Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou, had high praise for his backup centre-backs, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies, after their stellar performance in the 4-0 win over Manchester City, a game where Spurs showcased resilience and attacking brilliance.
Coming into the clash against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur faced a daunting task: shutting down one of the league’s most potent attacking side without their first-choice centre-backs.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were ruled out with injuries, leaving Postecoglou with no choice but to reshuffle his defensive unit.
The solution was far from ideal. Spurs fielded a makeshift backline with Radu Dragusin, who had been struggling for form in recent weeks, partnering Ben Davies, the dependable Welshman.
The duo had to step up against a City side brimming with attacking firepower, featuring the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. Many doubted whether this pairing could cope with such a test, given their limited game time in the Premier League this season.
Despite these challenges, Tottenham’s defence stood firm. Not only did they keep Manchester City at bay, but they also helped Spurs record a 4-0 victory, maintaining a clean sheet against a side that rarely fails to find the net.
For Dragusin, this was a chance to rebuild confidence, while Davies once again showcased his versatility and reliability under pressure.
Following the match, Ange Postecoglou did not hold back his admiration for Dragusin and Davies. Speaking to skysports, as relayed by BBC, he said: “Brilliant. Ben and Radu were outstanding and Vicario when we needed him.
“Those two, not just defensively, a part of it was playing out from the back and they had to get on it first. They showed courage and got the rewards.
“I haven’t sensed like we’ve lost belief. We’ve just been disappointed in a couple of games when we haven’t reached the levels. I don’t dismiss today. it’s significant. The other four losses were away.”
Tottenham’s victory against Manchester City highlighted the importance of squad depth in a demanding season.
Injuries and suspensions are inevitable, meaning players like Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies must be ready to perform at a high level whenever called upon.
For Dragusin, this performance could be a turning point in his season. The Romanian has endured inconsistent displays but proved he can deliver under pressure.
His physicality and composure against City’s relentless attack showed why Postecoglou trusted him for such a critical fixture.
As for Davies, his nickname “Mr Reliable” feels more apt than ever. The Welshman’s ability to seamlessly slot into different roles has been invaluable for Spurs over the years, and once again, he demonstrated why he remains a vital part of the squad. However, consistency is key—both players must use this performance as a foundation to build on in future matches.
The post Ange Postecoglou describes Tottenham pair as ‘brilliant’ after win over Man City appeared first on Spurs Web.
