Irish Examiner

Spurs' domestic struggles mean the Australian has presided over the club's worst ever Premier League campaign with a record tally of 21 defeats, but he also stands on the brink of the holy grail - eagerly-awaited silverware.

The embattled head coach conducted a fiery press conference at San Mames ahead of the showdown with Manchester United.

Asked about the fine line between "infamy" and "legendary status", Postecoglou, referencing a newspaper article which said he was "teetering between hero and clown" depending on the outcome against United, snapped: "I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of what happens tomorrow, I'm not a clown and I never will be.

"I'm really disappointed that you would use such terminology about a person who for 26 years without any favours from anyone has worked his way to a position where he's leading out a club in a European major competition (final)."

With Tottenham down in 17th in the Premier League, Postecoglou admitted last month the "general sentiment" was he would leave, even if he ended the club's 17-year trophy drought, but he felt his work in north London was far from finished.

"I don't think my job is done here," Postecoglou said.

"I really feel like we are building something and what a trophy does is hopefully accelerate that. So I still think there is work to be done.

"It is quite obvious with the challenges we've had this year, which I think are well chronicled,. There is some reasoning in the context of that, but also there has been some growth I would like to see through.

"Whether that happens or not is not that important right now, but far from it is this job finished. I certainly feel there is some growth there that we can take this club to where it needs to be.

"I've been in this position before where the big game was the last game I managed. It's not unusual territory for me.

"I have always navigated it pretty well because, for me, nothing is more important than my responsibility for this football club and its fans that tomorrow me, the players, our mind is only on one thing and that is to create something special."

Postecoglou played down Lucas Bergvall's chances of being fit to face United after an ankle injury, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski (both knee) also sidelined, but Pape Sarr is available.

The big choice for the Australian ahead of his 100th game in charge of Spurs is who will provide creativity in a three-man midfield alongside Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Wilson Odobert was used in the attacking midfield role at Aston Villa, but another alternative is to drop Dominic Solanke slightly deeper.

Despite continuous discourse over his future, Postecoglou will not lose focus on Tottenham's chance to taste European success for the first time since their 1984 UEFA Cup victory.

"Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is kind of irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now," Postecoglou said.

"That opportunity is to provide something special for the football club, for the supporters and for everyone who has worked so hard.

"Not just this year, but for the 15, 16 years, however long it has been without a trophy and also the 41 years without a European trophy.

"I'm pretty good at just making sure all my focus is on giving this football club the best opportunity that it's had for a while to do something special."

Meanwhile Brennan Johnson played down Tottenham's past wins over United but is confident they will formulate a new plan to secure Europa League glory.

Spurs have defeated United three times this season and twice since Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November.

A 3-0 win for Tottenham at Old Trafford in September pushed Ten Hag towards the exit door before Amorim watched his new team go down 4-3 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December, while the most recent battle in February finished 1-0 to the north London club.

But Johnson insisted: "I think we know, going into the final, we can't rely on the fact that we've beaten them a few times this season.

"I think it's about now coming up with a plan because each time we've beaten them has been down to different reasons.

"I feel like we've done good work preparing for Man United so now it's about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it's a new opportunity.

"We want to prepare and be as confident as we can. When times have been tough and we've had to go to some tough places in Europe and got some really good results, it brings the squad together a massive amount.

"The quarter-final, the semi-final, these games have been massive for us. Unbelievable victories, real togetherness and yeah, it just make us stronger and more together."

Just three points now separate the five clubs jostling for the three qualification slots still available but Forest, who ended a two-game losing streak, once more top that mini-league thanks to first-half goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.

Spurs, who saw Richarlison pull one back late on, could also be in the Champions League next term of course, by winning the Europa League. Astonishingly so given that this was their 18th Premier League defeat this season and they lie 16th in the table.

Postecoglou rested regular picks with next month's semi-final with Norwegian dark horses Bodo/Glimt in mind and although Spurs could claim to be superior overall and especially in the second half, the result won't have made the embattled Australian any new friends among an already-divided fanbase.

There is no doubt though that Forest fans love Nuno Espirito Santo, the man Spurs sacked after just four months in 2021 for the crime of being ninth.

And on Sunday last term's relegation escapees can enjoy another unexpected bonus in the shape of a Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

Forest had occupied third spot from December 29 until six days ago but wins for Newcastle, City and Chelsea saw them kicked down to sixth before kick-off.

