Latest Tottenham news with Ange Postecoglou facing a number of key decisions before the Premier League clash against West Ham
Ange Postecoglou making an attacking change for Spurs’ clash against West Ham is a serious possibility (Image: (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse
Ange Postecoglou appears to be facing a rather easy Tottenham team selection decision for the upcoming clash against West Ham. With two weeks between the defeat to Fulham and Spurs’ return to action against Luton Town, Postecoglou felt the need to make just one change with Brennan Johnson coming in for Timo Werner.
In the first half, despite Tahith Chong giving Luton the lead, Spurs were thoroughly dominant and created a high number of chances with Werner at the heart of most. The Germany international fired an effort wide of the target early on before going inches away from claiming an assist with Pape Matar Sarr heading his cross behind.
With the Hatters going into the interval ahead, Postecoglou turned to his bench with Johnson, who had been replaced by Werner in the starting XI, coming on. However, it was Dejan Kulusevski who was withdrawn after a mixed 45 minutes in what has been a challenging campaign for the Sweden international.
Given his past contributions off the bench, if anyone was going to get Spurs back in the game it would be Johnson and it took just six minutes for the equaliser to arrive. Upon playing a quick one-two with Pedro Porro, the Wales international got into a great position on the right with his cross striking Issa Kabore and flying into the back of the net.
Johnson was again involved in the winning goal as he teed up Son Heung-min with the South Korea international firing home an effort, via a deflection, past Thomas Kaminski. Given how crucial he was to the victory, Johnson making a starting XI return for Tuesday’s clash against West Ham should be an easy call for Postecoglou.
Werner again impressing makes the decision a challenging one for the Spurs boss, though Kulusevski could be the player to be replaced. Two goal contributions at in his last five league games has justified his continued inclusion, but he has been far from the player of previous seasons.
Thankfully for Spurs, depth in attack is this time available meaning Kulusevski can come out of the firing line in the hopes his best form returns. Considering the quick turnaround, Postecoglou could feel the need to make more changes with a return for Micky van de Ven certainly a possibility.
Radu Dragusin, after making his starting debut against Fulham, kept his place in the team with the Netherlands international on the bench. Ahead of the clash, Postecoglou confirmed that both he and Richarlison, despite major injury concerns, were available.
The Brazil international came on for the final five minutes and he could be set for a more prominent role at London Stadium. Rodrigo Bentancur will also be hoping for a start while Giovani Lo Celso played over 20 minutes for the first time since late December.
