Ange Postecoglou - the man who brought the dream back to Tottenham

Despite doubts when taking the job, coach Ange Postecoglou surprised everyone by helping Tottenham fly high at the top of the Premier League table with the best start in the club's history.

Coach Postecoglou shares joy with Son Heung-min after the 5-2 win over Burnley in the fourth round of the Premier League on September 24. Photo: Reuters

"In just eight Premier League games, Postecoglou has provided more memories and moments that will be remembered in 20 or 30 years' time than his three most recent predecessors combined," commented the Guardian .

Just a month ago, there were doubts that Postecoglou's Tottenham had yet to beat a big team. Of their defeats so far in Round 5, Man Utd are still struggling, Burnley and Bournemouth are completely below par. Against Sheffield United, Tottenham only won thanks to two goals in injury time. But results since then have shown that Postecoglou's side have improved. They forced arch-rivals Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates, before beating Liverpool. Despite the refereeing decisions - with a legitimate goal disallowed and two red cards for Liverpool - Tottenham never looked completely outclassed by their better-rated opponents. When both teams had 11 men on the pitch, Tottenham looked like Liverpool's equals.

In their most recent match, away at Luton Town, Tottenham struggled with an indirect red card for Yves Bissouma late in the first half. But despite being short-handed, they still dominated the second half and won 1-0 thanks to a connecting kick from centre-back Van de Ven. This result helped Tottenham maintain their unbeaten run since the start of the season and rise to the top of the Premier League after eight rounds. Of the remaining 19 teams, only Arsenal maintained an unbeaten record like Postecoglou's team.

Maddison (No. 10) - a rookie who plays a big role in the attack - holds the ball against a Bournemouth player in Tottenham's 2-0 win in round 3 of the Premier League on August 26. Photo: Reuters

When Tottenham looked to Postecoglou - then Celtic manager in the Scottish Premiership - for the head coach position in the early summer of 2023, there were many reservations about his experience in major tournaments as well as his ability to succeed. History has recorded many successful managers elsewhere, but they could not repeat that, even buried their reputations when trying to play in the Premier League. Some American coaches even had problems with their accents. So what makes a Greek-Australian coach like Postecoglou able to make a difference? And can millionaire players get used to talking to a coach who is no different from a normal person - someone they rarely interact with in their daily training life?

But after so much turmoil under the last three managers - from the big-name Jose Mourinho to the proven Antonio Conte to the low-profile but promising Nuno Espirito Santo - it seems no one at Tottenham has bothered to question the decision to hire Postecoglou. And so far, so good.

The first home game of the season, against Man Utd, was filled with suspense. Postecoglou was greeted by a giant banner, but doubts remained. Top scorer Harry Kane had left for Bayern, and the positive energy of the end of the Mauricio Pochettino era was gone. Outside the stadium, fans even protested over ticket prices.

The ticket protests are far from over, but they no longer feel like a threat to Postecoglou and his team. Three home games have resulted in three wins, two of them dramatic stoppage-time victories. And Postecoglou is the man behind them. Tottenham fans are starting to wonder how far the manager can take them, especially given the gaps they need to improve. Two clean sheets in seven games is a worrying statistic. Tottenham have been behind four times this season, and while Postecoglou has helped turn things around with his substitutions and collective resilience, it’s not a good habit.

Bissouma (No. 8) disputes with Bruno Fernandes in Tottenham's 2-0 win over Man Utd in the second round of the Premier League on August 19. Photo: Reuters

Fulham’s early exit from the League Cup highlighted the limitations of the squad’s depth. What if key players like Son Heung-min or James Maddison are injured? Will Pierre-Emile Højbjerg or Oliver Skipp be able to fill the shoes of Yves Bissouma or Pape Sarr?

But so far, that has not happened. Son has come through a disappointing season and has scored six goals. Guglielmo Vicario is a clear upgrade on Hugo Lloris in the latter stages of his career. Destiny Udogie is a fine full-back, Richarlison is showing signs of returning. Bissouma is slowly rediscovering his Brighton form.

The question is how long this positive run of form can last. There will come a time when luck or refereeing decisions will go against Tottenham. They have also benefited to some extent from the fact that their equal opponents are having their own problems. Man Utd and Chelsea have had disastrous starts, Newcastle have yet to regain their rhythm from last season, while dark horses Brighton and Aston Villa have lacked consistency. A Champions League place seems within reach for Postecoglou and his men, something that few people dared to mention when talking about Tottenham just two months ago.

The leaders have their own problems. Arsenal are still getting used to their new signings and need time to get into the swing of things. Liverpool have even fewer clean sheets than Tottenham. Even Manchester City, despite a relatively smooth schedule, have not been perfect, losing their last two games. A top-four finish would be a significant achievement for Tottenham, and if their fans are starting to dream of something grand, Postecoglou is the reason.

It's been a long time since anyone dared to dream at Tottenham.

Thinh Joey (according to Guardian )

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