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Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace: Women's Super League - BBC Sport

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A superb debut goal for Hayley Raso helped Tottenham to a thumping win over Women's Super League newcomers Crystal Palace.

The Australian, who joined from Real Madrid in the summer, opened the scoring before second-half goals from Jess Naz, Drew Spence and Olga Ahtinen rounded off a convincing victory for Robert Vilahamn's side.

Palace ended their first ever WSL game with 10 as substitute Brooke Aspin was sent off for two bookings in a matter of seconds in stoppage time.

Tottenham started brightly with Raso, who previously enjoyed spells at Everton and Manchester City, at the heart of everything.

The 30-year-old's was a goal to remember as she collected the ball midway inside the Palace half, surrounded by three defenders, but jinked her way into the box and rolled a pinpoint finish into the far corner.

Laura Kaminski's visitors absorbed that blow and grew into the game as the half went on, albeit without managing to create any chances of note.

Raso should have doubled Spurs' lead just before the break but, after being left unmarked 10 yards out, her shot was too close to Shae Yanez in the Palace goal.

It was one of 13 saves in a hugely impressive performance from Yanez, one of seven debutants in the starting XI, but she was helpless to resist Tottenham's second-half onslaught.

Naz ran onto Spence's no-look pass to finish at the second attempt soon after the break and with the away side looking increasingly tired, Spurs pressed on relentlessly.

Spence made it three with a clinical near-post finish after Bethany England's clever flick found her on the edge of the box and Ahtinen came off the bench to rifle an unstoppable strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

Only Yanez's sharp reflexes prevented matters getting worse for Palace but with frustration building Aspin, on loan from Chelsea, angrily kicked the ball away after the referee adjudged she had tripped Spurs' Anna Csiki.

A yellow card for each offence saw Aspin shown the red to end a difficult first day in the top flight for the visitors.

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Ange Postecolgou: Tottenham manager's relationship with fans

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The mood at Tottenham Hotspur has changed dramatically within a year.

At the start of his tenure last season, new manager Ange Postecoglou started his reign by going on a 10-game unbeaten run built around his progressive style of play after the troubled spells of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

Twelve months on, discontent is bubbling to the surface in north London as sections of the fan base increasingly lose patience with the Australian.

Just one win in the first four league games, including a 1-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal, has seen Postecoglou receive criticism from some supporters before Saturday's home game against Brentford (15:00 BST).

In midweek there were boos at the manager's decision to substitute teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall in a fortunate 2-1 win at Coventry City in the Carabao Cup amid an increasingly negative conversation around the club on social media.

At Friday's news conference, Postecoglou joked ironically about having a cake made for him when asked about becoming the first manager to last a full 38-game season at Spurs since Mauricio Pochettino in the 2018-19 campaign.

"It [the negativity] doesn't seep into my environment. The fans are free to feel how they want to feel and it doesn't impact me or what we are trying to achieve.

"If you're swimming against the tide, that's alright, that makes you stronger. I think a big part of it [is change], when there is real change it unsettles people and they want comfort and security, but I came in here to try to do something that hasn't been done for a while.

"You can't just think me walking in will change things, you've got to change things and it can be unsettling but it is necessary for us to achieve what we want to."

After Wednesday's match at Coventry, Postecoglou's response was "I don't make substitutions by poll" in response to a question about the reaction to Bergvall's withdrawal.

After a period when fans warmed to Postecoglou's frank and funny responses in media duties, recent exchanges with journalists have been more fractious.

In May, the 59-year-old could not comprehend the thought of a Spurs fan hoping to lose to Manchester City because denying their opponents a win could have handed Arsenal the title.

He said "100 per cent of Spurs fans" wanted his team to win and he would "never understand" those who did not.

During the 2-0 defeat which followed, some supporters in the ground appeared happy to see their team lose amid a strange atmosphere. Postecoglou called it "the worst experience" of his 26-year management career.

He also had to defend last week's talk of "always" winning trophies in his second season, saying it was "fact" and not "me boasting".

On Thursday, BBC Sport askedTottenham fans for their views on the situation:

Edward: It was a win [against Coventry]. Now give Ange a break and let him get on with his job in peace. He is only in his second season in charge, so he has got to be given plenty of time. Mikel Arteta has been in charge of Arsenal for years and only now is he really reaping his rewards. Ange is the best manager we have had since Mauricio Pochettino. Let Ange develop and deliver our results!

