Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham win for the first time in six matches

Ange Postecoglou has hailed the “belief” in a Spurs side that returned to form in style against Newcastle.

Ange Postecoglou applauds Tottenham’s fans after Spurs’ 4-1 win over Newcastle. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ange Postecoglou admits he was “too hard” on his depleted Tottenham side during a poor run that finally ended with a 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle.

Having picked up just one point from their previous five games, Spurs returned to winning ways in style at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday morning (AEDT).

A brace from Brazilian striker Richarlison and goals from Italian defender Destiny Udogie and captain Son Heung-min gave Spurs a 4-0 lead after 85 minutes.

Newcastle’s Brazilian winger Joelinton scored in stoppage time, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal as Spurs won for the first time in six games to remain in fifth spot on the Premier League ladder.

Richarlison celebrates after scoring for Tottenham against Newcastle. Picture: Adrian DENNIS / AFP

“I just felt today we had a little more belief,” Postecoglou told SpursPlay.

“I’m pleased for the lads. They got their rewards for a really strong performance. In general, our performance was probably at the level it has been, but we were more effective in the front third and, defensively, I thought we were outstanding.”

Postecoglou had been furious with his team after last week’s 2-1 home loss to West Ham, saying it was “not good enough”, even with a host of players – including key pair James Maddison and Micky van de Ven – injured.

“It’s fair to say I’ve been hard on the lads, maybe too hard at times, but we’re getting players back,” the former Socceroos coach said.

“Richy (Richarlison) today and Pape (Matar Sarr) I thought were really important to give us some energy and the quality they have.

“It makes a difference when you get some players back, and we’ve been really thin from that perspective. It’s important.”