Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs secure much-needed English Premier League win

A rare change of playing style has helped Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham grab an important English Premier League win.

Ange Postecoglou has made no apologies for injury-ravaged Tottenham’s pragmatic approach that proved successful in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

The attacking “Angeball” style that the stubborn Postecoglou usually never wavers from regardless of his team’s situation was nowhere to seen on Monday morning (AEDT) at Gtech Community Stadium, where Spurs won for the first time in eight English Premier League matches.

Spurs were happy to sit deep in defence and allow Brentford to have more possession of the ball.

Postecoglou suggested the change of tactics were a necessity such has been Spurs’ busy recent schedule and the lack of numbers in his squad due to a host of injuries.

Ange Postecoglou (left) embraces Tottenham captain Son Heung-min after Spurs’ 2-0 win over Brentford. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“It’s very difficult for a group of players to play Thursday and Sunday and maintain energy and levels,” the former Socceroos coach said after Tottenham’s win.

“We knew today it wasn’t going to be a game where we could go out there and dominate because Brentford had a week to prepare for this. We had 50-something hours, with the same group of players.

“What they’re doing is giving maximum effort, and maximum effort in a game like today means you can’t be sharp and really dynamic with and without the ball.

“They’re human beings, they’re not robots. People want to dismiss it, they want to talk about excuses, but that’s the reality. These guys are giving everything.”

An own goal from Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt gave Spurs the lead in the 29th minute, with Tottenham sealing victory in the 87th minute with a counterattacking move finished off by substitute Pape Matar Sarr.

“Our second goal was outstanding and we were always a threat when we had (the ball), so credit to the boys, they were brilliant,” Postecoglou said.

The win lifted Spurs to 14th on the Premier League ladder and 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

“It’s great for the supporters, (and) great for the players too, because they’re all hurting,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s only one game. We need to rectify our league position. We’re not in a league position we want to be anywhere near.”

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Spurs are back in action on Friday morning (AEDT) at Anfield in the second leg of their English League Cup semi-final battle with Liverpool.

Postecoglou’s men have the advantage after winning the first-leg 1-0 last month.

Key defender Micky van de Ven, who didn’t play against Brentford after only recently returning from a hamstring injury, is set to play against Liverpool.

“We’ve got to be really smart about how we integrate him back into the team,” Postecoglou said.

Tottenham’s squad has been boosted by the signing of Austrian international defender Kevin Danso from French club Lens.

Danso has joined Spurs on loan until the end of the season, with the deal set to become permanent ahead of the club’s 2025-26 campaign.

“We desperately need a defender, but getting him is great because he’s a great fit for us,” Postecoglou said.

“He’s just at a stage of his career where he’s really determined to kick on and make an impact. It’ll be a lift for the whole group.”

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs secure much-needed English Premier League win