Charlie: This season is already looking like a copy of last season. We look like an absolute mess. We were flattered at Everton but we are getting found out now. Ange seems out of his depth and, from his comments about winning things in his second season, I can only think he knows he is not going to last until May.

Postecoglou inherited a team built by four managers in four years as the club struggled for stability following Pochettino's sacking in 2019.

Harry Kane's contract was running down and the striker was expected to leave, eventually joining Bayern Munich in a deal worth up to £100m.

No alternative was signed and his deputy Richarlison suffered an injury hit season.

Despite the signing of Dominic Solanke for £65m this summer, Spurs have been significantly outspent by rivals such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City on transfers over a 10-year period, according to a recent CIES Football Observatory report.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton - who admired Postecoglou's work at his former club Celtic - said: "Postecoglou has been in for just over a season - so to think he took them from eighth to fifth is an improvement, while selling Harry Kane.

"We are [only] four games in and some of the nonsense I have heard after the game has been ridiculous."

Postecoglou is focused on what he believes is right - whether it is popular with sections of the supporters or not.

His direct and open communication is refreshing but his single-minded belief frustrates some supporters, who wonder if he lacks the ability to change when his ideas are not working.

Yet, there has to be some appreciation that Postecoglou is a manager making decisions that are designed to be of long-term benefit, including making eight changes in the Carabao Cup to give minutes to the wider squad and young players despite risking defeat at Coventry.

It could also be argued anger towards Postecoglou is part of a wider frustration with the leadership of chairman Daniel Levy.

Postecoglou's run at the beginning of last season took pressure off the ownership before last season's fan forum, which is a rare chance to hear from Levy, but sentiment has since nose-dived before the same event on Monday for the 2024-25 season.

The hiring and firing of managers, a mixed transfer record and rising ticket prices are all part of the picture for match-going fans.

Levy's choice to bring in the former Celtic boss was with a long-term rebuild in mind around young players - similar to the project embarked upon at Arsenal under Arteta - which took three years to win over the majority of the fan base.

Rocks in the road were inevitable. Levy and Postecoglou must hope the team can avoid further setbacks that could make the atmosphere more gloomy around a project that 12 months ago looked nothing but positive.

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Ange Postecoglou: Ivan Toney considered before Dominic Solanke signing

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Postecoglou says Spurs considered Toney and defends Solanke. Video, 00:00:53Postecoglou says Spurs considered Toney and defends Solanke

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Tottenham considered Toney move before signing Solanke - Postecoglou

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Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham considered signing Ivan Toney before Dominic Solanke and fans should not "rush to judgement" on the £65m striker.

Solanke, 27, has yet to score for Spurs in his three appearances this season since joining from Bournemouth in August.

Fellow England striker Toney eventually moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli from Brentford for £40m on deadline day.

Spurs have won just one of their four Premier League games and host Brentford on Saturday.

"We did look at him [Toney] but Dom was the one we wanted that fitted the profile we were looking for at the time," said Postecoglou.

And the Spurs boss stressed that Solanke's lack of goals in his first two Premier League games is not an issue.

"Just take a breath, do a little bit of yoga, think about the world for a second and then make an assessment after," he added.

"We don't have to rush to make judgement all the time because the alternative is he may have got off to a great start, he is fit, scored in all four games, is flying and then he goes through a patch like all strikers where he doesn't score.

"I just don't look at those things. What I look at is he has come in, fitted really well and quite logically has picked up an injury that has disrupted the way he wanted to start his career, but he's still got plenty of time for that."

There is significant talk about discontent from Spurs fans ahead of Saturday's London derby with Brentford.

"Yes, they had a cake for me," Postecoglou replied when asked about becoming the first manager to last a full season at Spurs since Mauricio Pochettino in the 2018-19 campaign.

"It [the negativity] doesn't seep into my environment. The fans are free to feel how they want to feel and it doesn't impact me or what we are trying to achieve.

"For me, you can get overly impacted in both ways, we just have to stay clear-eyed and focused on what we want to achieve and what kind of team we want to be.

