‘Can’t happen’: Troy Deeney absolutely fuming with something Mathys Tel did in Tottenham’s defeat to Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles under Ange Postecoglou continued as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The loss leaves Spurs languishing in 14th place after 29 games, a position that is simply unacceptable for a club of their stature. Despite making several changes to the lineup following their 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, Postecoglou’s side delivered a lethargic and uninspired performance, allowing Fulham to comfortably secure all three points.

The defeat has sparked discussions about Postecoglou’s future, with former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara even suggesting that the manager could face the sack.

While Spurs’ European campaign offers a glimmer of hope, their inconsistent league form is becoming increasingly concerning. Dropping crucial points in the Premier League is unsustainable, and the team’s inability to perform consistently raises questions about their direction under the current management.

One of the most talked-about moments from the match came from Mathys Tel, the young forward on loan from Bayern Munich. Tel made headlines for confronting Tottenham’s traveling fans after the game, a gesture common in the Bundesliga but one that drew mixed reactions.

While some applauded his attempt to connect with supporters, pundit Troy Deeney was far from impressed. During his analysis on Match of the Day 2, Deeney criticized Tel’s effort levels, particularly in the early stages of the game.

Deeney highlighted a specific moment just two minutes into the match, where Tel and Rodrigo Bentancur were seen jogging back after losing possession.

“Look at the difference in running compared to the Fulham players,” Deeney remarked. “Bentancur is running past Tel, and that simply can’t happen at any level.” The pundit’s critique extended to Fulham’s opening goal, where he pointed out the lack of urgency from Tottenham’s players.

“It’s six versus two in the box, and somehow Fulham score. Bergvall is just walking, with no sense of danger. That sums them up,” Deeney added.

The fallout from the match has been far from ideal for Postecoglou, who has come under increasing scrutiny. The manager broke his usual stance of protecting his players by publicly criticizing Yves Bissouma, who had a particularly poor game.

While Bissouma’s performance was indeed below par, Postecoglou’s decision to single him out has raised eyebrows, especially given the team’s collective struggles.

Despite the optimism surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term project, results have failed to improve significantly, even as key players have returned from injury. The team appears to lack confidence and direction on the pitch, with injuries no longer serving as the sole excuse for their poor form.

The upcoming Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt after the international break will be a stern test, and Tottenham must find a way to regroup quickly.

The defeat to Fulham has exposed deeper issues within the squad. While individual performances, such as those of Tel and Bissouma, have drawn criticism, the problems extend beyond a single player or moment. Tottenham’s inability to maintain intensity, their lack of cohesion in defense, and their failure to capitalize on opportunities have become recurring themes this season.

As the pressure mounts on Postecoglou, the manager must find solutions to reignite his team’s campaign. The Europa League offers a potential lifeline, but success in Europe cannot come at the expense of Premier League performances.

With the club seemingly bereft of confidence and struggling for consistency, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Postecoglou can turn things around or if further changes will be needed.

For now, Tottenham’s season hangs in the balance. The defeat to Fulham was not just a setback in terms of points but also a blow to the team’s morale. As they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt, Spurs must address their shortcomings and rediscover the form that once made them a formidable force.

The road ahead is challenging, but with the right adjustments, there is still time to salvage their campaign. However, time is running out, and Postecoglou knows that results must improve—and quickly.