The Mirror

Tottenham star waited in tunnel for Liverpool keeper Alisson as exchange caught on camera

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham forward Richarlison waited in the tunnel for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker after Sunday's match.

On the weekend, Arne Slot's side hit Tottenham for six in a dominant 6-3 victory in North London. It was Ange Postecoglou's side's eighth Premier League defeat in 17 matches and the latest example of the club shipping huge amounts of goals at home.

When the whistle was blown, Richarlison, 27, who has been out with a hamstring injury since November, waited in the tunnel for Alisson. However, their exchange was positive, with their friendship deriving from the substantial time they spend together on international duty with Brazil.

Despite the result, Richarlison was more than happy to reunite with the shot-stopper, who has had to fight his own injury issues this season, as spotted on Liverpool's tunnel cam on YouTube.

Richarlison could be seen standing between the changing rooms in the corridor of the tunnel, wearing a large Tottenham winter coat with his hood up. As Alisson walked past, the ex-Roma keeper, stopped, smiled and hugged his compatriot

While they were embracing, James Maddison, who scored an impressive goal against him in the first-half, also shook hands with Alisson. After a brief moment, Richarlison and Alisson went back to their respective changing rooms.

Aside from the reunion with his international team-mate, there was little for Richarlison or any other Tottenham player to smile about. The loss means they will sit down for their Christmas dinner while in 11th place in the Premier League.

They will be hoping they can overcome Liverpool in the semi-finals of the League Cup, as winning a domestic trophy appears to be their best hope of qualifying for European football next season. Many of Spurs' struggles can be put down to the injury crisis they are enduring at the back of the field.

They are missing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders: Micky van der Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies. However, Postecoglou insisted he will not be changing his ways any time soon.

After the match, he said: "The challenges we have from a squad perspective are as obvious as you want to make them. I get the idea that people think I should just flip a switch and change, and somehow that will miraculously make us a better team.

"It is what it is. I'm just going to continue, stay focused on trying to build this team to be the team we want. In the interim, we are going to accept there are going to be challenges along the way."

In a prickly exchange with BBC Sport, the Australian added: "If you want to discount the fact we're missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and left-back and that hasn't coincided with what we're doing... I don't know what to say anymore.

"It's fairly significant, if you took out Liverpool's goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back - or any team other than Liverpool, they'd find it tough going as well."

Source

Ange Postecoglou makes telling admission on losing it with reporter after Liverpool defeat

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has claimed reporters have tried to "poke the bear" with him this season after his angry response to a reporter who questioned his style of play.

The Australian gave a spiky reply after his side's 6-3 loss to Liverpool when asked about the team's struggles to maintain their high-intensity and demanding attacking philosophy. He insisted the team's injury crisis - which has seen them lose nine players - played a huge part in their heavy defeat and recent struggles.

"I'm just going to stop answering these questions," he said at the time. "If people can't see the obvious I‘m not going to point it out. Make of it what you want, yes we're conceding goals. If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and left-back and that hasn't coincided with what we're doing… I don’t know what to say anymore."

Tottenham's first choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have all been out for a lengthy spell, while left-back Destiny Udogie was missing against Liverpool.

Ahead of his side's trip to Nottingham Forsest on Boxing Day - which is set to see Udogie return - Postecoglou insisted he was not angry after the Liverpool game but claimed it was normal for a manager to not be "cheery" after a painful defeat.

"I wasn't angry, but I don't know many managers that bounce into interviews after a defeat and are all cheery," he said. "Fair to say I am getting tired of the same questions over and over and I just think it's almost like people want to sort of poke the bear to see if I react. And obviously after a loss, it's a lot easier for people to get a reaction out of me."

Spurs were at sixes and sevens against the Reds on Sunday as Arne Slot's men went 5-1 up before the London outfit threatened an unlikely comeback to make it 5-3 before the league leaders finished them off. Postecoglou was asked if he had seen a reaction to the damaging defeat and the 59-year-old insisted the players still had belief.

He said: "I still feel like the players, and I see, that they have still got real belief in what we are doing. It is difficult because it is a tough day for the supporters, the players and for all the people who work so hard at the club.

"What I try and sort of reiterate is that it's all hopefully for a greater purpose. And, again, that's my ultimate responsibility is to try and bring success to the club. But you understand in the meantime, you know, it's not nice seeing the players out there doing everything in their power to try and get a result.

"Obviously with the situation we're in there are limits to what they can do. So you feel, I certainly feel that responsibility. But as disappointed as they are, they're still very, very determined to continue."

