2 players let Postecoglou down and three stand up as Tottenham suffer heartbreak
Tottenham entered their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers under mounting pressure to secure a win, but the game ended in disappointment as Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late goal secured a 2-2 draw for the visitors.
Despite the team’s recent poor form, manager Ange Postecoglou maintained that he didn’t feel the pressure before the match. However, sitting 12th in the Premier League and failing to hold onto a lead against a resurgent Wolves side must have felt like a blow.
Wolves opened the scoring with a well-executed set piece, as Hee-chan Hwang struck from the edge of the box, with his shot deflecting in off the post. Tottenham quickly responded, with Rodrigo Bentancur converting Pedro Porro’s corner through a powerful header.
Spurs then had a chance to take the lead when Brennan Johnson was fouled by Andre, earning a penalty. However, Son Heung-min failed to convert, reflecting his subdued performance throughout the match.
Dejan Kulusevski played a pivotal role, creating multiple opportunities. His precise pass to Johnson late in the first half allowed the Welshman to score with a composed finish, giving Tottenham the lead at halftime. In the second half, Spurs endured pressure from Wolves but seemed poised to secure all three points until Strand Larsen found space in the 87th minute to equalize.
Player Performances | Rating |
---|---|
Pedro Porro | HIT |
Dejan Kulusevski | HIT |
Brennan Johnson | HIT |
Son Heung-min | MISS |
Rodrigo Bentancur | MISS |
Radu Dragusin | MIXED |
Pedro Porro initially struggled with passing but redeemed himself with an excellent delivery for Bentancur’s goal and remained a threat from set pieces. Defensively, he worked hard and made crucial blocks, though he faced challenges late in the game.
Kulusevski stood out as Spurs’ creative engine, finding gaps in Wolves’ defense and linking effectively with Johnson. His clever assist for Johnson’s goal was a highlight, showcasing his vision and technical ability. Johnson also impressed, winning the penalty and finishing clinically to put Tottenham ahead, bringing his season tally to seven Premier League goals.
Data Analyst Jobs in UK with little experience 2024 (£36,584 Per Year)https://t.co/9CkTJdEqkg
— Jobs, Travel & Study info (@IamKing_Adesina) December 13, 2024
However, Son Heung-min had a forgettable performance. The captain struggled to make an impact and missed a crucial penalty, which proved costly in the end. Rodrigo Bentancur, while scoring the equalizer with an impressive header, also drew criticism for earning a suspension after a reckless challenge in stoppage time, which will see him miss the next match against Newcastle.
Radu Dragusin, the only fit central defender available for Tottenham, delivered a solid yet imperfect performance. Despite showing maturity and composure for much of the game, he was caught off-guard in the critical moment when Strand Larsen found space to score the late equalizer. Paired with teenager Archie Gray, Dragusin’s responsibility was immense, but the defensive lapse proved costly.
Tottenham’s inability to close out matches continues to haunt them, as this game underscores both their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of consistency. While some players, like Kulusevski and Johnson, delivered standout performances, others struggled to meet expectations.
The dropped points leave Spurs searching for answers as they attempt to climb the Premier League table. Postecoglou’s task grows increasingly challenging, with upcoming fixtures against strong opponents demanding a more cohesive and resilient display. The draw with Wolves serves as both a missed opportunity and a reminder of the work needed to stabilize the team.