Postecoglou credits striker sparking comeback win

ANGE Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspurs are in second place on the English Premier League table after one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent history.

Coming into the game on a four-game unbeaten run, Spurs were expected to comfortably dispatch a Sheffield United side with just one point to start the season.

Despite dominating possession and having considerably more attacking chances, Postecoglou’s side found themselves behind in the 73rd minute.

Looking to his bench in the 80th minute, Postecoglou opted to bring on Richarlison, who had recently gone public with a string of mental health battles over his recent form.

The Brazilian repaid his manager with an equaliser in the eighth minute of injury time before Dejan Kulusevski sealed the incredible comeback 90 seconds later.

The late win puts Spurs in the EPL history books, breaking their own record for the latest comeback in the competition’s history.

The Spurs’ home crowd paid tribute to Postecoglou after the game, with a large contingent joining in for a rendition of Loving Big Ange.

Speaking to the media post-game, Postecoglou praised Richarlison and opened up on his conversations with the Brazilian during the week.

“Richy was great, I thought all the subs who came on really helped, but that’s been a consistent theme,” Postecoglou said.

“Yeah for Richy, I think it’s the point I was trying to make yesterday. For him to understand that you try and maintain a balance in life and his football hasn’t been that bad. He’s still been contributing for us.

“Sometimes when you struggle with certain parts of your life, you let it go into other areas, but the football is one area where he can control, and he works hard every day in training and really got his rewards today.

“Hopefully that gives him a bit more of a settled feel to deal with the other areas in his life. For everyone, it’s about not letting it overwhelm you and hopefully, a day like today helps him.”

Postecoglou will be in for the biggest test of his Spurs tenure thus far as they head to North London rivals Arsenal next Sunday night.

– DOMINIC CRINITI/ SEN