He added: "If you're swimming against the tide, that's alright, that makes you stronger. I think a big part of it [is change], when there is real change it unsettles people and they want comfort and security, but I came in here to try to do something that hasn't been done for a while.

"You can't just think me walking in will change things, you've got to change things and it can be unsettling but it is necessary for us to achieve what we want to."

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Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou on Brennan Johnson

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Forward Brennan Johnson can be a "significant contributor" for Tottenham Hotspur if he gets through his challenging spell, says head coach Ange Postecoglou.

The 23-year-old scored a dramatic late winner for Spurs in Wednesday's Carabao Cup victory over Championship side Coventry City, but remained muted in his celebrations.

The goal came after Johnson reportedly deactivated his Instagram account because of criticism in the wake of the derby defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

"With Brennan, you know I spoke about it [on Tuesday] that he comes in, works hard at his game and when you're an attacking player, you're always kind of getting measured against certain things," Postecoglou said.

"I said, if he can get through this period and just be positive and play like he can, he can be a significant contributor to us and credit to him. He got a good goal."

Johnson has scored six goals since joining Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a fee in excess of £45m last September, with Postecoglou saying he is "probably lacking a bit of confidence".

On Wednesday, the Tottenham boss added it is "sad" that abuse on social media has become common.

"I hate how we've just normalised all that stuff," the 59-year-old added.

Before moving to Spurs, the Wales player scored 29 goals and contributed 12 assists in 108 appearances for Forest.

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League Cup LIVE: Brighton v Wolves & Coventry v Tottenham - radio commentary & text updates

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Coventry 0-0 Tottenham

Norman Bassette, on the right side of the penalty area for Coventry, tries his luck, but Timo Werner has tracked his man well and slid in to get a vital block and send the ball away for a corner.

From that set piece, it is a good inswinging delivery from the right by Jack Rudoni, but Fraser Forster does well to get a vital punch clear.

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Coventry 0-0 Tottenham

Mark Robins will be very happy with how his Coventry side have dealt with Premier League Spurs so far. Dominic Solanke looked to bustle his way into the penalty area, and it took two home players teaming up to stop him.

Twenty-five minutes in and Tottenham yet to have a shot on or off target.

SUBSTITUTION

Coventry 0-0 Tottenham

Tottenham have been forced into an early change after only 17 minutes as Wilson Odobert looks to have done his hamstring and has to go off, replaced by Brennan Johnson.

A game of few chances so far. Timo Werner did get to the edge of the Coventry penalty area but then couldn't find the decisive pass and the opportunity was wasted.

GREAT SAVE!

Brighton 1-0 Wolves

Wolves' best moment of the match by some distance. Joao Gomes, who lost possession for Brighton's goal, slides it to Goncalo Guedes, just outside the corner of the penalty area.

Despite being at a tight angle, Guedes fires a blaster at the home goal, which Jason Steele has to acrobatically tip over the top.

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Brighton 1-0 Wolves

Jose Sa in the Wolves goal nearly gifts Brighton a second goal as a heavy first touch from a backpass puts himself in a world of trouble.

He has to show some nifty footwork to get away from the fast-approaching Evan Ferguson with another touch to avoid Yankuba Minteh.

At the other end, a rare Wolves chance, but Goncalo Guedes' header is never threatening Jason Steele's goal and goes miles over.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Brighton 1-0 Wolves

Brighton have the ball in the net again, but this one won't count. Yankuba Minteh slides the ball in at the back post after Jose Sa had parried Evan Ferguson's low effort, but the assistant's flag is raised and it's no goal.

No VAR today, so the on-field decisions won't be changed.

GREAT SAVE!

Coventry 0-0 Tottenham

Almost a goal for the Championship side inside the opening 70 seconds. Back-up Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster gets himself into trouble with a loose pass out from goal, it falls to Jack Rudoni, who gets a sweet connection on his 25-yard strike at goal.

But Forster redeems himself with an excellent save at full stretch diving low to his left to push it away.

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Brighton 0-0 Wolves

Brighton are looking a threat. A give and go ends with Simon Adingra fizzing a low cross into the penalty area from the left but Wolves centre-half Alfie Pond, who has made an encouraging start on his big day, is at the near post and able to eliminate the danger.

