Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League debut as Tottenham Hotspur coach ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Brentford. Here’s what the UK press are saying following his Spurs bow.
The Premier League got its first taste of ‘AngeBall’ overnight as Ange Postecoglou had his first competitive hit out in charge of Tottenham Hotspur against Brentford.
Spurs were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by their London rivals, where all four goals were scored in a helter-skelter first-half. Cristian Romero opened the scoring for the visitors, before strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the space of nine minutes gave the Bees the lead.
A sensational strike from Emerson Royal on the brink of half-time ensured the spoils would be shared in Postecoglou’s debut – which was largely overshadowed by Harry Kane’s departure for Bayern Munich only days before the season opener.
MATCH REPORT: Spurs held to thrilling four goal draw in Postecoglou’s Premier League debut
REACTION: Postecoglou praises Tottenham’s resilience following Harry Kane’s departure
Despite not coming away with all three points, the reviews of Postecoglou’s debut have been positive, with many within the UK press praising the swashbuckling, exciting brand of football he’s brought back to Spurs.
“Ange Postecoglou promised his Tottenham would be fun to watch and they certainly delivered rich entertainment against a Brentford side who are also learning to cope without their main goal threat,” Matt Barlow wrote in the Daily Mail.
“Spurs poured forward eager to fill the void left by Kane’s exit to Munich. They pushed the back line high and took risks on the ball. They always looked vulnerable, capable of conceding and yet they were adventurous and inventive in possession.
“Yves Bissouma typified the approach, deployed as the deepest midfielder he was always looking to jink past the first opponent or bounce a one-two off a teammate. When it worked, it looked slick and stylish. When it didn’t, the defensive were plunged into trouble.”
Meanwhile former Premier League star Matt Holland declared on commentary: “It’s going to be fun.
“Everyone who has a season ticket for Tottenham this year, they’re in for a ride.”
Former Ireland striker Clinton Morrison was also pleased with what he saw, particularly in possession.
“Seeing Ange Postecoglou’s new-look Tottenham they’re not bad in possession,” he said on BBC Radio 5.
“After taking the lead, going behind and then fighting back, they showed real togetherness.
“It’s been a difficult week for them losing Harry Kane, credit to them.”
“Already making his mark at the club with his Tottenham team playing some rather eye-catching football in pre-season, the new head coach was always going to need a good amount of time to get his team fully playing his way and doing everything he wants on the pitch,” Guest wrote.
“Given the change in approach compared to last season, there is going to be some very good football on offer but also some scares along the way in the opening weeks of his Spurs tenure.
“Although the result wasn’t there for Postecoglou in his first game in charge of the club, Tottenham fans have been left very impressed by the football on offer and can see what he is trying to do at the club.”
However, a lot of the criticism has been levelled at their lack of cutting edge, as Spurs scamper for a Kane replacement.
Richarlison was given the first opportunity to lead the line and failed to impress against Brentford, struggling to get involved in the contest against the Bees.
Barlow wrote: “Perhaps understandably, Postecoglou’s team lacked any clinical edge they have come to rely upon with Kane up front. Richarlison led the line without looking like finding the net and Heung-min Son toiled wide on the left.”
BBC Sport’s Mantej Mann believes Postecoglou may need to look at a new signing before the summer window is over.
“When Harry Kane’s seemingly inevitable departure from Tottenham was confirmed on Saturday, all attention in their Premier League opener was going to be on who led the line,” he said.
“Richarlison was chosen to play in the central attacking role but the Brazil forward struggled to get into the game.
“He cut an isolated figure despite the creative talent of James Maddison making his first Spurs appearance after moving from Leicester City this summer.
“The visitors dominated possession with nearly 70% of the ball but Richarlison was unable to benefit from it. No outfield Spurs player who started the game touched the ball fewer times (34) than the Brazilian, apart from Cristian Romero (10), who was substituted in the 14th minute.
“Richarlison will have to improve in the coming weeks or Ange Postecoglou may be forced to enter the transfer market for a more suitable Kane replacement.”
Premier League legend Roy Keane echoed those sentiments, believing Spurs should look elsewhere to fill the Kane sized hole in attack.
“I think it’s great for Kane and Spurs have got good money for him” Keane told Sky Sports.
“It’s not going to drag out, now the manager can get focused, and get another striker in. They certainly need to get someone else in.”
