Vinicius Key To Spurs' Victory Over West Brom

Carlos Vinicius (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho said Carlos Vinicius' entry was the key to his team's 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League at The Hawthorns, Sunday, November 8.

Vinicius, who arrives as a player from Benfica, made his Premier League debut by coming on for Moussa Sissoko in the 79th minute.

The entry of Vinicius, according to Mourinho, provided more space for Harry Kane, who finally scored the winner over West Brom.

🇧🇷 @premierleague debut: ✅ # THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/sDbeGhLm8v

- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 8, 2020

"This is not a game full of opportunities, but a performance that demands your team to continue to push for that opportunity," Mourinho said in post-match comments quoted by Tottenham's official website.

"That moment came when I felt it was time to put Vinicius in to change the structure of the game a little and create new problems for the opposing team."

"With Vinicius on the pitch, Harry is a little freer and has room to score the winning goal," he added.

Furthermore, Mourinho was satisfied with his team's hard work to build defense throughout the match, although West Brom created several threats.

Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, for example, pulled off a brilliant save by blocking Karlan Ahearne-Grant's close-range header from a corner in the 71st minute.

"We defended well. Hugo had a moment to say 'I'm here' and he did it with a great save," said Mourinho.

Our team 💙 # THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/ZRVeCahdcc

- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 8, 2020

"The team defended very, very well. The opponent has three center-backs who are tall and often help out when the ball is set, but we can control the threat most of the time," he concluded.

The victory made Tottenham rise to the top of the standings with a collection of 17 points, before being overtaken by Leicester City (18) who played late in the game.

Tottenham will next host Manchester City in their next match after the international break for the next two weeks.