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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou admitted a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea was "painful" and is targeting signings in January.
The Australian is under pressure after recent criticism from fans, and they find themselves in 11th spot in the Premier League.
Postecoglou has previously said he tends to succeed with teams in his second season, but after an impressive debut campaign, they are struggling as the second half of the season approaches.
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Spurs were 2-0 up after 11 minutes, but two penalties from Cole Palmer and a goal apiece from Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez put them 4-2 clear, and Son Heung-min’s stoppage-time effort was too little, too late.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Postecoglou was disappointed with the defeat and aspects of his side’s defending.
"It's a sore one for sure, it's painful," he said. "We started the game really well, and then we lose Cristian Romero, and we had to reshuffle.
"We still had some big moments to get a third and finish it off. The second half was a ding-dong for long and then they scored.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
"The two penalties weren't great, we need a bit of discipline in the box.
"It's a key point when you lose a key player in the first 20 minutes. He couldn't continue, so it's not ideal."
Postecoglou's side were beaten 1-0 on Thursday at Bournemouth, a performance that led to an angry exchange with supporters after they voiced their disappointment. Despite another loss, the manager saw some improvements against Chelsea.
He continued: "We didn't play well in midweek, but we did today. They're a top side, you have got to give credit to them. We got distracted in key moments. We need to realise we are tough to stop when we do play our football."
Yves Bissouma conceded the first penalty when he scythed down Moises Caicedo for Chelsea's equaliser, and England forward Palmer earned a second penalty when Pape Sarr barged into him to score the fourth. Postecoglou bemoaned the clumsy manner and the timing of the fouls.
"The two penalties were poor," he said. "When you're playing these top teams, the momentum shifts quickly."
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Video credit: SNTV
Romero was withdrawn after 15 minutes, and the injury situation was compounded by Micky van de Ven’s injury late in the game. He was a surprise inclusion after weeks out.
Postecoglou could give little information on the new problem, and said he may want to move in the January transfer window to add to his squad.
"He felt a bit tight," he explained. "He was only meant to play 60 or 70 minutes. Hopefully, it's not too bad because you could see the difference.
"I'm hoping Romero isn't too bad. We're thin on numbers, and if we're thin in January, we'll be looking to add to the squad because they need some help."
MARESCA: ‘I ALWAYS TRUST’ PALMER
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Palmer for another outstanding performance.
The 22-year-old has 11 goals in 15 Premier League appearances, and the Italian said: "I know Cole from a long time ago, and I always trust him in every aspect. He is a fantastic guy. He is learning how to play games when he is marked man-to-man. Bissouma was with him all the game.
"He is learning, improving and scoring goals. That makes him happy and makes us happy."
The win saw Chelsea end the match in second place in the Premier League table, after Arsenal drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday and Manchester City were held 2-2 by Crystal Palace.
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