Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou praised Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison after the pair returned from injury to play key roles in Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Vicario made six saves, including some outstanding 1v1 stops, while Maddison struck the decisive goal in the 13th minute.
“It was enormous to have them back, not just for me, but for the players, for the staff, the fans," Postecoglou told the club's official website.
"They are top players, and we have missed them, even though the other guys have done everything in their power to contribute. There is a reason the experienced players are there and today they really stood up for us.”
It was Maddison's fourth goal in his last four Premier League starts, with the matchwinner delighted to respond after receiving some criticism earlier this week.
"There was a little bit of outside noise this week," Maddison told Sky Sports. "People will have their opinions. Nobody is more critical of me than myself. The gaffer prefers when we are in our own bubble, but it's difficult with social media, you see this stuff.”
Spence catches the eye
Another of Spurs' star performers, Djed Spence, was part of a defence that recorded their first home clean sheet since a 4-0 victory over Everton back in August.
The former Middlesbrough full-back has started five of his side's last six Premier League matches and has caught the eye with his energetic displays down the left flank, receiving plaudits from former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
“Antonio Conte didn't really want Djed Spence and he made that pretty clear,” Redknapp said on Sly Sports.
“He is a young player with tremendous talent - speed, agility, can defend, cool on the ball, he has a football brain. You just need a bit of belief. If there aren't these injuries we probably don't see him. He was excellent.”
Spurs' next five PL fixtures
Following back-to-back Premier League wins, Spurs are next in action on Saturday, when they travel to Ipswich Town.
Postecoglou's side currently sit 12th in the table, while they are through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 |
Brentford
BRE
|
25 | +1 | 34 |
| 12 |
Spurs
TOT
|
25 | +12 | 30 |
| 13 |
Crystal Palace
CRY
|
25 | -3 | 30 |
| 14 |
Everton
EVE
|
25 | -4 | 30 |
| 15 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
25 | -7 | 29 |
| 16 |
West Ham
WHU
|
25 | -18 | 27 |
