Burnley 2-5 Spurs | Ange on ‘inspirational’ leaders

Ange Postecoglou praised the impact of Heung-Min Son, James Maddison and Cuti Romero on and off the pitch after the leadership trio accounted for the goals in our fine 5-2 win at Burnley on Saturday.

Skipper Sonny led the way with his fifth hat-trick for the club with vice-captains Madders and Cuti weighing in with lovely strikes as we came from behind to run out convincing winners.

In fact, the first three goals were beautifully taken. Sonny levelled Lyle Foster’s early opener with a clever chip over James Traffford, Cuti pinged an in-to-out curler into the top corner from 20 yards just before half-time and Madders hit a trademark curler from 22 yards for 3-1 10 minutes into the second half. Sonny then finished clinically from passes from Manor Solomon and Pedro Porro to complete his hat-trick.

Ange named Sonny captain, Madders and Cuti vice-captains before our season opener at Brentford and has been impressed with how they’ve taken on the responsibility.

He said: “Sonny, Madders and Romero all scored and I’m really pleased for those three because I’ve kind of thrust them into that leadership position, it’s not always easy, but they’ve been outstanding not just on game day, but every day with their actions and words, really inspiring the rest of the guys and driving them forward.

“It was brilliant for all three. They are all outstanding players but more importantly now, they’ve become leaders for us and we’re going to need it.”