Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur were pivotal figures for Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham defeated Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Sunday evening in the Premier League
The importance of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur to Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham plans was clear to see on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both midfielders started the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on the substitutes’ bench but they would come on and prove crucial to the Lilywhites getting another win on the board in their Champions League quest.
Tottenham did start the game brightly and deservedly went ahead courtesy of Murillo’s own goal on 15 minutes, yet they found themselves back on level terms 12 minutes later following Chris Wood’s strike. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team grew in confidence after restoring parity and Tottenham, unfortunately, lost their way in what remained of the half.
The visitors were coming out on top in the midfield battle and created some openings to take the lead, including one that Wood somehow blasted against the post when it appeared easier to score. Postecoglou knew something had to change and he opted to introduce Hojbjerg and Bentancur in place of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr at the interval.
The double substitution proved to be a masterstroke as the experienced pair helped Tottenham immediately regain control in the middle of the pitch and give the side a springboard to go on and win the game. Hojbjerg has proved time and time again this season to be an influential figure from the substitutes’ bench to get the team over the line and register some crucial points.
It’s not the role he wants at Tottenham but the option to bring him on in the closing stages is something that has really benefitted Postecoglou and the team. Very much a calm head in midfield and someone who can take control of things, the Denmark international also gets the team playing forward and his presence on the pitch is huge for Spurs.
If indeed the ex-Southampton man is to move on come the end of the season as he looks to get back to featuring week in, week out, Postecoglou and Tottenham will certainly miss his nous and experience of coming on in certain match situations to swing things in their favour. Whereas Hojbjerg has spent the vast majority of the season on the Tottenham bench, Bentancur has found himself in and out of the team in recent weeks.
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