Tottenham sent 'new captain' message after Ange Postecoglou point proven with training moment

The feeling at Tottenham could hardly get any better. Top of the table, adored by fans and neutrals, dare it be said even rival supporters as well, the most popular manager in the league and the chance to go five clear before the other competitors play again, it's all going swimmingly.

It is getting to the stage where it would be easy to forget just how much of a surprise this is. Spurs are there and deserve to be there so was it always destined that this would be the way? No. As recently as May and the failure to appoint any of their top managerial targets — the memories of Julien Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Arne Slot all wiped clear — there was panic.

Tottenham looked like a team entering the summer with a Harry Kane-shaped question mark above them, their club captain facing an uncertain future and no fanfare for the incumbent boss. The defence looked ropey and bare of quality options whilst the front line looked to be resting on Richarlison and Son Heung-Min's shoulders.

Now the narrative has changed and the ability is on show every week with some of the most impressive football around. Ange Postecoglou has done an immense job so far and the nature of the turnaround should not be dismissed.

A case in point for all of this has been the change in atmosphere at the club. Richarlison, who is still yet to hit full flow in north London, openly admitted last month that he would be seeking psychological help after his tough start to life continued but it is a testament to Postecoglou, his players and the shift in mentality that just days later it was the 26-year-old who sparked the comeback against Sheffield United.

Richarlison is still struggling for goals and hasn't managed to force his way into the first-choice attacking