Maddison rejects ‘Spursy’ label

Ange Postecoglou also spoke to Sky Sports after the draw: “Real pleased. They’re a top side, a tough place to come. Not much went our way today with an unlucky own goal and an unlucky penalty.

“The character, the belief the team showed, it’s the team we want to be. They kept persevering and persevering.

“There’s a will and desire to become the team we want to be which is making sure you’re disciplined and buying into the team values.

“It was Mick (van de Ven), Udogie, Porro, their first derby. Super proud of the experienced guys in there. Romero was outstanding, Bissouma brilliant all season and Sonny, his goals and work rate were phenomenal.

“When Maddison came off, Arsenal came into the game.

“It’s not about being happy with results, it’s about the performance. You can get a result or a draw, but we went toe-to-toe against a top team.

“Even if we had lost today, I was pleased with what I saw. Pushing these guys, they need to feel out there what we work on coming to fruition. That’s what we did against a top side.

“The most pleasing for me is they’ve made a good environment every day which they want to follow what we’re providing them in information.

“When you get that belief in the playing group, you excel. But it’s a long way to go. The start is still the start for me. I’m happy the players want to be this kind of football team.