The game's first chance saw Gugliemo Vicario bat away Morgan Gibbs-White's long-ranger - and Forest used the corner to take a fifth-minute lead.

It took two Spurs men to clear to where Anderson was lurking just outside the box and though hit powerfully his drive required a deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur to outfox Vicario with a bounce right in front of the goalkeeper.

Another shot went through the Italian five minutes later but a sliver of shoulder belonging to 'scorer' Wood was labelled offside by VAR.

Wood's reply was to nod home Anthony Elanga's cross in the 17th minute and again Vicario was culpable, by coming for a punch and failing to connect. It was the striker's first Forest goal in seven games and certainly one of the easiest of his 19 for them so far this season.

Spurs had chances to reduce the arrears but Mathys Tel blazed wide and Richarlison was off target with two headers. Inevitably the half-time whistle was met with home boos.

Postecoglou subbed centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the break, the latter so he couldn't be sent off having assaulted Anderson three times in the first half.

Gibbs-White, sent clear by Wood, slashed an opportunity for 3-0 wide before Harry Toffolo, making his first Premier League appearance of 2025, hooked away Dejan Kulusevski's glancing header from Pedro Porro's corner just as it was crossing the line.

Matz Sels made two good saves to deny Richarlison before the Brazilian finally found the net in the 87th minute by heading home Pedro Porro's cross. Forest held out however.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-3-3): Vicario 5; Porro 6, Romero 5 (Danso 46, 6), Van de Ven 6 (Davies 46, 6), Spence 6; Kulusevski 6 (Solanke 67, 5), Bentancur 6, Sarr 6 (Bergvall 81); Odobert 5 (Johnson 67, 4), Richarlison 7, Tel 5.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-3-3): Sels 7; Williams 7, Murillo 7, Milenkovic 7, Toffolo 7; Dominguez 6 (Yates 58, 5), Anderson 7, Danilo 6 (Hudson-Odoi 58, 5); Elanga 6 (Morato 46. 5), Wood 7 (Awoniyi, 75), Gibbs-White 7 (Sosa 90).

Referee: Peter Bankes 6

The German side took the lead through hotshot Hugo Ekitike after five minutes to threaten more misery for Ange Postecoglou and his men, but Spurs show great spirit to equalise through Pedro Porro and dominate the game. If it had not been for some wasteful finishing and an exceptional performance from Eintrach's stand-in goalkeeper Kaua Santos, the home side could have taken a healthy lead to Frankfurt next week.

Instead they will have to hope they can avoid sloppy mistakes, show the same spirit and find their finishing boots if they are to reach the semi-finals.

Shortly before kickoff, the big screens around the stadium showed an impressive montage of Tottenham's glory years in Europe, winning three trophies in 22 years, and the club's trumpeter led a rousing version of 'When the Spurs go marching in'. The stadium announcer asked supporters to make themselves heard for the club's biggest game of the season, and there was a sense of all or nothing for Ange Postecoglou and his men.

Barely five minutes in, the mood among Tottenham's fans was punctured as Etikite, Eintracht's outstanding forward, put them 1-0 ahead. James Maddison was caught in possession midway inside the Frankfurt half and Ellyes Skhiri set Ekitike away down the left wing. The French striker cut inside Porro, advanced towards the penalty area unchallenged and placed a low shot in the far corner of goal. It was stunningly simple and symptomatic of how defensively fragile Tottenham are.

Frankfurt's large and noisy band of fans, who hardly let up with their songs and drumbeats throughout the game, went into overdrive, while home supporters were stunned.

But Tottenham got themselves back into the game by being patient and persistent. Porro hit a long crossfield pass to Heung Min Son, who took the ball down perfectly but hit his ensuing cross into the arms of Santos.

Dominic Solanke had a glancing header saved, and later chipped in a cross that was headed over his own bar by Arthur Theate. Solanke's more significant contribution came in the 26th minute when he chased down a hopeful forward punt and laid the ball into Maddison's path. The England midfielder jinked to the byline and cut the ball back for Porro to divert it over the line with a cheeky backheel.

Spurs came out fired up for the second half and could have scored three times inside 15 minutes. Lucas Bergvall crashed a shot against the crossbar from 30 yards, Santos made a superb save to keep out Son's curling shot, and then Rodrigo Bentancur headed against the bar from the ensuing corner.

