Tottenham supporters in for an exhilarating ride with Ange in charge
By Gary Pearson
Ange has instilled the sort of belief Manchester United used to have under Sir Alex Ferguson's historic reign. Soon, it will be referred to Ange time in north London, as Spurs found a way to prevail in a topsy-turvy encounter chockfull of highs and lows.
Tottenham has scored five goals in the 90th minute and beyond, worth eight points in the standings. Conversely, Spurs have allowed eight goals at the death, their most in a Premier League campaign. However, most of the conceded goals didn't decide Tottenham's fate.
While Tottenham have dropped the joint-third-most points from a winning position (18), nobody affiliated with the club will care about that today. Ange is steadfast and stubborn in his convictions. He will not waver or adjust his game plan or philosophy. Recently, the gaffer said he will not change anything, and people should expect more late goals. That's the Ange we know and love.
Johnson, who dispatched Son's perfect low cross, benefitted from Spurs' lightning-quick last-minute counterattack. The triple change that saw Sonny, Johnson, and Yves Bissouma enter proceedings initially didn't work. Spurs, who had just equalized through Pape Sarr's determination, lost momentum after the mass change.
But in the end, as it does so often with Ange at the helm, the earlier changes had their desired impact. Sonny, Richarlison, and James Maddison contributed to the winner, which sent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a delirious euphoria. Spurs fans will need to get used to late drama. Sometimes, it will be for the worse, but for the most part, supporters can look forward to finishes like today.
This team is brimming with confidence, even when things don't go particularly well. Brighton had several chances to score a second but couldn't find the finishing touch. Tottenham has a newfound ruthlessness that will invariably springboard their chances of securing a top-four spot. With a clean bill of health and newfound depth at most positions, this tight-knit Tottenham side is built for last-gasp dramatics.
Like most supporters, I'll have to find a way to deal with a heartbeat racing as fast as Micky van de Ven's top speed. I'll have to harness the heightened stress of the moment, knowing that Tottenham will, more often than not, find a way to prevail. For that, we have Ange to thank.