Ange Postecoglou thanks fans after ‘arm wrestle” victory over West Ham

Ange Postecoglou was pleased to reward the Tottenham fans with derby bragging rights after they produced a second-half blitz to down West Ham 4-1.

Spurs struck three times in eight minutes to dispel memories of their collapse at Brighton a fortnight ago, which saw them concede in quick succession after half-time to lose 3-2 on the south coast.

When Mohammed Kudus put West Ham ahead after 18 minutes, Postecoglou could have been forgiven for fearing the worst but Dejan Kulusevski levelled before the break and the hosts were at their scintillating best afterwards.

Yves Bissouma slotted home to make it 2-1 in the 52nd-minute and Jean-Clair Todibo put through his own net four minutes later before Son Heung-min wrapped up the scoring on the hour mark with a trademark left-footed finish.

Postecoglou said: “It’s important for our fans, for sure because these are the games they want to feel good about and win obviously.

“Personally for me any game we win I get equal joy out of it as I’ve always said. Part of the kind of momentum we built in the second half came through the edge the supporters gave us, especially after the second goal.

“You could really feel the atmosphere inside the stadium lift and that pushed us along and we had a 15-20 minute spell where we were outstanding. It goes hand in hand.

“We need the supporters, especially at home to provide but to be able to provide we need to give them something in return. Today is hopefully a little bit of a reward for our fans.”

Victory for Spurs made it six in seven matches, but Postecoglou admitted they had to win the “arm wrestle” against West Ham to ensure they claimed all three points.

Tottenham responded well to Kudus putting the visitors in front after fine wing play by