Apparently Ange Postecoglou can coach again.
After copping severe criticism during a three game Premier League losing streak, the Tottenham manager won over some doubters by engineering an wild 3-3 draw against title holders Manchester City on Monday (AEDT).
Dejan Kulusevski scored a 90th minute header to earn Tottenham a point after Jack Grealish had looked like settling a thrilling game at Etihad Stadium with a goal in the 81st minute.
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But Kulusevski rose to meet Brennan Johnson's cross and head in off the underside of the bar.
City has now drawn its last three games in the league and is third in the standings, three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola's team has also conceded eight goals during that winless run.
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"We made an incredible performance in all departments, against a really good team and manager and how they play," Guardiola said.
The draw moved Postecoglou's team above Newcastle to fifth.
Guardiola had predicted an exciting game against a Spurs team that has been the surprise package in England's top flight this season.
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Postecoglou, meanwhile, had said he wouldn't compromise his attacking style, even in the face of an injury crisis and losing streak.
"I'm impressed with the manager," Manchester United legend Roy Keane said.
"His personality is helping with the club at the moment. His laidback approach is helping the players. Top four might be a bit of a stretch, but there's big improvements at Spurs over the last few months."
Liverpool great Jamie Carragher was similarly enthused.
"Ange Postecoglou deserves credit, and not just today. The run they've been on, they've been very unlucky," Carragher said.
"I think Spurs have always been a top team in terms of trying to challenge for top four. I don't think Spurs are going to be in any sort of title race or anything like that. The important thing is the manager said before the game that people were going to question their setup today. It's not about today, this is about the long term in the next two or three years to make Spurs the real deal.
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"He's not going to change anything, he's trying to instil something within the club. He got the payback in the second half. Son said the manager told them to play even more. They were a lot better in the second half."
There was late drama when referee Simon Hooper stopped play to award City a free kick despite Grealish appearing to be running through on goal.
But his run was cut short as Hooper blew up for a City free kick, having appeared to have played the advantage following a foul on Erling Haaland.
Kulusevski revealed Postecoglou "was angry with us at halftime" when Spurs trailed 2-1.
"It was more trying to get the players to believe in themselves rather than anger at them," Postecoglou explained.
"I'm always mindful that from where I am on the touchline it seems simple but out there against an unbelievable team it is difficult. It was a case of whatever happens I will take responsibility, particularly if it doesn't go well. But just go out there and believe in yourselves."
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