Masterstroke: Micah Richards says Postecoglou now did exceptional vs Man Utd only few managers would have done
Tottenham achieved their most significant Premier League win of the season with a commanding 3-0 victory away against Manchester United, a result that firmly established their presence among the top four contenders.
While much of the post-match discussion focused on Manchester United’s poor performance, Tottenham’s display under manager Ange Postecoglou was nothing short of exceptional.
Postecoglou’s tactics were spot-on, and his team executed the game plan perfectly at Old Trafford.
One of the standout aspects of the match was the contribution from Tottenham’s key players. Micky van de Ven and James Maddison were particularly impressed by Dominic Solanke’s performance, and their collective effort contributed to a strong team performance.
The win also provided a much-needed boost of confidence for the north London club after what had been a mixed start to the season.
Micah Richards, former Manchester City defender and football pundit, expressed his admiration for one of Postecoglou’s tactical decisions during the game.
Speaking on “The Rest is Football” podcast, Richards praised the Tottenham manager for deploying Dejan Kulusevski in central midfield, a move that paid off handsomely as Kulusevski scored his first goal of the season.
Richards described the decision as a masterstroke, noting that many managers would have opted for a more defensive midfielder in such a high-stakes match, perhaps choosing someone like Pape Matar Sarr alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and pushing James Maddison further up the field.
However, Postecoglou’s choice to utilize Kulusevski in a deeper role proved to be a key factor in Tottenham’s success.
Kulusevski, previously known for his versatility, has primarily been used in a wide role, but this season has seen him transition into a more central position.
The move has allowed Brennan Johnson to thrive on the right wing, where he has made the position his own with remarkable effectiveness.
Kulusevski’s ability to dribble, see passes, shoot, and score has been instrumental in Tottenham’s recent form, and his new midfield role has added a new dimension to the team’s play.
Richards highlighted the boldness of Postecoglou’s decision, noting that it takes a confident manager to make such a tactical adjustment, especially against a formidable opponent like Manchester United.
Kulusevski’s ability to perform well in central midfield has not only unlocked Johnson’s potential but has also given Tottenham a greater degree of flexibility in their tactics.
Kulusevski’s shift to a central midfield role has come as a surprise to many Tottenham fans, but his performances have made it clear that he is more than capable of excelling in this new position.
His dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability have all been on display, and his presence in midfield has allowed Tottenham to control games in a way that they hadn’t previously.
The Swedish international looks like a natural fit in this role, and his contributions have been crucial to Tottenham’s recent success.
This tactical adjustment also opens up exciting possibilities for Tottenham’s future. With Kulusevski flourishing in a deeper role, Postecoglou may have found a way to bring even more balance and creativity to the squad.
This newfound flexibility could allow Tottenham to explore additional signings in future transfer windows, further strengthening their team and making them a more formidable force in the Premier League.
Overall, Tottenham’s performance against Manchester United was a testament to Postecoglou’s tactical acumen and his ability to get the best out of his players.
Kulusevski’s role in central midfield has emerged as one of the key factors in Tottenham’s improved performances, and the decision to play him there looks set to continue yielding positive results for the team.
Read Also: No Son & Ange unleash £110k/w power house in 6 changes: Predicted Spurs XI vs Man Utd
Read Also: 98% overall rating: Tottenham star now undroppable, Gary Neville stunned by what he did