‘I’ve absolutely no doubt’: Postecoglou says Tottenham have a young talent who’ll become a ‘fantastic footballer’
Tottenham Hotspur delivered a commanding performance as they bounced back from a disheartening pre-international break defeat with a resounding 4-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday. After a shaky start in the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ange Postecoglou’s men found their groove, overcoming the Hammers in emphatic fashion and showing their resilience as they continue their strong Premier League campaign.
The match began with the home side struggling to find their rhythm, and West Ham took advantage of Tottenham’s slow start. The visitors drew first blood in the 18th minute when Jarrod Bowen made a driving run into the penalty area. He outmaneuvered Spurs’ young left-back Destiny Udogie, cutting the ball back for Mohammed Kudus, who coolly slotted home to give West Ham the early lead. Kudus’ goal was a blow to Tottenham’s hopes, and the hosts appeared rattled as West Ham looked to build on their momentum.
However, Tottenham gradually began to find their footing, and their response was swift. Spurs, under Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, began to assert themselves in possession and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Dejan Kulusevski, who has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season, got on the scoresheet. The Swedish winger, in fine form, latched onto a cross from James Maddison and buried his effort past Alphonse Areola, bringing Tottenham level. The equalizer was just what Spurs needed to turn the tide in their favor, as they went into halftime with the momentum clearly on their side.
After the break, Tottenham came out with renewed intensity, looking to press home their advantage. Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 53rd minute when Son Heung-min linked up brilliantly with Destiny Udogie on the left flank. Udogie, eager to make amends for his earlier defensive lapse, drove down the wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Yves Bissouma, who calmly finished from close range to put Tottenham ahead for the first time in the match. It was a wonderfully worked team goal that highlighted Tottenham’s ability to break down the opposition with quick, incisive play.
Just minutes after Bissouma’s strike, Tottenham added a third goal to further cement their dominance. In the 55th minute, a cross into the box caused panic in the West Ham defense. Jean-Clair Todibo, under pressure, attempted to clear the ball, but his deflection ricocheted off goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and ended up in the back of the net. The own goal was a cruel blow for West Ham, but it reflected Tottenham’s relentless pressure and determination to capitalize on every opportunity.
With the score now 3-1 in Tottenham’s favor, the home side showed no signs of letting up. In the 60th minute, Spurs’ captain once again stepped up to deliver a moment of brilliance. After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, the Tottenham talisman dazzled the defense with a series of stepovers, completely wrong-footing Todibo. He then drove forward and drilled a low shot past Areola at his near post, sealing the 4-1 scoreline and sending the home fans into raptures. The goal capped off a ruthless period of play from Tottenham, who had now taken complete control of the match.
After the game, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou reflected on the performance and, in particular, the display of young full-back Destiny Udogie. Although Udogie was at fault for West Ham’s opener, allowing Bowen to beat him too easily in the buildup, the Italy international recovered well and went on to play a pivotal role in Tottenham’s success. His assist for Bissouma’s goal was a testament to his attacking ability and determination to make up for his earlier mistake.
Speaking to football.london about Udogie’s performance, Postecoglou was candid in his assessment. “I think for their goal, he could’ve done better,” the Australian manager admitted. “We’ve got to continually work with Destiny. He’s still a young player, and while this is his second year in the Premier League, there are going to be moments like that. But I’ve got no doubt he’s going to become an outstanding player for us.”
Postecoglou emphasized the importance of patience and development, especially when it comes to young players like Udogie. “The only way he’s going to reach his full potential is if we keep exposing him to these situations, keep playing him, and let him learn from his mistakes. It’s part of the process for young players,” he said. “It’s not always going to be smooth sailing, but you know that eventually, you’re going to have a fantastic footballer on your hands.”
The Tottenham manager also praised Udogie’s resilience and mental fortitude. “What impressed me most was how he bounced back after their goal,” Postecoglou added. “He didn’t let it affect him, and he played a really important role in the rest of the game. His assist for Yves’ goal was brilliant, and that’s the kind of response you want to see from a young player. He’s got the right mentality, and I’ve absolutely no doubt he’ll become a fantastic player for us.”
Udogie’s performance, despite its early hiccup, was emblematic of Tottenham’s broader response to adversity in this match. The team showed character, determination, and, most importantly, a ruthless edge that has come to define their approach under Postecoglou.
With this resounding win behind them, Tottenham now turns their attention to European competition. Their next challenge comes in the form of a Europa League clash against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, which will take place on Thursday, 24th October, at 8 pm. Spurs will be looking to carry their Premier League momentum into the European stage as they aim to secure a positive result on home turf.
After that, Tottenham will return to Premier League action with a visit to Crystal Palace on Sunday, 27th October, for a 2 pm kickoff. With Spurs riding high and confidence soaring, they will be keen to build on their recent performances and continue their push for a strong finish in both domestic and European competitions.
As Tottenham continues to develop under Postecoglou’s guidance, the future looks bright. The team’s ability to adapt, improve, and deliver when it matters most is a promising sign for the road ahead. For Spurs fans, the hope is that this victory marks the beginning of a sustained run of success as the club seeks to establish itself as a formidable force once again.