Ange’s Army greets new Tottenham

Tottenham kicked off their first home game of the season against Manchester United yesterday afternoon, managing to beat the side 2-0 with an exceptional performance.

Ange Postecoglou was welcomed by the Spurs fans before the game as the south stand displayed a tifo ‘welcome to N17’. The Australian described the atmosphere as “incredible” and the supporters as “outstanding”. “The energy they created in the stadium right from the first whistle was brilliant and, to be honest, I think it helped us”.

It was also a first home Premier League start for Italian goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario; Italian left-back, Destiny Udogie; Dutch centre-back Micky Van De Ven; and ex-Leicester and England midfielder, James Maddison. This new Spurs defence produced their first clean sheet of the season against a strong-looking Manchester United squad with England forward Marcus Rashford leading the line with Garnacho and Anthony looking dangerous on either side. Vicario had an absolutely sensational game making numerous critical saves to keep Tottenham in the contest, notably his incredible aerial save from Casemiro in the second half.

It wasn’t just Spurs’ defence which looked rejuvenated. Yves Bissouma produced another man-of-the-match performance in the Premier League this season as he dominated midfield with James Maddison and, young Senegalese talent, Pape Matar Sarr in support. It was no secret that Bissouma struggled under previous manager Antonio Conte, being selected in the starting XI 10 times throughout last season, as well as suffering an ankle fracture, where he missed 12 premier league matches. It seems, under current manager Ange Postecoglou, he is back to his best, showing the quality he displayed week in and week out at Brighton and Hove Albion before his £25 million move to Tottenham in 2022.

Papa Matar Sarr managed to score his first-ever premier league goal yesterday, as he volleyed in a close-range shot vigorously shaking the roof of the net, putting the Lilywhites one goal up against the visitors. It was a very convincing performance from the youngster, reminiscing his incredible performance again AC Milan in the Champions League last season. With the addition of Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield, following his recovery from a cruciate ligament rupture in his knee picked up against Leicester City in February, I can imagine Spurs fans are very excited about the potential of their midfield this season.

The transfer of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich did not seem to distract Postecoglou’s men from dropping in standard over the past week, however, the absence of such a prolific goal scorer may be more than a large thorn in the back of this team. Richarlison did not look settled leading the Tottenham line yesterday as he was substituted off in the 70th minute and was clearly not happy as he was seen complaining to fellow Brazilian international Emerson Royal on the bench. Richarlison was replaced up front by Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son as Ivan Perisic was pushed out to the left.

It was reported, following the conclusion of the match, that James Maddison left the stadium wearing a protective boot. It is unclear whether it was a precaution or something more severe. It’s not a sight that Tottenham fans particularly wanted to see after such a wonderful performance. Tottenham is set to play Bournemouth away from home on the 26th of August, followed by their first Carabao Cup contest against Fulham – also away from home – on the 29th, so whether Maddison will be back in action before then is in question for now.

Player ratings: Vicario - 9, Udogie - 8, Van de Ven - 7, Romero - 7, Porro - 6, Bissouma - 9, Maddison - 8, Papa Sarr - 8, Kuluzevski - 7, Son - 7, Richarlison - 6

Subs: Solomon - 6, Hojbjerg - 7, Perisic - 7, Emerson Royal - 6, Davies - 8