View: Ange could blame 0% flop if sacked at Tottenham, fewer touches than Kinsky v Liverpool

Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur could be nearing its end after the humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup.

The Australian manager has faced mounting pressure for months, but with Spurs still competing in multiple tournaments, he had managed to hold onto his position.

That fragile grip may have slipped away following a disastrous performance at Anfield, where Tottenham, despite carrying a one-goal advantage from the first leg, suffered a complete collapse. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah overturned the deficit before the hour mark, leaving Spurs with no response.

While injuries have undoubtedly played a role in Tottenham’s struggles, the squad still possesses enough quality to put up a fight, yet they failed to do so.

From goalkeeper to attack, the team looked disjointed and ineffective, with even key players like Dejan Kulusevski failing to make an impact. Midfield woes were especially apparent, with Yves Bissouma making a costly error that led to Liverpool’s opener.

His midfield partner, Pape Sarr, fared no better, delivering one of his worst performances in recent memory. Despite completing all his tackles, Sarr won only 40% of his ground duels and lost every aerial battle, a reflection of his significant dip in form.

Statistically, Sarr’s struggles were evident. He recorded just 23 touches in 57 minutes, fewer than Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, who finished with 42.

His poor influence in the midfield battle allowed Liverpool to dominate possession and dictate the game, further exposing Spurs’ defensive frailties. The numbers paint an even bleaker picture, with Sarr ranking in the bottom 43rd percentile for tackles, 37th percentile for blocks, and 23rd percentile for clearances, highlighting his recent decline. With performances like this, it’s no surprise that Tottenham fans are growing increasingly frustrated.

Daniel Levy now faces immense pressure to make a decisive call on Postecoglou’s future. The possibility of parting ways with the manager has been looming, but the biggest challenge lies in identifying a suitable replacement.

Potential candidates such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, or Newcastle’s Eddie Howe seem unlikely to abandon their current projects for a team in turmoil.

The frustration from supporters is understandable, but whether sacking Postecoglou at this stage would bring an immediate improvement remains uncertain.

Key Match Statistics

The numbers further emphasize the gap between the two sides, with Liverpool completely outclassing Tottenham in key areas. With Postecoglou’s future hanging in the balance, Levy must now weigh his options carefully, knowing that a rash decision could either salvage or further derail Tottenham’s season.