Ange Postecoglou described the players’ efforts as ‘first rate’ after a hard fought 1-1 draw at West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Clear-cut chances were at a minimum at London Stadium - two efforts on target each - as Wilson Odobert’s first Premier League goal, set up by Mathys Tel on 16 minutes, was cancelled out by Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser 12 minutes later.
Richarlison, starting up front in Dominic Solanke’s absence, one of only three survivors from Thursday night’s UEL semi-final, first leg alongside Guglielmo Vicario and Yves Bissouma, went close on a couple of occasions. Meanwhile, Vicario, starting as captain for the first time, saved superbly from Bowen in the second half.
Speaking to us on the Review Show, Ange reflected: “It was a tough test and credit to the lads, it's not easy, making eight changes to the team, the players don’t have the cohesion, the fluency of playing regular football, playing together. Also, I only made one substitution, so a lot of guys played a lot more minutes than they have recently, so, credit to them. I thought we were well disciplined, well organised, disappointed with the goal we conceded but, aside from that, I thought they really stuck to the task. Obviously, we didn’t win the game, but I’m pleased they get some reward because I thought their efforts today were first rate.”
Ange on his changed up team facing a test against West Ham...
“I thought that was important, obviously we rested a few, but we also got some minutes into the guys where a lot of them haven’t played a lot recently like Archie, Deki’s missed a lot of football, Wilson, Matty, Pape, Djed, Kevin, all these guys… and it’s important, as we saw last week, losing Lucas on the eve of the game (first leg against Bodo/Glimt) and Biss came in, you need the guys ready. Thankfully, they all came through unscathed and that sets us up well for Thursday.”
Ange on Yves Bissouma...
“His season has probably reflected everyone else’s, the whole group. I don’t think disruptions have helped Biss, either. At the same time, they have to take responsibility for their own performances. He was ready for Thursday, and I thought he was outstanding, again today, he hasn’t played a lot, but he’s backed it up with 90 minutes. He was the one I thought I could risk in terms of minutes out there because he’s a strong guy, resilient, I thought he led that midfield well. Super pleased for Pape and Deki, as well, as they haven’t played a lot recently, so getting through a strong, 90, 95 minutes is important.”
Ange on Mikey Moore coming off the bench for his first minutes since February...
“He’s been working hard in training. Mikey hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, but good to get him some minutes today to keep him ticking along.”
Ange’s latest on Dominic Solanke and James Maddison...
“Dom’s improving every day. It made sense not to bring him along today, but we’re pretty confident he’ll be right. Madders... less optimistic. We’re still getting some more information, but that could be more of a concern for us.”