Ange Postecoglou lauded Son Heung-min for his selflessness after Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Korean attacker has been playing as a centre-forward in recent weeks, occupying the role that Harry Kane excelled at for so many years.
Son scored a brace as Spurs twice came from behind against the Gunners. He has now scored five goals since moving from the wing following his hat-trick against Burnley.
“He’s been outstanding as a leader and as a player,” Postecoglou said in his post-match press conference.
“When you put him in that position, he just works so hard and team-first orientated. His first thought is what is best for the team.
“He has the quality of finish, Madders was outstanding with both assists. I’m pleased for him, we’re really invested in what we’re doing with him, Madders, Romero and Bussouma out of the field. I’m happy we’re getting the rewards.”
Arsenal dominated the opening 35 minutes of the game, taking the lead after Bukayo Saka’s effort from 17 yards out ricocheted into the goal off Cristian Romero.
Tottenham found their footing in the game before the half-time whistle and found an equaliser through Son after James Maddison spun Saka in the box.
The Gunners re-established their lead shortly after the interval when Saka converted a penalty, which was awarded after Romero was judged to have handled the ball in the box.
Their advantage lasted mere moments, as Maddison robbed half-time substitute Jorginho of possession before playing in Son for his second of the day.
“It’s not about being happy with results, it’s about the performance,” Postecoglou said. “You can get a result or a draw, but we went toe to toe against a top team.
“Even if we had lost today, I was pleased with what I saw. Pushing these guys, they need to feel out there what we work on coming to fruition. That’s why we did against a top side.”
