Ange Postecoglou critical of table-topping Tottenham despite record start

LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur’s Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed the best start by a new manager in the English Premier League, but the Australian said that a slipshod second half during their 2-0 home victory over Fulham had tempered the satisfaction of going top of the table.

The home fans were in celebratory mood on Monday thanks to goals by their talismanic captain Son Heung-min and James Maddison either side of the break.

However, Spurs lost their hold on the game in the final 30 minutes as passes went astray and tackles were missed, and they could have paid the price had London rivals Fulham been more ruthless with their finishing.

Postecoglou’s side have 23 points from a possible 27 with seven wins and two draws, two clear of champions Manchester City. He has a point more than Dutchman Guus Hiddink managed in February 2009 after his first nine games as Chelsea manager.

But there is unlikely to be much crowing on the training ground with the straight-talking Postecoglou critical of the way his players ended the game against Fulham.

“Really disappointed with the second half,” the former Celtic boss said.

“With the ball, we were nowhere near the levels we have been all year. That’s probably the worst sort of 45 minutes with the ball we’ve had.

“We’ve got to make sure we stay disciplined in our approach because in the end (Guglielmo Vicario) made a couple of great saves to keep a clean sheet.”

Fulham were the only team to beat Spurs this season, knocking them out of the League Cup on penalties in August. However, Tottenham avenged that loss by recording a third straight league win to strengthen their unexpected title challenge.

Saluting Son and Maddison, Postecoglou said: “They are both quality players. They are both leaders at the club. They work hard for the team and it is a credit to them.”

On the overall performance, though, he was clearly not pleased.

Maddison said Postecoglou had gone “ballistic” during a similar display in pre-season and some harsh words could be spoken before Friday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

That said, Tottenham will go to Selhurst Park with the chance to move five points clear at the top – a scenario not even the most optimistic fans could have envisaged.

“Credit to all involved. We are where we are because we deserve to be, but plenty of reminders that there is work to do,” Postecoglou added.

“That second 45 gave me plenty to think about! I’m not going to let the fact that we’ve won the game disguise the opportunity there for us to improve.”

Spurs’ superb start to Postecoglou’s debut season, however, have awoken dreams of the club’s first top-flight title since Bill Nicholson’s 1961 double winners.

While that ambitious target may yet prove beyond Tottenham, who have not won a major trophy since the League Cup in 2008, the Australian has undoubtedly had a huge impact on a team who were in turmoil when he arrived from Celtic.

A toxic combination of poor results and dour displays under Antonio Conte last term, combined with Harry Kane’s close-season move to Bayern Munich, left many expecting another year of disappointment.

Yet Postecoglou has astutely guided Tottenham to calmer waters, winning over doubters with his down-to-earth personality and attacking game plan.

Meanwhile, Fulham’s defeat left them in 13th in the table.

“We were punished by the mistakes that we made,” manager Marco Silva said.

“We didn’t want to give the space behind for them to score. We knew that they are in a very good moment. Some dangerous moments for them, but I think until the first goal we controlled them well.

“When you play against teams like Tottenham that are pressing really strongly, you have to use your more forward players well.” REUTERS, AFP