Source

Gary Lineker thinks Liverpool bashing wasn't Ange Postecoglou's fault for brutal reason

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Ex-Tottenham striker Gary Lineker reckons that Liverpool would have triumphed over Spurs on Sunday regardless of the tactics employed by Ange Postecoglou in their 6-3 defeat – simply because the Reds are a far superior team.

The Lilywhites were trounced at home by Arne Slot's unstoppable side as Postecoglou watched his team fall to a 5-1 deficit with only 60 minutes on the clock. Although Spurs did manage a partial comeback, pulling the score back to 5-3 after Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke netted in the final 20 minutes, it wasn't enough as Luis Diaz bagged his second of the match to make it six and seal a thrilling victory for table-topping Liverpool.

Postecoglou has faced severe criticism for his tactical approach in some of Spurs' most significant losses this season, despite grappling with numerous injuries, particularly in defence. However, Lineker believes that Spurs wouldn't have been able to compete with Slot's squad regardless of the line-up they fielded or whatever strategy their Australian manager implemented.

James Maddison had clawed one back for Spurs in the first half after Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister put the visitors 2-0 up within 35 minutes. With Liverpool's lead cut in half, it seemed like Postecoglou's team had a shot at mounting a comeback.

Yet, moments later and right before half time, Dominik Szoboszlai broke through and slotted the ball through Fraser Forster's legs as Spurs suffered from another rapid counter-attack. Their players were once again caught out while pressing high at arguably the wrong moment.

Game management and adapting to the match situation are factors often brought up with Spurs by pundits, particularly as they could have regrouped for a second-half push being just 2-1 down, if only they held out until the half-time whistle. Instead, trailing 3-1 going into the break, Spurs never truly managed to put Liverpool on edge again.

Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, asserted that Liverpool were just too formidable and that there was an inevitable outcome, showing how far former Champions League regulars Spurs have dropped in recent times. "When those two teams lined up today, you thought, well, however Tottenham shape up, and they're going to get beaten by that [Liverpool] side, particularly if they're playing that well," Lineker said, as per Football London..

The former England forward suggested that Spurs' scintillating form in front of goal under Postecoglou – that has led them to being the leading goalscorers in the Premier League this season with 39 goals – might be a draw for supporters, enthralled by the exhilarating style of play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Spurs still find themselves in 11th position – a situation many fans lay at the feet of Daniel Levy and the board, accusing them of failing to support the manager adequately in the transfer market and leaving him with a team that lacks the depth needed to compete at the top. Frustration towards Levy was palpable both inside and around the stadium on Sunday as protests took place.

"It's Tottenham. I mean, they're gung ho, we know that," Lineker added. "And he [Postecoglou] doesn't change things just because he's got a few injuries and played boring football.

"I mean, every time Tottenham play, I think, and some of the fans will disagree with me, and that's absolutely fine because we know it's a results business. But you must look forward to going to see the games and not knowing quite what to expect."

His podcast colleague, Alan Shearer, said that it was perhaps naive and impulsive behaviour from some players that led Spurs to press Liverpool just before the half-time whistle, consequently leaving themselves exposed for the Reds to all but seal the game's fate. "Sometimes, as a player or a team, you have to take responsibility without your manager, without whatever way he wants to play," Shearer said.

"You know, they get to 2-1 today and a minute before halftime, it's still gung-ho. You just say, 'okay, we've actually taken a beating in that first half. If we can get to 2-1, we've probably been extremely lucky'. So once you get that goal, you say, 'okay, two minutes to half time, let's just see'.

"But yet, they still commit so many men forward and then get hit on the break. And once Liverpool get that third one, just before the break, you're thinking, done. I thought that minute cost them the game. And then they were never going to come back from that."

Spurs are now gearing up for a challenging visit to fourth-placed Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Source

Arsenal vs Newcastle and Liverpool vs Spurs Carabao Cup semi

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Arsenal, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have seen their Carabao Cup semi-final schedules confirmed.

The Gunners take on Newcastle and Premier League-leaders Liverpool take on Spurs for a place in the final. Ties take place over two legs for the only time in the competition.

The first leg of the tie between Arsenal and Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool versus Tottenham Hotspur will be broadcast live on ITV1, in addition to all fixtures being shown on Sky Sports. Fixtures take place over January 7/8 and February 5/6 before the final takes place on March 16 2025.

Liverpool will have hopes of winning a first trophy under Arne Slot by retaining the final title they earned under Jurgen Klopp. They will have been buoyed by their 6-3 victory over Spurs at the weekend.

