What Postecoglou told his players after defeat to Crystal Palace, admits big Tottenham problem

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal handed Tottenham their third league defeat of the season, as they missed a crucial chance to close the gap at the top of the standings.

Spurs have been unpredictable this season, opening with a draw against Leicester, followed by a challenging home defeat to rivals Arsenal. That loss, in particular, stung for the fans.

However, Tottenham has shown resilience after setbacks. Following this latest loss, manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his frustration with his players’ lack of urgency.

He noted that several of his top players seemed overly passive, focusing too much on watching the play unfold rather than actively engaging. Reflecting on the game at Selhurst Park, Postecoglou remarked, “Palace was always going to be desperate for a win, and that’s to be expected.

But there was just too much standing around today, which I really dislike. I’ve said this before, but it’s the reality of how the game played out.”

Postecoglou also highlighted issues with his squad’s attitude, an area he previously addressed following their defeat to Brighton. When asked if the frustration mirrored the feeling from that game, he clarified, “No, today was different.

This game demanded composure and an ability to avoid falling into the type of match Palace wanted—a chaotic battle full of duels and breaks. We need to approach situations like this more intelligently instead of getting drawn into a game we don’t want to play.”

This defeat places Tottenham in a challenging position, especially with a League Cup match against Manchester City up next, followed by a crucial league fixture against Aston Villa.

With such a tough schedule ahead, the team faces questions about several aspects of their current form. One primary concern is the lack of scoring consistency from recent signing Dominic Solanke, who has yet to hit his stride.

The defense also remains a vulnerability, particularly in set-piece situations where they have struggled to maintain composure and organization.

Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou remains committed to his goal of delivering a trophy this season, a promise he’s made clear to fans and the club alike.

Known for his trophy-winning track record, he believes in his ability to lead Tottenham to success. However, the current form raises questions about whether the team can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

How Spurs respond in their upcoming match on Wednesday will be crucial in determining if they have the mental and tactical fortitude to overcome these obstacles. This next game will provide insight into just how capable they are of bouncing back and contending at the highest level.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply