Sat 04 January 2025, 15:55
Tottenham HotspurAnge Postecoglou said he ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of the players after another huge effort went unrewarded against Newcastle on Saturday.
Already without a number of players to injury, plus a one-match suspension for Rodrigo Bentancur, Ange’s plans were hit by an illness in the camp this week that left goalkeeper Fraser Forster sidelined and saw Academy graduate Brandon Austin make his first team debut over nine years after his first appearance for our Under-18s. Ange later revealed that central defensive pair Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray were also ill all week, with Radu forced off at half-time.
We made the perfect start at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Dominic Solanke headed home Pedro Porro’s cross on four minutes. However, Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Lucas Bergvall’s pass struck Joelinton’s hand, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to set up Anthony Gordon to score. Alexander Isak touched home what turned out to be the winner on 38 minutes.
I loved everything, loved the fact that the players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses, still tried to play our football, still aggressive, still created chances, still played with energy and enthusiasm, I loved all of it
We pinned Newcastle back in the second half. Brennan Johnson struck the post, James Maddison curled just wide and Solanke went close with two late headers, but it wasn’t to be.
Speaking on our Review Show, Ange told us: “I’m so proud, so happy with this group of players and the way they played, and really angry that they didn’t get the rewards they deserved. Forget who is missing, the boys played some outstanding football, really stuck to our principles, didn’t feel sorry for ourselves, didn’t make excuses, I couldn’t be prouder of them."
Ange on what pleased him most...
“I loved everything, loved the fact that the players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses, didn’t make any allowances, still tried to play our football, still aggressive, still created chances, still played with energy and enthusiasm, I loved all of it. I couldn’t be prouder of the players. I thought our football was outstanding, that we tackled the task of playing against a very good team... we deserved to win the game today.”
Ange on Radu’s substitution at half-time...
“Radu and Archie were in the sickbed all week. Radu was gone at half-time, just didn’t have any energy. We threw Djed in there, put Reggy on and, again, they took on the task, along with Brandon who, again, only found out yesterday he was playing. They just rolled up their sleeves and got on with it, I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Ange on debutant Brandon Austin...
“Brilliant. He’s had to be patient, and you never know when these opportunities might come around. They did today, and he handled it really well, credit to him.”
Ange on the players continuing to believe...
“They are really committed to what we’re doing, they really care, and they’re disappointed. I can understand their disappointment, and that’s why I’m angry, because they deserved to get the victory.”
