postecoglou was to bring on Pape Sarr in place of Maddison. Although Maddison had appeared to take a slight knock before the halftime whistle, there was initial speculation that his substitution might have been related to injury concerns. Despite these concerns, it was confirmed that Maddison’s withdrawal was a planned tactical adjustment rather than a reaction to injury, with Sarr taking his place to provide fresh legs in the second half.
However, despite TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher hinting at an injury, Maddison’s substitution was ultimately attributed to tactical reasons.
‘You would think, I’m guessing, he’s taken a slight knock,’ Fletcher said before confirming: ‘Well, I’ve just been told there is no injury to Maddison.
‘It’s a tactical decision from the Spurs manager. To confirm, there’s no injury to Tottenham’s No. 10.’
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
Reacting to Postecoglou’s surprising decision, co-commentator Ally McCoist said: ‘He [Maddison] was quite quiet, wasn’t he?
‘Clearly Ange was expecting more from him and he’s thought enough is enough at half-time.’
Ex-Tottenham striker Peter Crouch added: ‘I was surprised at first.
‘But you can see Kulusevski is keeping much higher and he’s got two players behind him now for more protection. What you’ll see now is Kulusevski in a much freer role.’
Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery
Maddison quickly settled on the Spurs bench as the second half got underway, watching as the home team netted three goals in just 15 minutes to take a dominant 4-1 lead.
Yves Bissouma gave Tottenham the advantage just seven minutes after the restart, and West Ham fell further behind when Jean-Clair Todibo scored an own goal.
Son Heung-min then broke free to round Areola and seal Tottenham’s fourth in an impressive post-break onslaught.
After Spurs’ 4-1 victory, manager Ange Postecoglou explained his decision to substitute Maddison at half-time.
‘Yes it was tactical, I just felt we needed a bit more running power in that midfield area,’ the Australian added.
‘Pape gives us some good energy there and I thought that really helped us in the second half.’
Assessing his team’s performance, Postecoglou added: ‘I thought we were good today. We had to work hard in the first half but we got back into the game after conceding.
‘After that it was outstanding from the lads, good energy, some good goals although I thought we could have gotten a few more. Good day at the office.’
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