Reflecting on the win against Crystal Palace tonight, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou had positive things to say about three of his substitutes, praising the impact of Brennan Johnson, Emerson Royal, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
It wasn’t easy, but Tottenham will go into the weekend with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
Ange Postecoglou‘s side dominated possession throughout, but were unable to turn that control of the ball into clear-cut chances in the same manner as they have so far this season.
The high press which has become a Spurs trademark was to thank for the first goal, as James Maddison pressured the Palace defenders into mistakes that ultimately led to a Joel Ward own goal.
Maddison then joined forces with Brennan Johnson, who came on as a substitute, with the pair weaving through the Palace back line to set up Heung-min Son for yet another goal for the Tottenham captain.
A late goal from Jordan Ayew piled on the pressure in injury time, but Spurs were able to hold on and grab all three points tonight.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Emerson (L) and Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Ange happy with his Tottenham subs vs Palace
While Brennan Johnson arguably had the biggest impact of all the players to come off the bench tonight, Postecoglou has also recognised Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s influence on the game, with the pair replacing Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma, respectively.
In his post-match press conference (via Football.London), Postecoglou said: “Brennan was great. He’s had to be patient as he’s had a couple of setbacks obviously so we haven’t really seen him in any consistent game time or training time but the last couple of weeks he’s worked hard at training.
“I thought all the subs who came on… I thought Pierre helped us get control of midfield, I thought Emerson at left-back was outstanding. Those kinds of things are helping us at the moment, the guys coming on and helping us see out games.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Brennan Johnson should be delighted with his performance today. I thought he came on and really wanted to make things happen, and his hard work paid off with an assist.
Emerson was brilliant in a position he doesn’t normally play, and put in a really good shift. And Hojbjerg was his usual, sturdy self, and is proving to be a player we can really depend on to manage the game.
Have something to tell us about this article?
