Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou left fans and players alike baffled with his substitutions during the side’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs, fresh from beating Manchester City in the EFL Cup in mid-week, started well but were unable to find that all-important opening goal.
That, instead, went the way of the away side who scored through Morgan Rogers in another set-piece problem for Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou’s side bounced back after the break though as Heung-Min Son’s delicious cross into the box found the onrushing Brennan Johnson, who levelled the tie.
As a result, it came as a shock to the whole Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the club captain was substituted just moments later.
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Heung-Min Son reacts to Tottenham substitution
Son appeared far from happy when he was subbed off in the first ten minutes of the second half, especially given the impact he made after the break.
The Tottenham forward was seen visibly frustrated on the bench, venting about the situation and feeling he could’ve done more.
Speaking on Sky Sports about the incident, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith said: “He [Son] was not expecting it. He is not expecting it.
“You wonder whether he is carrying a knock. Maybe protecting him, but there is a game here to be won. I am surprised about that.”
Fortunately for Spurs, it wasn’t a costly decision as substitute Richarlison chipped in with an assist before picking up his own injury.
With Galatasaray up next in the Europa Conference League, it will be a challenge for the Lilywhites to keep everyone fit and focused for some big games.
Tottenham fans react to Heung-Min Son substitution
While the Tottenham star himself was confused by the substitution, so too were the supporters, who took to social media to give their thoughts.
One fan said: “Ange breathes a sigh of relief. Would have rightly been criticised with taking off Son had we lost or taken a point.”
Another added: “Switching Son for Richie was an extremely odd decision by Ange.”
Frustration over the move by the manager was only emphasised by the impressive start Son made to the second half.
One supporter said: “Cannot fathom why he’s taken son off, who’s been our best player second half, for Richarlison on the wing.”
“Ange has lost the dressing room at 55 mins. taking off Son is a mistake on all levels,” another added.
“I get that we wanna go careful with Son but that sub felt about 10 mins too early. He looked so sharp,” another fan said.
There will be some hope that the striker is fit and firing for the European action ahead in mid-week and the clash with Ipswich after.
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