Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his delight at Dominic Solanke’s continued progress following Spurs’ commanding 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag.
Solanke, who joined the North London side from Bournemouth in a £65 million transfer, has had a somewhat slow start to his Spurs career due to an ankle injury.
However, he is now beginning to show his potential, delivering an impressive performance that included a crucial goal and an assist, helping Spurs cruise to victory despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the match.
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Solanke’s resurgence on the field is a welcome sight for Tottenham fans and Ange Postecoglou.
After struggling to get going following his big-money move, the 27-year-old striker has finally found his rhythm.
His 68th-minute strike against Qarabag marked his second goal in two matches, following a vital contribution in the Premier League win over Brentford.
The match against Qarabag provided further proof that Solanke is growing into the role expected of him.
⚽ Brennan Johnson
⚽ Pape Sarr
⚽ Dominic SolankeSpurs return to the UEFA Europa League in style pic.twitter.com/ui2yOGnfG2
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 26, 2024
His sharp movement and clinical finish wrapped up a comfortable win for Spurs, who were reduced to 10 men early in the game after Radu Dragusin’s red card in the 8th minute.
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Solanke’s ability to lead the line and hold up play in a difficult situation was highlighted by Postecoglou, who praised the striker’s all-around performance.
“He’s getting there,” Postecoglou told reporters after the game. “He didn’t have a preseason with us, then he plays one game and is out for two weeks due to the ankle injury. So while the other guys were building up their match fitness, he was playing catch-up. But now we’re seeing him get stronger with each game.”
Solanke’s performance wasn’t just about his goal-scoring. His assist for Brennan Johnson’s opener demonstrated his growing understanding with his teammates, particularly Johnson, with whom he has developed a solid attacking partnership.
This relationship is quickly becoming a key component of Tottenham’s forward play, and it has been instrumental in the team’s recent success.
While Solanke continues to improve, Brennan Johnson’s contribution to Tottenham’s attacking threat has been equally impressive. The 23-year-old attacker has now scored in three consecutive matches, solidifying his role as a vital player for Postecoglou’s side.
“Brennan was really important for us, particularly today when we went down to 10 men so early,” said Postecoglou. “We needed someone to be an attacking outlet, and Brennan took up those positions well. He and Dom [Solanke] are building a really good understanding of how to play off each other.”
Johnson’s knack for finding the right spaces and his ability to finish chances are adding a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack.
His partnership with Solanke is not only yielding goals but also helping to maintain a balanced offensive approach. Together, they have provided the attacking impetus that Spurs need as they compete on multiple fronts.
Tottenham’s victory over Qarabag was even more impressive considering they had to play with 10 men for almost the entire game. Radu Dragusin’s red card for a last-man foul on Juninho in the 8th minute could have derailed Spurs’ momentum. However, Postecoglou’s side showed remarkable resilience, controlling possession and creating chances despite being a man down.
Solanke and Johnson’s attacking partnership came to the fore, with Solanke providing the assist for Johnson’s first-half goal and then adding a goal of his own in the second half. The duo’s link-up play and tactical intelligence allowed Spurs to maintain their offensive pressure even while being numerically disadvantaged.
Postecoglou praised the team’s response to the early red card, saying, “When you go down to 10 men, you need your striker to do the hard running, hold up play, and be available for your teammates. Dom did all of that and more. The team as a whole responded really well to the setback.”
Johnson scores again!
Sarr volleys home!
Two in two for Solanke!Highlights: Spurs 3-0 Qarabag pic.twitter.com/WpOtKvhbfU
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 26, 2024
With two goals in his last two appearances, Solanke is finding form at the perfect time. Tottenham will need him firing on all cylinders as they balance their commitments in the Europa League, Premier League, and domestic cup competitions.
His combination of physicality, work rate, and finishing ability makes him a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s system, and as he continues to build fitness, fans can expect to see more match-winning performances from him.
As Solanke grows into his role, Tottenham’s attacking options are looking stronger than ever. His partnership with Brennan Johnson will be key as Spurs aim to challenge for silverware this season.
Postecoglou’s belief in Solanke is evident, and with each passing game, the £65 million investment is starting to pay off.
