Ange Postecoglou explained it was a tactical decision to bring James Maddison off at half-time in Tottenham’s derby win over West Ham.
The Spurs midfielder was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr at the break with the match in the balance, and within 15 minutes the hosts had run riot and led 4-1 as the Hammers fell apart.
Maddison provided the assist for Dejan Kulusevski’s first-half goal, as Mohammed Kudus’ opener was cancelled out, but the Spurs boss still felt the need to take action.
“Yeah it was tactical,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports of his half-time change.
“I just felt we needed some more running power in that midfield area. I had a feeling we’d finish strong. Pape gives us a real good energy there and I thought that helped us in the second-half.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou revealed that omitting Djed Spence from the squad was due to the right-back picking up a small groin injury. He signed a contract extension last week, keeping at Tottenham until 2028.
Spurs scored three goals in just over seven minutes in the second-half, Yves Bissouma and Heung-min Son beating Alphonse Areola either side of an own goal from the the Hammers goalkeeper, to help lift the mood after the defeat to Brighton before the international break.
Postecoglou said of his side's display: "It was very good. Even the first half, we had to work pretty hard. It was a bit of an arm wrestle. Disappointed to concede, but we came back from it. I thought our football was excellent.
"Certainly, second half, we went up a gear. I just thought it was a strong overall performance which needed us to show various facets, which was probably the most pleasing thing."
Tottenham had previously not beaten Arsenal, Chelsea or West Ham under Postecoglou.
Asked if a London derby win was important, the Spurs said: "I guess so, if you put in that frame of reference. It’s important for our fans, for sure, because these are the games they want to feel good about and win."
