Michael Owen emphasized the ‘bravery’ displayed by manager Ange Postecoglou’s side throughout the match.
In the dying moments of any fiercely contested game, it is customary to see the home team pressing for victory, backed by the roaring support of their fans. However, in this dramatic clash, Arsenal’s efforts to secure all three points were met with equal determination by a resurgent Tottenham side, newly molded into an attack-minded force.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Michael Owen couldn’t help but notice a remarkable sight: ‘six’ Tottenham players relentlessly surging forward in a coordinated offensive push. Owen himself described it as ‘incredible.’ He shared his admiration for Ange Postecoglou’s audacious tactical choices, stating during a Premier League Productions interview on September 24, 2023, at 7:10 pm: “It’s incredible to witness such bold tactics here at the Emirates.”
Owen further elaborated on his observations: “Literally, as the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the game, six Tottenham players were in the attack, with another arriving just a second or two later. It’s just incredible, especially away at the Emirates.”
What sets Postecoglou’s approach apart is his unwavering commitment to offensive football. Owen appreciated this mindset, highlighting a statement made by the manager before the game: “I love what the new manager is doing. I love that, before the game, Postecoglou said ‘we will learn nothing if we just sit back.’ I truly believe that.”
For a club like Tottenham, with aspirations of becoming a top-tier team, merely adopting a defensive posture in every match is not a viable strategy. Owen emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from potential defeats: “If you are going to improve as a team and you are Tottenham, and your ambitions are to be a very good team, then you can’t just go and sit back behind the ball in every single game you play. You have got to take risks.”
While embracing this brave and attacking mentality may lead to occasional heavy defeats, it is, according to Owen, an essential part of the learning process: “You might get beaten once or twice by a big scoreline. That’s how you improve and learn.”
In conclusion, Michael Owen’s praise for Tottenham’s fearless approach against Arsenal underscores the transformative impact of Ange Postecoglou’s management style. The willingness to take risks and adopt an attacking stance, even in challenging away fixtures, is indicative of a newfound determination within the club. Tottenham’s performance in the North London derby exemplified the potential rewards of such bravery, earning them a well-deserved point.