Bentancur had another header saved and Solanke spooned a shot high over the bar, before failing to find Johnson wih a low cross in front of goal. Both Postecoglou and Dino Toppmoller made a rash of substitutions in the closing stages to protect their positions, and there was still time for Santos to deny Tottenham once again, tipping Micky Van de Ven's header over the bar in stoppage time.

Spurs still have a chance of progressing, but they will need to make the most of their chances in Germany next week.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: 4-3-3 Vicario7; Porro 6, Romero 6, van de Ven 7, Udogie 6 (Spence 79); Bergvall 8, Bentancur 7, Maddison 7 (Sarr 79); Johnson 6, Solanke 6 (Richarlison 87), Son 6 (Tel 79).

FRANKFURT: 4-2-3-1 Santos 8; Kristensen 6, Koch 6, Theate 6, Brown 6; Skhiri 6, Tuta 6; Gotze 4, Larsson 6, Bahoya 6 (Chaibi 70); Ekitike 7 (Wahi 89) Ref: Szymon Marciniak (Poland) 5/10

Southampton can no longer catch Wolves in 17th place, and this return to the Championship after just one season back in the Premier League is no surprise. One might have expected a show of defiance and at least a little energy in an effort to put off the inevitable relegation, but they were poor once again, and a late strike from Mateus Fernandes came from one of their few shots on goal.

Spurs, by contrast ,could have won by more, but once Brennan Johnson had put them 2-0 ahead well before half-time, Ange Postecoglou's men were content to play within themselves, conscious the game on Thursday is so important if they are to salvage something from a poor season.

At least they can go into the game with confidence, with Johnson's return to goalscoring form and a stoppage time penalty from Mathys Tel, on as a late substitute.

Spurs were comfortably in control on a sunny afternoon punctuated with chants of protest by some fans against Daniel Levy.

Cristian Romero powered in bullet headers twice inside the opening half-hour and was denied each time by Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper stopping the ball with his face the second time and requiring treatment. Tottenham fans showed little sympathy for the former Arsenal keeper.

Spurs were ahead by this stage, with a goal straight from the training pitch. Having received a pass from defence in the centre-circle, James Maddison worked it out to Heung Min Son on the left. The overlapping Djed Spence took it on and his cutback was met by Johnson, who fired high past Ramsdale.

Johnson was to score again before half-time, but in between came yet another interminable delay while VAR agonised over whether Lucas Bergvall's 33rd minute strike should be allowed to stand. The Swede volleyed home after Romero headed back across goal, but it took the VAR team five minutes of line-drawing to suggest Romero had been fractionally offside. Clear and obvious it was not, irritating it certainly was.

Johnson scored his and Tottenham's second goal in the 42nd minute. Maddison was the provider with a dinked header forward, and Johnson nipped in behind the napping defenders to flick the ball past Ramsdale with the outside of his right boot.

The second half was an exercise in Tottenham Fernandes gave the travelling Saints fans hope with a goal in the final minute f normal time, taking down a cross from the left before swivelling and shooting through the legs of Spence and past Guglielmo Vicario.

But minutes later Wellington brought down Johnson and Tel converted the penalty to make it 3-1.

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Vicario 7, Porro 6, Romero 7, Davies 6, Spence 7; Bergvall 8 (Bissouma 80), Bentancur 8 (Sarr 57), Maddison 7 (Gray 80); Johnson 8, Solanke 7 (Tel 87), Son 6 (Odobert 57).

SOUTHAMPTON (4-3-3): Ramsdale 6; Walker-Peters 6, Bednarek 5, Harwood-Bellis 6, Manning 5 (Wellington 64); Dibling 6 (Sugawara 73), Aribo 5 (Smallbon e 64), Ugochukwu 5 (Stewart 83); Fernandes 6, Archer 5 (Onuachu 73), Sulemana 7

Referee: Michael Salisbury

On a night billed as win-or-bust for Postecoglou and his side, they overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg last week to win 3-1, with a James Maddison strike in between Odobert's first two goals for Tottenham.

The 20-year-old French winger, signed from Burnley last August, has missed most of the season with a hamstring injury but was back with a bang to see Spurs through to a last eight showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was far from comfortable, though. Tottenham had not troubled AZ's goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro until Odobert scored his first in the 26th minute. The goal was an error from the Dutch team, with a loose back pass putting Wouter Goes under pressure in the right-back position.

