Ange Postecoglou praises Tottenham Hotspur’s new-found mental strength
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Tottenham Hotspur's Timo Werner celebrates scoring their first goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Ange Postecoglou said Tottenham Hotspur showed a “first-rate mentality” in their latest come-from-behind success, as they beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on March 2.
Spurs are five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, but have a game in hand over the Midlands side, who scored a late winner to see off Luton Town 3-2.
Postecoglou’s side are six clear of sixth-placed Manchester United, who face the daunting trip to Manchester City on March 3, in the fight for a place in next season’s Champions League. The result was not available at press time.
A top-four finish would guarantee Spurs a return to Europe’s elite competition, while fifth could be enough, depending on the success of English sides in the remainder of this season’s European competitions.
Eberechi Eze’s free kick had fired Palace into a shock lead close to the hour mark.
But for the third time in their last four home league games, Spurs came back to win despite conceding first.
Timo Werner’s first goal for the club started the fightback 13 minutes from time.
Cristian Romero headed in three minutes later, before Son Heung-min sealed the points on the counter-attack.
Spurs have been criticised for a lack of mental strength in the past and Postecoglou believes his side are showing that is no longer the case.
“It was a game we should have won a lot more comfortably, but we had real belief in the process and were not getting swayed by things not going our way. I thought the mentality was first-rate,” said the Australian.
“You need that goal to break open a team that are going to sit so deep. I still felt like we were putting in enough work that at some point we would be able to break them.
“Obviously we conceded, which was disappointing.
“You’re looking for a reaction and I thought the reaction was outstanding.
“We just had a real belief today in our processes and our football and I’m really pleased with the outcome.”
Werner was guilty of missing a glorious chance to open the scoring in the first half but made amends when he tapped home Brennan Johnson’s cross.
Postecoglou is hoping the German will be infused with confidence after breaking his duck for the club in his seventh appearance.
“For all of the attacking players, goals are important. I thought he was having a good game generally,” added Postecoglou.
“He didn’t stop believing, got into the right area and outstanding work from Brennan.”
Tottenham Hotspur’s Timo Werner scores his first goal since scoring for Leipzig in October.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Meanwhile, new Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “I had the feeling before the equaliser that we could win the game, but in football one situation can switch the game and this happened today.
“The players did very well for a long time, so we’re disappointed.” AFP
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min scores their third goal, his 13th league goal of the season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
