Postecoglou thrilled with first-half blitz as Spurs get back to form

Ange Postecoglou hailed an “excellent” first-half performance after Tottenham saw off Southampton 5-0 at St Mary's Stadium.

Spurs scored five goals in the first half for the first time in Premier League history as they picked apart the Saints in a rampant 45 minutes, with James Maddison's shots from Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr interfering.

Tottenham had 16 shots in the first half, got eight on target and scored 2.2 expected goals (xG).

Postecoglou, who has come under increased scrutiny after poor form, had stressed the importance of a fast start for his players and was delighted with the way they performed.

He told TNT Sports: “There were ten first-team players unavailable tonight and it was great that the boys came out with so much energy.

“We had to come out quickly because we knew we were going to get tired. We ask a lot from our players.

“We've had great opportunities in the last few games in the beginning and when we've taken them you put pressure on the opponent. I said to them before the game: 'Let's be ready, let's have a fast start.'

“You just want the players to feel good and get rewarded for their efforts. We can't rest or rotate and you want them to feel good. They will get their reward tonight and we will recover and get ready for a big game. ” Thursday [against Manchester United in the EFL Cup].”

Left back Destiny Udogie was substituted in the first half with an apparent injury, but Postecoglou confirmed it did not appear serious.

On the other flank, Djed Spence impressed and created Spurs' opener in what was a fine individual performance.

“He had to bide his time, to be honest when he played he did a good job,” Postecoglou said of the full-back.

“We weren't able to give him too much playing time because full-back is one of the positions where we have some cover, but we needed him to play at a good level and he did that. It's a credit to him.” it.”

The humbling defeat marked the end of Russell Martin's tenure at Southampton, with the club confirming he had been sacked shortly after full-time.