Ange Postecoglou has explained his decision to replace Tottenham captain Son Heung-min early in the second half of Sunday’s 4-1 win against Aston Villa.

Son was substituted in the 56th minute after recovering from an injury.

The South Korean had just set up Spurs’ equalizer for Brennan Johnson and seemed surprised to be replaced.

He then appeared frustrated as he sat on the bench in the second half.

Son had missed seven of Spurs’ previous eight games and had been absent since the 4–1 win over West Ham on 19 October due to a hamstring problem.

Speaking after Villa’s victory, Postecoglou said: “I was never going to play more than 55 minutes.

“The last time he returned from an injury he arrived after 60 minutes and was injured again. “He came out unharmed.”

Postecoglou also praised Dominic Solanke after his brilliant late double.

“Incredible effort,” Postecoglou said. “The job he did midweek against (Manchester) City… his goals are incredible, but his overall game, his work rate, I can’t say enough about him.

Postecoglou also praised James Maddison, who added gloss to a great Spurs victory with a sublime free-kick after coming off the bench.

Postecoglou said: “The game wasn’t going the way it needed to be for me to bring in Madders. I tell the guys that everyone is there to make a contribution. Madders will be key for us.”