Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says Spurs “don’t have anyone” comparable to striker Dominic Solanke in their squad and has lavished praise on 19-year-old Archie Gray as he prepares to rotate his side for the trip to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday (1.30pm GMT).
Postecoglou’s players overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit to comfortably reach the Europa League quarter-finals with a 3-1 home win over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, helped by two Wilson Odobert goals on the attacker’s first start in the competition after missing much of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
“Our pressing was a lot better,” observed Postecoglou, partly putting the improvement down to Son Heung-min and James Maddison being fresher after starting on the bench in the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth last Sunday.
“We’ve got guys coming back into the team. Dom [Solanke’s] a massive part of our press because of the way he works in that number nine position – we don’t have anyone else, really, like him. We’re looking sharp in the front third – it was great to get Wilson in there.”
The latest team news from Ange 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/2EF5IxGudV
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 14, 2025
Archie Gray: Tottenham prodigy ‘unbelievable’
Summer arrival Gray has become almost ever-present for Tottenham this season amid their lengthy injury absentee list, playing in a variety of positions in defence and midfield.
Signed from Leeds for between £25 million and £30m, the 19-year-old started all nine of Tottenham’s previous Europa League matches in 2024/25 before coming on as a substitute against Alkmaar.
“Archie’s been unbelievable for us, filling a number of roles and doing different jobs,” said Postecoglou. “He’s never shirked a challenge of anything he’s done.
“He started at centre-back [against Alkmaar] and ended up in midfield. We’re going to need people like Arch to do jobs for us.”
✌️ assists for @DomSolanke 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mVN8vRqAyM
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 14, 2025
Fulham v Tottenham: Spurs ‘to make changes’
Fulham are eight points above Tottenham and five shy of fifth-placed Manchester City before the Cottagers host Tottenham with the ambition of continuing their impressive campaign.
Marco Silva’s side drew 1-1 at Spurs on December 1 and are aiming to recover from a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday.
“We saw how hard it is backing up [European wins],” warned Postecoglou. “Playing on a Sunday after a Thursday game is a massive task.
“When we’re away, it’s even more difficult. With having a healthier squad, it makes sense for us to make some changes.”
Tottenham are targeting a first league win in three games but have won their last two top-flight away matches, beating Ipswich Town and Brentford.
They will meet Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League last eight, with the first leg in London on April 10 (8pm GMT).
