Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Ange Postecoglou has defended replacing Son Heung-min. (Image: Sky Sports/Getty)

Ange Postecoglou has stood by his decision to take Son Heung-min off before the hour mark against Aston Villa. The South Korean forward has missed the last three games with a thigh issue, but returned to the XI for the home Premier League clash this afternoon.

And with his side trailing 1-0 at the break due to Morgan Rogers' first-half goal, the club captain showed fans exactly what they had been missing early in the second half.

Son delivered a sublime ball in from the left, picking out Brennan Johnson who levelled matters from close range.

Related articles Son Heung-min injury update as Ange Postecoglou shares news on Tottenham trio Tottenham player ratings as Solanke shines but Postecoglou given two issues

But to the shock of both the crowd and the player himself, with the game finely poised at 1-1 Postecoglou opted to take his key man off. Richarlison duly replaced him, with the manager later vindicated as Dominic Solanke scored twice before James Maddison's free kick completed a 4-1 win.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

But that was after Son was seen shaking his head in frustration after taking his seat on the bench. However, the Australian boss later insisted it was a precautionary measure, and one he had already decided to make pre kick-off.

"He was never going to play more than 55 minutes," he told Sky Sports. "Last time he came back from injury he got to the 60 minute mark and got injured again. He got through unscathed."

Son was seen shaking his head on the bench after coming off. (Image: Getty) Sky Sports, UHD, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix £52 £43 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

However, despite Son coming through unscathed, Postecoglou was left to reflect on another two injury blows. Cristian Romero was forced to leave the field moments after his skipper, and then Son's replacement Richarlison found himself coming back off himself.

The Brazilian played a pivotal role in Solanke's second goal, squaring a pass for the striker to tap home. But in doing so, he appeared to pull his left hamstring and duly limped off.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport - the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account - providing real news in real time.

We're also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport - offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win

Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win

Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win

Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win

Ange Postecoglou speaks out after moody Son Heung-min strop in Tottenham win