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Brighton 0-0 Wolves

A first shot of the match and it is straight at Jose Sa, who will be keen to impress after losing his Wolves first-team spot to Sam Johnstone.

Again Yankuba Minteh is heavily involved in the build-up, he slid a well-weighted pass through to Evan Ferguson and he hit a snap shot with his first touch, but Sa was well placed to deal with it.

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Brighton 0-0 Wolves

A bright start for Brighton. Yankuba Minteh, hogging the right touchline for the hosts, is good enough to sprint at the away defence, he gets into the penalty area, but Matt Doherty just about does enough to ensure he doesn't get any further and also doesn't get a penalty.

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Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham boss says 'second-season trophy' remark not a 'boast'

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is "amazed" and "confused" by negative reaction to his comment about "always" winning trophies in his second season.

The 59-year-old made the remark following Spurs' 1-0 home defeat by north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

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Ange Postecoglou: Spurs manager says "second-season trophy" remark not a "boast"

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has defended his comment about "always" winning trophies in his second season - and says he is "amazed" and "confused" by negative reaction.

The 59-year-old made the remark following Spurs' 1-0 home defeat by north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

He told Sky Sports: "I'll correct myself - I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed."

Speaking on Tuesday before Spurs' Carabao Cup tie at Coventry, the former Celtic boss said: "It's amazing, isn't it? I just stated a fact. Am I supposed to just lie or just say it never happened?

"But do you really think it's me sort of boasting?

"It's just confusing to me that people are making a big deal out of something. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to answer something that is true.

"I've just said something that's true, and it seems like it's upset a lot of people for some reason."

Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League after a drop in form in the second half of last season, and are 13th this campaign with one win in four.

Their last trophy was the 2008 League Cup - the only competition they have won in the 21st Century.

Postecoglou won the Australian title with both South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar, and the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos - all in his second season or second full season in charge.

He also won the Asian Cup two years after becoming Australia manager, and the Scottish championship in both seasons with Celtic.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford: Premier League - BBC Sport

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The team scoring first has won none of the last four Premier League meetings between Tottenham and Brentford (D2 L2), with Spurs coming from behind to win this exact fixture 3-2 last season.

Brentford have won just one of their six Premier League meetings with Tottenham (D3 L2), a 3-1 away win in May 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur have won just four points in the Premier League this season (W1 D1 L2), their fewest at this stage since 2015-16 (3). Spurs haven’t lost three of their opening five games since 2008-09 under Juande Ramos, who left the club eight winless games into that season.

Brentford have lost 12 of their last 16 away Premier League matches (W3 D1) – all four of their away London derbies in this sequence have been lost.

Spurs have lost seven of their last 11 Premier League matches (W3 D1) – since the start of this run on April 13, only Wolves have suffered more defeats in the competition (8).

Tottenham Hotspur have forced the most high turnovers in the Premier League this season (47) and have the lowest PPDA figure in the competition (6.2). They’ve also enjoyed the most possession (67.8%) and allowed their opponents to complete just 795 passes so far, 301 fewer than any other side.

Each of Brentford’s last seven Premier League goals have been scored by African players, all by either Yoane Wissa (4) or Bryan Mbeumo (3). Excluding own goals, 34% of their goals have been netted by Africans (55/162), with only Portsmouth having a higher percentage in Premier League history (42%).

Only Nottingham Forest (27) have conceded more set piece goals (incl. penalties) in the Premier League since the start of last season than Tottenham (25). Among all managers who’ve conceded more than 50 goals in Premier League history, only four have a higher percentage of goals conceded via set pieces than Ange Postecoglou (25/65, 38.5%).

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken has made 22 saves in four Premier League matches this season, six more than any other goalkeeper. Since 2003-04, only one goalkeeper has ever made more saves in a team’s first four games in a season – Tim Krul for Newcastle in 2015-16 (23).

Only Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White (11) has created more open play chances in the Premier League this season than Tottenham’s Pedro Porro (10). He is the only player to have created four or more open play chances in two different games this season (4 vs Leicester, 4 vs Arsenal).

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Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal highlights: How 'savvy' set-piece from Gunners was difference in north London derby

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