Nevertheless it was Heung Min Son's determination to close down the defender that forced a rebound into the path of Dominic Solanke, who was loitering in the penalty area with intent. The Spurs striker could have tried a tricky shot but smartly chose to lay the ball square across goal, where Odobert met it with a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Spurs were level on aggregate and fired up. Son looked like he wanted to prove a point with a couple of driving runs into the penalty area, the first ending with Lucas Bergvall curling a shot over the bar, and the second with Odobert slicing the ball high into the air.

From the start, the Dutch side seemed content to try containment rather than go looking for another goal to build on their 1-0 lead. Ernest Poku, so dangerous in the first leg, had precious few opportunities to show his pace or trickery, and when he had a half-chance, Guglielmo Vicario smothered the ball at his feet.

Troy Parrott, AZ's top scorer with 17 goals before kickoff, got little change out of the returning Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who caught the Dubliner with a thunderous challenge early on.

And within three minutes of the restart, James Maddison put Spurs ahead in the tie for the first time in the tie. Pedro Porro won the ball in the Tottenham half and sent Odobert away. The winger played the ball forward to Maddison, who exchanged passes with Son before steering a precise shot past Owusu-Oduro.

Finally AZ started to attack in earnest. Poku got clear of the last line of defence, but Van de Ven used his astonishing spped to make a recovery tackle. When the big Dutchman went off to be replaced by Archie Gray on the hour mark, he received a standing ovation from home supporters.

But within minutes AZ levelled the tie after a mix-up in the Tottenham defence. Odobert did well to intercept a pass towards Peer Koopmeiners, but a lack of communication with Bergvall allowed the Dutch midfielder the chance to shoot, which he did with power past Vicario.

The scores were level on aggregate, the game was a knife edge, and nerves kicked in.

Then Odobert struck again. It was a flowing move from one goalmouth to the other, perfectly illustrating 'Angeball' at its best. Vicario, Gray and Romero played short passes out of defence to Maddison, who drove forward through midfield. The ball was shuttled down the left via Son to Spence, who drilled in a low cross that was flicked on by Solanke to Odobert, who converted from close range at the far post.

Still there were chances for AZ to equalise. Kees Smit went on to add height to their forward line, but headed over from close range when Parrott looked to be in a better position to score. Smit then upset his team-mates when he volleyed wastefully wide in the closing stages.

The final whistle was greeted with relief as much as celebration, as Tottenham's fans realised their season is still very much alive.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 7, Romero 6, Van de Ven 8 (Gray 61), Spence 8; Sarr 6, Maddison 7 (Bissouma 77), Bergvall 7 (Davies84); Odobert 8 (Johnson 78), Solanke 6, Son 7.

AZ (4-3-3): Owusu-Oduro 6; Maikuma 6 (Meerdink 84), Goes 5 (Belic 89), Penetra 6, Moller Wolfe 6; Clasie 6, Buurmeister 6 (Smit 65), Koopmeiners 7; Sadiq 5 (de Wit 46), Parrott 6, Poku 6.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola said it was “a missed opportunity” for his men, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back to get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

“It was chaotic, and we added to the chaos,” he said. “We looked nervous in the first half, but showed a strong mindset to come back, and hopefully can show the same on Thursday.”

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario.

Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles in defence, and their problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross to the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as a possible successor to Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot.

Son sent him the wrong way to snatch a draw Spurs barely deserved.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4 (Van de Ven 61), Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5 (Bergvall 46), Bentancur 5 (Maddison 61); Johnson 5 (Son 46), Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7 (Brooks 81), Christie 6 (Scott 71), Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7 (Ouattara 71), Semenyo 6 Sinisterra 89).

Referee: John Brooks 7

Ange Postecoglou lives to fight another day, as Spurs showed some of the fighting spirit they have lacked in recent weeks to come back from 2-0 down to hold Bournemouth, who were ultimately frustrated as they chase a place in Europe.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola's men must see this as a missed opportunity, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back into get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

Spurs are still in the bottom half of the table, and their only hope of success rests on progressing in the Europa League. Trailing 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar, they face the second leg at home on Thursday and must hope to play like they did in the second-half here, not the first.

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario. Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles. Southampton have found out the hard way that the risks outweigh the rewards of trying to play out from the back without the right players to do so, but Ange Postecoglou persists with this approach.

