Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised the ‘real testament’ of the leadership from Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Cristian Romero as the trio guided Spurs to victory over Burnley.
A hat-trick from captain Son, along with a goal a piece from vice captains Maddison and Romero saw Spurs fight back from a early Burnley goal to defeat Vincent Kompany’s men 5-2 at Turf Moor.
The win continues Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten league record as Tottenham manager after taking over in July, with only Manchester City ahead of the Lilywhites in the Premier League table. Speaking after the match, the Australian could not hide his delight at how his leadership group have taken to their roles.
“I thought today was a real testament to Sonny, Madders and Romero,” Postecoglou said. “They all scored but those three I’ve thrust into leadership positions and the way they’ve embraced that responsibility with not only words but actions.
“Not just on game day but on a daily basis and that’s as encouraging for me as anything. As fantastic players as they are individually they’ve all really bought into that team ethic.”
After being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Fulham in midweek, Postecoglou was looking for a reaction from his players, but after four minutes Lyle Foster had put the hosts in front. Son equalised twelve minutes later before Romero, Maddison and another two from Son set Spurs on their way to a crushing win.
The 58-year-old was delighted with reaction from his team after going behind so early on, and how dominant they were the longer the match went on.
“It was good today for sure. Obviously going a goal down again you get tested and particularly after midweek you’re looking for what kind of reaction the lads have.
“I thought they were outstanding in just staying really calm and clear headed and playing our football and we grew into the game.
“Once we got to grips with it I think thought we were dominant in just about every area.”