Cup success for Ange Postecoglou would go some way to alleviating the pressure he is currently under. The Carabao Cup is the last trophy Spurs lifted in 2008 and this season the Lilywhites have seen greater progress than when they were knocked out in the second round last term.

Newcastle were beaten finalists in 2023 and reached the quarter-finals 12 months ago and will also hope to break their trophy duck under Eddie Howe. The Gunners have won just two of their last six outings against the Magpies.

Mikel Arteta is hoping that success in the cup can drive his Arsenal side onto greater success. Speaking last week he explained how it could provide a galvanising effect.

“I think so,” he said. “I fully believe in that: the fact that you are winning and you get into the next round and it creates something different around the team, and that is why these kind of games are so important.

“ It is really helpful. It brings belief, trust, positive energy, touching the cup, and being in the semi-final and beating somebody in the final; it is that energy and it creates the right path to go and do something else, particularly because of the timing and when the competition is played in this country, it gets that momentum going.”

Carabao Cup semi-final fixtures

Arsenal v Newcastle United Tuesday 7 January, 20:00hrs

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool Wednesday 8 January, 20:00hrs

Newcastle United v Arsenal Wednesday 5 February, 20:00hrs

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur Thursday 6 February, 20:00hrs

Source

Liverpool hit six past Spurs to pull clear in Premier League title race

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Liverpool handed boss Arne Slot an early Christmas present with a dominant win over Tottenham on Sunday.

Goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai saw the Reds take control in the first-half. Mohamed Salah added two strikes of his own in the second-half to ensure it was a perfect evening for the visitors.

It means they will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day and are in full control of the title race. James Maddison had pulled a goal back in the first-half but even at that point, the hosts appeared resigned to defeat.

They did gain hope of a stunning comeback in the second-half when Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke scored in the final 20 minutes, but Diaz's second goal with six minutes to go put the game to bed. Here, Mirror Football looks at the biggest talking points as Liverpool marched on.

Liverpool march on

If it wasn't obvious before, it is now abundantly clear that this is Liverpool's title to lose. Tottenham has been a tricky place for the Reds to visit in past years, but Arne Slot passed his first Spurs test with flying colours.

Slot's side were utterly dominant on Sunday night, with Spurs never having more than a slight glimmer of a result. Their pressing made it difficult for Spurs to break out of their own half and much of the first period was attack versus defence.

Alisson was barely troubled in the Liverpool goal, while Spurs' defence was kept busy throughtout the game. Liverpool are now four points clear of second-place Chelsea, six ahead of third-place Arsenal and a whopping 12 clear of champions Manchester City, with a game in hand against all of those sides.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Liverpool hammered Tottenham? Comment below.

Trent sends a message

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of three Reds stars to be out of contract in the summer. He sent a clear message to Liverpool chiefs that they have to prioritise his future with another starring performance in this win.

Up against Son Heung-Min, the Englishman successfully stifled the Spurs captain to prove his defensive credentials deserve more praise. But it was going forward where Alexander-Arnold unsurprisingly caught the eye.

He delivered an inch-perfect cross for Luis Diaz to open the scoring with a header 23 minutes in. With Real Madrid sniffing around, Liverpool need to act quickly if they are to keep hold of a player who is undoubtedly among the best right-backs in the world.

More questions for Postecoglou

Tottenham appeared to have little answer to Liverpool's powerful performance. The hosts had just two shots on target in the first-half, one of which was virtually gifted to them by Alexis Mac Allister's slip.

They were overwhelmed by Liverpool in the first-half and struggled to break out of their own third. The performance will only add to the questions being aimed at Ange Postecoglou for his stubborness over his side's style of play.

To cap that all off, it was the first time Spurs have conceded five goals at home for 10 years. The defeat means Spurs head into Christmas in the bottom half, nine points adrift of the top four, with the pressure on Postecoglou increasing.

Szoboszlai's standout day

There were a number of impressive performers among Liverpool's squad but Dominik Szoboszlai was a standout. The midfielder was at the heart of everything the visitors did to subdue their opponents.

He played a key role in Mac Allister's goal, beating the challenges of Archie Gray and Djed Spence to head the ball into the path of the Argentine to nod home. He was again at the heart of things for his own strike.

After Alexander-Arnold's long ball forward, Szoboszlai again won the aerial challenge, this time against Radu Dragusin. He then continued his run forward before slotting in past Fraser Forster, to put the game to bed. He added another assist in the second-half for Salah to strike to round off his day.