Once again Tottenham's problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro, another senior player whose performances have dipped alarmingly, led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as one of Tottenham's target to replace Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Dominic Solanke, who scored 21 goals for Bournemouth last season before his record-breaking transfer to Tottenham, was given precious little service, and one glancing header that was easily saved by Kepa was his only effort on goal.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall, and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Pape Matar Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot. Son sent him the wrong way to set up frantic final ten minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4, Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5, Bentancur 5; Johnson 5, Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7, Christie 6, Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7, Semenyo 6.

Referee: John Brooks 7.

Haaland, whose absence was sorely felt in the defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool, took just 12 minutes to return to the scoresheet. His early goal was enough for City to gain at least some revenge for their two defeats at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur this season and move back into the Premier League top four.

This may not have been the most fluent performance by Guardiola’s side, even if their margin of victory could have doubled had an added time effort by Haaland not been contentiously ruled out for offside. Dominant in the first half when they should have had more to show for their efforts, City were forced to defend determinedly to fend off a Tottenham response in the second period and survived a last minute chance that fell to Pape Matar Sarr. This win, though, could turn out to be extremely significant at the end of the season.

Jeremy Doku’s trickery on the left had provided some of City’s most threatening moments against Liverpool last Sunday although the winger’s final ball too often has a habit of letting his good work down. Initially it looked as though it might be a case of more of the same as the Belgium international twice found himself in good positions before misplacing his pass.

It turned out, however, that they were sighters with Doku getting it right when he set up Haaland for the 12th minute opening goal. City opened up Tottenham when they moved the ball quickly across the pitch, exposing the gaps between the Spurs defenders before Doku’s deflected pass inside found Haaland who swept home for his 20th league goal of the season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side had paid the price for their lack of discipline and organisation and there were few signs of them addressing their flaws during the rest of a first half that was dominated by an increasingly confident City.

Doku continued to be the visitors’ most effective outlet, constantly tormenting Porro, while on the other flank Savinho gave Spurs left-back Destiny Udogie a similarly troublesome time. And had City showed more composure in front of goal, the game would have been effectively over inside 30 minutes.

Savinho was guilty of missing a good chance to add the second when Doku again found himself in lots of space after another cross-field move. The Belgian curled in an accurate low cross towards his teammate who managed to drill his first time shot into the ground, sending it looping over the bar. Then Haaland was uncharacteristically wasteful when he placed a close range shot too close to keeper Guglielmo Vicario who saved well with his feet.

Spurs had appeared disjointed and lacked coherence throughout the opening half and were grateful to reach half time trailing by just one goal. They could draw some belief from Kevin Danso’s header that drew a save from City keeper immediately before the break but there were few signs they were capable of disrupting Guardiola’s side.

A Doku chance shortly after the restart suggested the momentum of the game would remain unchanged but Spurs finally began to show signs they could hurt the visitors and grew in confidence after Pedro Porro’s excellent low cross was almost turned home by Wilson Odobert.

That triggered a period of sustained pressure from Postecoglou’s side and Danso quickly drew another save from Ederson from a free-kick before the City keeper was again forced to react to keep out Rodrigo Bentacur’s header.

Postecoglou attempted to build on his side’s second half revival by introducing Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence, left out of the starting line-up after feeling the effects of the recent schedule, but they were unable to force an equaliser.

SPURS (4-3-3): Vicario 6; Porro 7, Danso 6, Gray 8, Udogie 6 (Spence 66, 6); Bergvall 7, Bentancur 6 (Sarr 66, 6), Maddison 7 (Werner 82, 6); Johnson 6, Tel 6 (Kulusevksi 66, 6) , Odobert 6 (Son 66, 6).

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson 6; Nunes 6, Khusanov 6, Dias 6, Gvardiol 6; Gonzalez 6 (Silva 73, 6), Kovacic 7 (Gundogan 90, 6); Savinho 7 (McAtee 90, 6), Marmoush 6 (Foden 73, 6), Doku 8 (Grealish 90, 6); Haaland 6.

Referee: Jarrad Gillett 6

David Johnson had been prolific at Portman Road across a four-year spell and his son Brennan followed in his footsteps with two quickfire goals in Suffolk to set Spurs on course for a third straight Premier League win.

Omari Hutchinson pulled one back for Kieran McKenna's side before half-time and relegation-threatened Ipswich did have other chances, but Tottenham made the points safe with late strikes by Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski.

It continued Spurs' mini-revival, Ange Postecoglou's team winning three league fixtures on the bounce for the first time since December 2023 as they aim to put a difficult winter period behind them.

Liam Delap had tormented Tottenham during Ipswich's memorable 2-1 success in north London in November and immediately set about a repeat performance.

