Ange Postecoglou’s depleted Tottenham defies the odds in a six-goal thriller against Manchester City
Tottenham’s losing run is over, with Ange Postecoglou’s men scoring a late equaliser against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola were satisfied they “delivered” on their promise of goals and entertainment despite neither leaving Etihad Stadium a winner following a six-goal thriller on Monday morning (AEDT).
A late header from Swedish star Dejan Kulusevski secured a depleted Tottenham side a deserved 3-3 draw with the reigning Premier League champions.
Kulusevski’s goal also ensured Spurs – who sit in fifth spot on the ladder – avoided a fourth successive defeat.
“Against a team like City, you’re not going to create a lot of chances, particularly here, so when they come along you have to show quality to take them,” former Socceroos coach Postecoglou told Tottenham’s Review Show.
“Now we’ve got the rewards for that, I’m sure it will help the players in our process in continuing to believe in the team we want to be.”
Postecoglou and Guardiola, widely regarded as the world’s best coach, embraced and spoke after the final whistle
When asked what was discussed, Postecoglou said: “We promised goals, we delivered. It was entertaining.”
The former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory coach was full of praise for Guardiola and City.
“He’s got a fantastic team. He’s had such a fantastic team for such a long time,” Postecoglou said.
“I obviously want to beat them mate but you can appreciate just what a fantastic football team they are.
“From his behalf, he’s always, not just publicly but privately, been complimentary of my work.
“Not directly to me but I found out through other sources which coming from someone like him, I have great respect for.”
Guardiola was unhappy after City midfielder Jack Grealish was denied a likely chance to score in stoppage-time after referee Simon Hooper decided to award the Manchester club a free kick for an earlier foul after initially seeming to wave play on.
Post-match, Postecoglou was asked if he could understand Guardiola’s anger.
“I guess so mate,” he said.