Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou showered praise on striker Richarlison following an exhilarating late win over Sheffield United. The Lilywhites' unbeaten start to the 2023-24 Premier League season appeared to be in jeopardy as they faced the 98th minute with a deficit. A day filled with huffing and puffing, yet lacking the finishing touch of the absent striker Harry Kane, was on the verge of unravelling.
Then, in a moment of sheer determination, Richarlison, who had recently opened up about his off-field struggles, rose to the occasion. Eight minutes into added time, he headed in an equaliser - that cancelled out Gustavo Hamer's opener - before Dejan Kulusevski capitalised on the opportunity to seal an astonishing 2-1 victory, further solidifying Postecoglou's impressive start as Spurs' manager.
The Blades, on the other hand, found themselves denied what could have been a different outcome, extending their wait for a first top-flight victory since their return.
Speaking to BBC MOTD, Spurs boss Postecoglou reflected on his team's incredible comeback, stating: "There’s some real resilience and spirit within that group already, which is great to see because they are a relatively new group. You get tested on days like this. It helps fuel belief for us to grow, and our supporters have had an unforgettable day. All these things contribute to what we are trying to achieve."
Postecoglou also acknowledged Richarlison's remarkable impact, considering the Brazilian's admission of off-field struggles earlier in the week. He said: "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 with so much to give, and that can help ease the burdens he’s feeling in other parts of his life, like so many of us. I’m really pleased for him – I thought he did really well. We were obviously chasing a goal, and getting some balls in the box, and he’s always a threat in the air."
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