Barely 30 seconds had been played when Delap got away from Archie Gray and tested Guglielmo Vicario, who parried away and while Jaden Philogene was first to the loose ball, his shot hit team-mate Hutchinson on the line and offside was given to ensure the visitors survived.

Two minutes later Delap sent another low effort wide before he headed against the post from a Kalvin Phillips free-kick in the sixth minute during a whirlwind opening.

Spurs needed to improve and they duly did, with a fine run by Son Heung-min setting up a chance for Lucas Bergvall - but Dara O'Shea blocked and Jacob Greaves hooked away before Johnson could pounce.

It was a warning Ipswich failed to heed as Postecoglou watched his team break through after 18 minutes. Gray produced a superb ball over the top for Son, who controlled impressively and worked a yard of space against Ben Godfrey before he crossed in for Johnson to poke home.

Johnson sheepishly looked over to the assistant referee, but the goal was given after a quick check for offside.

It was quickly followed by a second goal eight minutes later. Rodrigo Bentancur released Son on this occasion and the Tottenham captain cut inside before teeing up Johnson to slot home his 14th goal of the season.

It was almost 3-0 moments later but Son had a shot deflected wide and Ipswich reduced the deficit in the 36th minute. Kevin Danso was dispossessed and Phillips played through to Jack Clarke, who cut back for Hutchinson to curl into the corner for his third goal this term.

It set up a finely-poised second half which was initially stop-start as Jens Cajuste limped off for Ipswich before they started to build momentum.

Half-time substitute Luke Woolfenden thought he had levelled after 61 minutes when he headed home Hutchinson's cross, but the defender had strayed offside.

Postecoglou responded with Pedro Porro and James Maddison introduced.

Maddison's every touch was heavily booed given his past links to Norwich, but he had the last laugh when he twinkle-toed past two opponents to set up Spence for Spurs' third in the 77th minute.

Kulusevski wrapped up the points with six minutes left when he curled home off the post, despite Ipswich's Greaves being down hurt, as Tottenham won on the road again.

PA

As the tyro from Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow cannot join a UK club until he turns 18 in September, he’ll remain with the Saints for their upcoming campaign kicking off against Galway United on Friday week.

His five-year contract with Spurs begins in January 2026.

A multitude of clubs from the UK, including initial interest from Manchester City, and the continent, were tracking the talent but Celtic were the last club to compete with Tottenham for his signature.

Melia was represented in contract talks by former Ireland international Clive Clarke who, as well as being his agent, is the brother of his mother Pamela.

His uncle was central to interactions with Spurs over recent months, accompanying the youngster on trips to their plush training ground, and meetings with first-team manager Ange Postecoglou and club legend Ledley King. Once he passed his medical on Tuesday, the transfer was confirmed by both clubs.

“Our Chairman has been negotiating this deal for a number of months,” said Saints director of football Ger O’Brien about the involvement of Kelleher in securing the deal.

“It's a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player and something the club is proud of.”

Saints have been trailblazers in this regard, receiving a record fee of €300,000 for Keith Fahey from Birmingham City in 2008, and double that when James Abankwah was snapped up by Udinese in 2022.

This package trumps those deals, further vindicating Kelleher’s decision to purchase the Saints all of 18 years ago.

Since then, the property tycoon is estimated to have pumped over €10m into the Inchicore outfit, a large portion funding an underage system he was enthusiastic about from the outset.

Kelleher, it must be recalled, strengthened his commitment to the domestic league by luring manager Stephen Kenny back to the scene with the offer of a five-and-a-half year contract last June.

He was manager for most of Melia’s 41 club appearances in 2024, including exposure in their Conference League run to the playoff stage that had Ireland senior manager Heimir Hallgrímsson singling him out for praise.

"Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work,” said Kenny.

“He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.

“Every day on the training ground he shows a high work ethic and a capacity to take on information quickly and he grasps the tactical requirements depending on the game in question.

“His pressing out of possession is phenomenal and his pace offers a real threat and adds a dimension to our attacking play. His hold up play has been his greatest improvement over the last six months as he continues to develop physically.

“First and foremost he is a goalscorer, he scored some brilliant goals last season, and different types of goals and has shown a capacity to play anywhere along the front 3.

“Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country.”

Melia was fast-tracked into the Ireland U21 squad for the latter stages of the Euro 2025 campaign only to withdraw due to injury.