Record-breaking Salah

At this point, it seems like Mohamed Salah sets a new record every week. His assist for Szoboszlai's goal ensured he became the first player to reach double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas in a Premier League season in the history of the competition.

He then added two more goals in the second-half to claim sole occupancy of fourth place in the list of Liverpool's all-time scorers and first place in this year's Golden Boot race. It has been a remarkable season for Salah and it is a sign of his talent that he played such a key role given his otherwise quiet performance.

Spurs left-back Djed Spence had the better of their one-on-one battles, but Salah still found a way to make an impact. The Egyptian has surely proven beyond all doubt that he is deserving of a new contract.

Source

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool prediction, odds and betting offer

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool to their home ground for a Premier League fixture that promises plenty of action and goals. Both teams come into this match on the back of eventful EFL Cup outings, with Liverpool easing past Southampton and Spurs securing a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United.

Tottenham's recent performances have been a rollercoaster, marked by both brilliance and vulnerability. In their midweek clash against Manchester United, goalkeeper Fraser Forster had a mixed outing, making two costly errors that allowed United back into the game after Spurs had taken a commanding 3-0 lead. Despite these setbacks, Spurs emerged victorious thanks to Son Heung-Min's extraordinary goal directly from a corner kick, sealing the win.

Spurs’ season has been one of ups and downs, with inconsistent results such as a surprising 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich followed by an emphatic 4-0 triumph over Manchester City. Their attacking prowess was again on display in a 5-0 rout of Southampton, though defensive frailties were evident in a chaotic 4-3 loss to Chelsea. At home, Tottenham have struggled for defensive solidity, managing just one clean sheet in eight matches but scoring in seven of those games.

Liverpool arrive at this fixture in outstanding form, having recorded an impressive record including just one defeat across all competitions this season. Their recent away games have been particularly entertaining, featuring a total of 15 goals in three matches, with both teams scoring at least twice each time. This attacking flair will be something Tottenham will need to be wary of as they seek to contain Liverpool’s potent forward line.

With both sides known for their attacking capabilities and occasional defensive lapses, fans can expect a high-scoring affair. Tottenham will look to leverage their offensive talents, with players like Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane aiming to exploit any weaknesses in Liverpool’s defence. Meanwhile, Liverpool will rely on their relentless attacking style to break down Spurs' backline.

For Tottenham, this match is an opportunity to demonstrate consistency and resilience against top-tier opposition. For Liverpool, it’s about maintaining their superb form and continuing their pursuit of silverware. Both teams have much to play for, making this encounter one that promises excitement from start to finish.

Tottenham vs Liverpool Odds

Spurs- 16/5 (CopyBet)

Draw - 16/5 (CopyBet)

Liverpool - 8/11 (CopyBet)

Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting Tips

Liverpool to win and both teams to score - 7/5 (CopyBet)

Mo Salah to score anytime - 87/100 (CopyBet)

Over 2.5 goals - 3/10 (CopyBet)

Tottenham vs Liverpool Betting Offer

Bookies CopyBet are offering new customers £50 free bets when they place a £10 qualifying bet.

Simply register and bet £10 on a single bet on the match on minimum 1.9 odds and CopyBet will give you five free bets worth £10 each to place on football, horse racing and other popular sports too.

New UK customers only. The qualifying bet should be either a Single or Acca (2+ selections) bet, start at £10, have 1.9 or greater odds and must be settled within 7 days of sign-up. 5 Free bets which must be placed with a min odds of 2 include: 1 x £10 Pre-match Football game (single); 1 x £10 Horse Racing (single); 1 x £10 Acca (min 2 selections); 1 x £10 Acca (min 3 selections); 1 x £10 Acca (min 4 selections). Max payout – £500. 7 day expiry. To unlock the offer, complete the first deposit via the banking app (Open banking). 18+

Full terms and conditions apply |gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only

Gamble responsibly

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

Source

'I blame one person for Liverpool disaster – I much preferred playing for Tottenham'

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Robbie Keane blames former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for his unsuccessful spell at Liverpool, as the coach played him 'out of position'.

The Irishman, who retired in 2018, joined the Reds in 2008 for £19million from Tottenham Hotspur – but he headed back to north London after just six months at Anfield. Keane made 28 appearances for Liverpool, scoring just seven goals and assisting five times.

During this fateful season, Benetiz's side were challenging for the Premier League title and Keane was brought in to help the team. However, they were beaten to the trophy by Manchester United by just four points.

