Peter Crouch baffled by Ange Postecoglou decision in West Ham v Tottenham. Credit: Imago
Peter Crouch baffled by Ange Postecoglou decision in West Ham v Tottenham. Credit: Imago
Match

Peter Crouch baffled by what Ange Postecoglou did during West Ham United loss v Tottenham

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Peter Crouch was confused after Ange Postecoglou's decision to substitute James Maddison at half-time as West Ham faced Tottenham on Saturday (19 October).

The 26-year-old grabbed an assist during the first half as Spurs grabbed a 4-1 win over the Hammers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr at the break.

Having notched his seventh goal contribution in his last 11 Premier League matches, many were baffled by the decision but it did not seem to matter as Spurs ran riot against Julen Lopetegui's side.

Speaking live via TNT Sports on Saturday (19 October, 1:37pm), Crouch said: "I was surprised at first, but you can see straight away Ange Postecoglou giving information to Dejan Kulusevski to get much, much higher. He's got two players behind him now for a bit more protection."

West Ham United face 4-1 defeat to Tottenham

Lopetegui likely would have breathed a sigh of relief following the decision to hook Maddison for tactical reasons, but it certainly did not help the Hammers in any capacity.

With the Englishman no longer on the field, Kulusevski took the creative reigns, having already scored the first-half equaliser, helping to dictate play and push his side forward.

The Hammers, on the other hand, did not have a player who could do the same role for them, with Lucas Paqueta being replaced on the hour mark and Jarrod Bowen trying to carry the team on his back.

Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

Lopetegui will, undoubtedly, be back under pressure following an awful start to the campaign. His side only have two league wins after eight matches, though they have played the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The Spaniard has plenty to do if he is to persuade any fans at the London Stadium that he is the man to lead the club into its new era, with some suggesting that David Moyes could make a swift return instead.

In other West Ham news, one star must hang his head in shame as footage emerges from the international break.

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West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur
Peter Crouch
Ange Postecoglou
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