Few could have predicted the lineup that manager Enze Postecoglou chose.
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the seventh round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) at 1:30 a.m. ET today at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The win leaves Tottenham in second place in the league with five wins and two draws (17 points), while Liverpool is fourth with five wins, one draw, and one loss (16 points).
Leading up to the game, Spurs were concerned about the availability of Son Heung-min and James Maddison. Both players trained before the game but were not 100% fit. With Brennan Johnson also ruled out due to injury, the loss of Son and Maddison would have made things even more difficult for the Reds.
Fortunately, Son and Madison were included in the starting lineup. In Johnson’s absence, Hischalisson came in. When he was named to the starting lineup, everyone assumed that Son would play as a left wing forward and Heung-min would play as a striker. In the game where he started, Son moved to the left.
“With Johnson unavailable through injury, the easiest decision Postecoglou could have made would have been to play Manor Solomon on the left or move Son back to the flank and play him in the center,” explained the Telegraph.
Against everyone’s expectations, Postecoglou chose to play Son in the center of the field, with Heung-min on the left. By moving him to the left, Postecoglou was able to take some of the pressure off of the striker, who was unable to integrate into the team’s tactics, while keeping the prolific goal scorer in the center of the pitch, allowing him to focus on his goals. On the other hand, it was also a considerate decision for Son, who has been playing through an injury.
It turned out to be the best decision. In the 36th minute of Son’s first goal, the Frenchman showed good penetration into Liverpool’s flank and set up Son’s goal. Postecoglou’s foresight paid off as, aside from his threatening performance, the Frenchman’s finishing proved problematic in this game.
The Telegraph also praised Postecoglou’s unorthodox selection. 메이저사이트 “He was the player who returned after admitting he would seek psychological help. He has been reborn in the last two home games, scoring against Sheffield United and providing an assist against Liverpool. Son Heung-min, who also scored twice against Arsenal, has six goals this season and is relishing the added responsibility of being captain.”