At the time, Keane opened up about the real reason his career never took off on Merseyside – and it was down to Benitez playing the striker out of position. Speaking to Graham Hunter of Pundit Arena in 2017, the former Premier League star believes the Liverpool manager was at fault for experimenting with his line-up.

Keane said: "He wanted to change me to a left winger. I am clearly not a left winger, and that is obviously clear for everyone to see. The first 20 minutes he wanted me to play left wing, and obviously I had never played it before, so it was new to me.

"When I did play up front I scored goals. But when I did play, I wasn't going to play the next day, which for a striker is very difficult. He tried to turn me into something I'm not, and that was always going to be a recipe for disaster as someone used to scoring goals."

The 44-year-old did say that he had "respect" for Benitez despite his decisions, and even claimed his tactics were the best he'd ever experienced. Keane said: "I respect every manager I've worked with.

"They all have their ideas, different ideas, and whether I agree with them it doesn't matter. I'm not a left-winger, as we've established from 20 years of playing football, but tactically he was probably one of the best I've worked with. He knows the game inside out."

Following his retirement, Keane also admitted that Tottenham is the club he will hold closest to his heart. He said: "I had the great privilege to represent and captain Tottenham over 238 games. I had many wonderful times there and I will look back on my days at White Hart Lane with great fondness. The club will always hold a special place in my heart."

He added: "To all those who believed in me, supported me and picked me up when I needed a hand, you can never know how much that has all meant. It was an honour to represent you."

Source

Tottenham v Liverpool: Best bets for all Sunday’s Premier League games

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Christmas has come early for the fun-loving neutral as Liverpool head to Tottenham (4.30pm).

It’s got all the makings for superb entertainment.

Mind you, they said the same about Strictly Come Xmas Pointless On Ice, which was a mirthless marathon and hard to follow, though I might have dreamt that one.

Last season Spurs got their skates on with a last-gasp own-goal to pip the nine-man Reds 2-1, before Liverpool bossed a six-goal tear-up at Anfield.

Goals all round looks a fair shout today, and two prices spring out from the long list of possibles.

Punt Mo Salah ‘anytime scorer’ at 20/21 (Bet365, Boylesport), which is so tasty on his data this season, and Dejan Kulusevski at 15/8 (Paddy) ‘score or assist’, ditto.

Manchester United welcome Bournemouth (2pm) after the Ruben Amorim era hit a Carabao Cup bump on Thursday.

No midweek exertions for the Cherries, but injuries are starting to bite them.

There’s just a whiff of Fergie spirit on the breeze at United – and old spice Bruno Fernandes ‘score or assist’ smells right at 10/11 (Paddy).

No Armando Broja for Everton against his parent club Chelsea (2pm), taking Sean Dyche’s attacking possibilities from vanishingly small to vanishingly smaller.

The Toffees have scored zero goals in five of their past six games, making the four that Wolves conceded look like a sackable offence on their own.

Veteran Ashley Young will get a brutal workout against Chelsea’s fizzy wing options – and the 9/4 (Paddy) he’s ‘shown a card’ is worth a go.

Idrissa Gueye is another ripe Toffee candidate for a booking – get on at 11/4 (Bet365).

It’s a bit early for buoyant Fulham to be dreaming of playing PSG and Milan, but they can probably stop worrying about Preston and Millwall.

Not so Southampton (2pm) and their interim boss. Expect baby steps from Simon Rusk.

Take 11/2 (Betway) for Fulham’s Antonee Robinson (left) ‘OVER 0.5 assists’ and Alex Iwobi ‘score or assist’ at 13/10 (Paddy).

Leicester-Wolves (2pm) is ripe for Jamie Vardy ‘score or assist’ at 13/10 (Paddy).

Source

Tottenham urged to SACK Ange Postecoglou and hire Premier League rival by former star

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Tottenham should get Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou because the Spurs boss is tactically naive, according to Jamie O’Hara.

The Aussie manager is under increasing pressure after winning only one game in seven before Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Rangers.

And Postecoglou also went to confront his own travelling fans after the Premier League defeat at Bournemouth. The former Celtic boss is proud of his record of winning a trophy in every second season with his clubs and Tottenham are still competing in the Carabao Cup and Europa League with the FA Cup to come.

But the 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea on Sunday left them down in 11th place in the Premier League.

YOU DECIDE! Cast your vote for Fans' Footballer of the Year 2024

And former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara says: “If Ange Postecoglou keeps playing in the same way, then I’m afraid he’ll have to go, I’m sorry but Daniel Levy will have to get rid of him. You can’t go on with that football and style of defending any longer.”

