Ange Postecoglou explains bold Tottenham decision as James Maddison dropped vs Aston Villa

Ange Postecoglou has explained why James Maddison was dropped from the Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup to face Aston Villa. The 27-year-old midfielder failed to impress a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend, denting the Lilywhites' chances of securing Champions League qualification.

Desperate to find an equaliser, Postecoglou made wholesale changes on the hour mark at Selhurst Park. The Spurs boss replaced Maddison for Richarlison, meanwhile, Mikey Moore and Dejan Kulusevski made way for Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr.

Tottenham couldn't salvage a point in South London and fell to 10th in the Premier League table. Speaking to reporters after the game, Postecoglou suggested that his side struggled to cope with the Eagles' physicality and mind games.

"It was a game we needed to stay composed and not sort of fall into the trap of trying to play the game ultimately Palace wanted to play," said the 59-year-old. "It turned into a game that was battle after battle, duels, stop starts, waiting around.

"We need to be a lot more clear-headed about how we deal with that rather than fall into the trap of doing what we did today. It was a big game for Palace. They were always going to be desperate to get a win and that happens.

"I just thought there was a lot of standing around today which I hate, I’ve said that before. But I guess it’s just the nature of the way the game went."

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Then, on Wednesday evening, Maddison was omitted from the starting lineup as Spurs stormed past Manchester City and into the Carabao Cup quarter-final. The England international remained on the bench for the Aston Villa clash, which certainly raised a few eyebrows.

Prior to the tie, Postecoglou was asked about Maddison's absence. The Tottenham boss said: "They are all the same calls, irrespective (of who). We have got to put 11 out there, we have got a good squad. Just what we need today, there is no doubt Madders will be coming on today and I am sure there will be an impact when he does."