Ange Postecoglou has explained that Tottenham Hotspur's hectic schedule was the reason behind Son Heung-min being benched against Newcastle United.
The 32-year-old rarely completes the full 90 minutes for Spurs, and is often substituted towards the end of matches, but has balanced Premier League, Carabao Cup and Europa League duties, as well as a move to the other side of the league. The world to represent South Korea.
However, it was somewhat surprising to see Son miss the match against in-form Newcastle, who overcame an early setback after conceding to Dominic Solanke. They emerge victorious 2-1 – Anthony Gordon, in controversial circumstances, and Alexander Isak, the Magpies' top scorer.
Tottenham have now lost half of the twenty Premier League The matches they have played this season and they are ranked 12th in the table. Their position is quite exceptional because their record at this stage of the season is almost identical to last season – 42 goals scored and one more conceded, but they are 15 points worse off.
Explaining Son's absence, as well as those of James Maddison and Yves Bissouma, Postecoglou said: “I think we will need some strength in running and energy early on and as the game goes on, we will be able to use the experience of the players who have come in and I think it has worked well.
“We finished really strong. We started the game really well and the only thing that stopped us in our tracks wasn't the football. That was the whole idea about it. Guys like Sonny, Bess and Madison to a lesser extent, they played less aggressively.” “A lot of football and being active helps them mentally as much as it helps them physically and I think when all three of them were involved it made a real difference for us.”
The Greek-Australian was furious with the officials' decision to award the award NewcastleThe opening goal – although replays showed the ball clearly hitting Joelinton's hand in the build-up – but he refused to publicly criticize referee Andy Madley, instead pointing out the fact. Tottenham It would have done better on a “level playing field”.
“No, because I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I will say is that on any other day, on a fair and equal playing field, we would have won that game,” Postecoglou said when asked for his opinion.
“Simple as that. Don't keep asking me what the decision is. If you guys don't have an opinion, that's fine. I know what my opinion is, and like I said, if it's a different day and it's an equal, equal day.” Fair play ground we would have won that match.
After further investigation, he continued: “I know you just want me to say something but I'm not going to do that. I think it's clear. Now whether people agree with me or not, whether it's not a handball or it's accidental, I'm going to do it.” I'm not interested in any of that discussion, what I'm saying is, on any day with a fair and level playing field and logical thought processes, we would have won this game, that's all.
“You can do what you want with that. I don't know what to say about that.”