“I love Thomas Frank and I’d have him at Spurs every day of the week if Ange left. I think he’d be a great fit as Tottenham’s manager if we could get him out of Brentford. He’s been brilliant there and if Ange does leave – he’d be someone I’d look at.”

Dane Frank joined Brentford as an assistant head coach in 2016 and took over the main job two years later. Taking the Bees into the Premier League for the first time - and keeping him there - saw him named as a contender to take the Manchester United job before Ruben Amorin was appointed.

Postecoglou is Tottenham’s fourth full-time manager since Mauricio Pochettino left in November 2019 with Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte all getting sacked by Tottenham owner Daniel Levy.

Cristiano Romero has now apologised for comments he made criticising the club’s owners following Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea. But O’Hara has claimed Ange Postecoglou’s lack of game management against Chelsea on Sunday was in contrast to Espírito Santo’s tactics in Nottingham Forest's weekend win over Manchester United.

“Look, Spurs went to the extreme with Jose Mourinho,” he said, speaking to Grosvenor Sport. “His football was tough to watch—defensive and rigid—but they did win games. Then Antonio Conte came in, similar story: some good stuff but still all about defence. Now they’ve swung completely the other way with Ange Postecoglou, and it’s all attack, no cohesion in the defensive structure. You need a balance—good football but also the ability to keep clean sheets.

“Nuno Espírito Santo, who Spurs binned off because his football wasn’t great, but he showed over the weekend why he’s still top-notch. Look at Forest against Man United—they played some great stuff bopping it about. But when it got to 3-2, he made changes. Straight away, subbed on defenders, switched to a 5-4-1, and said: ‘Try and break us!’ United couldn’t. That’s in-game management. Result? Three points for Forest.

“It’s not always pretty, but that’s the difference between a manager and one who knows how to adapt mid-game. Take Spurs against Chelsea—2-0 up, game should’ve been dead and buried. Instead of being horrible to watch and shutting it down, they fell apart and lost 4-3. That’s the gap between top managers. Nuno knows how to see a game out, understands his team’s strengths, and gets the job done.”

Source

Daniel Levy makes feelings clear as Cristian Romero points finger of blame at Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Description

Daniel Levy has decided that Ange Postecoglou is still the right manager for Tottenham - not long after Cristian Romero hit out at the Spurs board.

Romero limped off in the 16th minute during the North Londoners' 4-3 home loss to Chelsea. Tottenham's latest setback saw them squander an early 2-0 lead against their London rivals before losing, leaving them in a disappointing 11th place in the Premier League.

The loss highlighted the inconsistent performances that have plagued Postecoglou's tenure since his move from Celtic in the summer of 2023. After the game, Romero used his post-match media duties to lash out at those above the Australian.

Nevertheless, Spurs chairman Levy is understood to retain belief in Postecoglou. While the 62-year-old's verdict will relieve Romero, the Argentine is less than pleased with his manager's superiors.

Speaking to Telemundo, Romero said: "Manchester City fight every year for the tournament, Liverpool too, Chelsea is strengthening all the time despite the results... these are things to imitate. You have to realize that they are failing at something.

"It has always been the same in recent years. Every year, players come and go, and even the coaching staff changes, but everything remains the same.

"I hope they realise who is truly responsible for this so they can move forward because this is a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, can easily fight for the title every year."

The World Cup winner added: "Hopefully, they will realise who is truly responsible for this so we can move forward, because this is a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, can easily fight for the title every year."

During the loss, television cameras repeatedly panned to a pained-looking Levy, who did not enjoy what he was watching. Postecoglou has been under added pressure this season after suffering seven defeats from Spurs' opening 15 Premier League matches.

Despite Levy's huge role in Tottenham's new training ground and their breath-taking stadium, their barren 16-year spell without a major trophy continues to trouble fans. Despite the work Levy has done from a business point of view, Sky Sports pundit and ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher thinks somebody else should oversee the footballing operation.

Carragher said: "It's probably time for somebody else to come in because to not win a trophy in that period of time with the managers they have had, they've never really gone out of their way in the transfer market.

"They've spent decent money without blowing other teams out of the water, their wage bill is always one of the smallest and you're never going to get the best players.

"Therefore, perhaps now is the moment for Daniel Levy whom I've generally admired due to the impressive work he's accomplished but since that work is finished concerning a stadium and a training ground, it may be time for someone new to run the football side of the things."

Source