Tottenham Beat Sheffield United 2-1 To Ease Pressure Off Manager
Richarlison’s match-winning stoppage-time cameo against Sheffield United can help ease his off-field troubles, says Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Brazil striker, who said this week he would “seek psychological help” for personal issues, came off the bench to head Spurs level eight minutes into the 16 added on.
He then turned provider by picking out an unmarked Dejan Kulusevski in the box for the Sweden midfielder to fire home the winner.
“We’ve got to maintain a balance in life and even for him, he needs to understand his football is still good. He’s a fantastic footballer,” Postecoglou told BBC Sport.
“He’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life. I’m really pleased for him.”
Until Richarlison’s intervention, Spurs’ unbeaten Premier League start under Postecoglou looked to be coming to an end thanks to a Gustavo Hamer strike that crept in off a post.
Sheffield United had seemingly engineered a classic smash-and-grab away victory after soaking up pressure for long periods, with goalkeeper Wes Foderingham making a number of fine saves.
But Richarlison glanced home fellow substitute Ivan Perisic’s corner before Kulusevski left the gallant visitors, who had Oli McBurnie sent off at the end, broken-hearted.
Having trailed until the 98th minute, Tottenham’s turnaround was the latest winning comeback in Premier League history.
“There’s some real resilience and spirit within that group already, which is great to see because they are a relatively new group,” said Postecoglou.
“You get tested on days like this. It helps fuel belief for us to grow. Our supporters have had an unforgettable day and all those things help in what we are trying to do.”
Spurs have been hailed for their fine start to life under Postecoglou – and to life without Harry Kane – with their vibrant performances helping the Australian win the Premier League manager of the month award at his first attempt.
But, of their four wins so far, this victory arguably might please him the most given the way Spurs had to battle and persevere to eke it out.
Most of their opponents this season had been happy to go toe-to-toe with Postecoglou’s famed ‘Ange ball’ philosophy, but that was always unlikely with Sheffield United.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side came with a clear gameplan to stifle Spurs, and it succeeded for much of the afternoon, although they still needed Foderingham to be at his best.
He made an excellent near-post stop to foil Yves Bissouma in the first half and also thwarted Ismaila Sarr, Son Heung-min, the lively Manor Solomon, James Maddison and Kulusevski.
The visitors created the odd chance on the counter, James McAtee eliciting a smart save from Guglielmo Vicario in the first half, and Hamer pounced when Spurs fell asleep from a long throw.