BBC

Hundreds of Tottenham fans took part in a protest showing their anger at the club's board and owners on Sunday, and calling for chairman Daniel Levy "to get out of our club".

The demonstration happened before Spurs' Premier League match at home to Southampton, with Ange Postecoglou's side 16th in the table after a disappointing campaign.

The protest was organised by the Change For Tottenham group, with fans able to buy flags and scarves, profits from the sales of which will be donated to The Tottenham Food Bank and Noah's Children's Hospice.

"Time for change," was the message on the flags, while some scarves said 'Enough is enough, Enic Out!".

The Enic Group, a British investment company, took over Tottenham in 2001.

"Built a business, killed a football club," was written on another flag.

The fans' chants included "We want Levy out," and "Daniel Levy, get out of our club." A third chant included the lines: "We don't care about Levy, he don't care about me, all I care about is [Dejan] Kulusevski."

The new stadium has hosted a number of NFL and rugby matches, as well as concerts, and fans believe Levy's priority is hosting major events instead of building a successful football team.

"Can Beyonce play in defence?" was one chant from the supporters, while another was "Guns 'n' Roses, stick them up front."

"Many lifelong Tottenham supporters feel alienated by the club's ownership and direction," said Change For Tottenham.

The fan-led group says its frustration is "primarily aimed" at owners Enic and Levy "whose tenure has been marked by financial growth but, in the eyes of many, sporting decline".

Change For Tottenham added: "The New Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a state of the art facility, but at what cost? Ticket prices are among the highest in the Premier League, forcing many fans, some of whom have supported Spurs for decades, to give up their season tickets or attend fewer games.

"For years the team has lacked investment in key areas, particularly in defence, while transfer windows have felt reactive instead of proactive. The result? Another trophy-less season looms, extending a drought that has lasted since 2008."

There are set to be more protests before and during the match, with fans urged to hold up their protest scarves and flags before the game, then again in the 24th minute, to mark 24 years of Enic ownership, and again in the 61st minute, representing the fact the club were last English champions in 1961.

It was almost a big week for Southampton, who would have surpassed the Premier League's record-lowest points total, currently held by Robbie Savage's Derby County, if they had held on to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

They came agonisingly close and in many ways I would take a Saints victory here, just so I can enjoy hosting 606 with Robbie between now and the end of the season.

You will probably all have heard him recently, banging on about what a job he has done to take big-budget Macclesfield to promotion from the Northern Premier League, but I'd like to balance things a little bit with him hanging on to his record.

I can't see Southampton taking three points here, though, even if the two other teams in the bottom three have already gone to Tottenham and won.

Spurs won 5-0 at St Mary's before Christmas, in Russell Martin's final game as Saints boss.

Ange Postecoglou's side are not playing well, so they won't score as many this time, but it should still be very comfortable for them and they might even keep a clean sheet.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Ange Postecoglou says he is the "only voice" defending Tottenham - and that other clubs receive much more backing from pundits.

The 59-year-old head coach is under substantial pressure after his side's 16th Premier League defeat of the season at Chelsea on Thursday.

Spurs host Eintracht Frankfurt in a Europa League quarter-final first leg next Thursday, with their progress in the competition likely a key factor in determining Postecoglou's future.

In a candid 40-minute conversation with the media on Friday, the Australian spoke about Tottenham needing more vocal internal and external support, why he will keep standing up to "bully" fans and how long he will last at the club.

Against Chelsea, Postecoglou cupped his ear in the direction of the travelling Spurs fans after substitute Pape Sarr, whose introduction was booed four minutes earlier, scored an equaliser that was later disallowed after a lengthy VAR check.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp criticised Postecoglou for the gesture. In response, the Australian highlighted the difference in the coverage of the two clubs.

"In the time I've been here, we've had two decisions that have gone for us against Liverpool and there has been a national campaign," he said.

He said it was telling the "big story" from the Chelsea defeat was his interaction with Spurs fans and how he has "made things more difficult" rather than about a match being "materially changed by technology".

Postecoglou claimed this is part of a pattern of other major clubs having much more prominent pundit and ex-player voices in the media than Spurs.

"I never switch on the TV and hear any sort of strong voice," he said. "The only voice you hear is me. When we're talking about the bigger clubs, there seem to be a lot more voices.

"There's never any sort of defending of the club or the club defending itself, which makes it even more difficult because every club goes through tough moments and it's how you react to them.

"That's a unique challenge, but I accepted that challenge so I've got to try to find a way to overcome it."

When asked what Spurs could be doing better, Postecoglou said: "By being more vocal. You probably hear too much from me, to be honest.

"It doesn't have to be just from people at the club. I hear plenty of people talking and defending other clubs. But it seems with Tottenham, wherever there's a sore, there's a real pile-on to sort of stick a finger in that sore and then we kind of accept our fate."

Postecoglou has also confronted individual supporters away at Fulham and at home against Leicester this season.

He defended those actions and said he will continue to stand up for what he believes is "right" by challenging those trying to goad him into a reaction on camera.

"For young people, a phone is more dangerous than any weapon in the world," he said.

"Why are you holding up a phone? What are you trying to do? So you can put it on social media and say: 'Look, I got Ange Postecoglou to react, isn't that great?' I can take it. I don't care.

"What if they take that in the school yard? As soon as I see a phone, I'm going to react. I'm not going to accept it. I'm always going to do that.

"I'm just not at that stage in my life where I'm going to accept people trying to bully you or antagonise me or try to do things that show total disrespect."

Spurs, who host bottom club Southampton on Sunday, are 14th in the Premier League table after 30 matches, 18 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Multiple sources have told BBC Sport that Postecolgou's position is under threat heading into the final weeks of the season as a consequence of a disappointing campaign.

Winning the Europa League - which would be the club's first trophy since 2008 - would be a consideration in whether he remains in the job next season but well-placed sources have indicated it may not be the overriding factor.

Tension between sections of the Spurs fanbase and Postecoglou is expected to be among the issues discussed when the time comes to decide his future.

And Postecoglou's tense relationship with fans is expected be among the factors discussed when time comes to decide the manager's future.

Also to be considered are the benefits of adopting a fresh approach under a new head coach to ensure the deficiencies that have contributed to such a poor campaign are not repeated.

Postecoglou's future - and appointing a successor if a change is made - will be the most prominent issue for the Spurs hierarchy to resolve in the coming weeks.

Asked if winning the Europa League is the only way to save his job, Postecoglou said: "If people don't really see what I'm trying to do, then I don't think they're ever going to see it, so if a trophy is the only way - it seems to be the only way - OK, let's see if we can deliver that.

"I've almost lasted two years, which is pretty good for Tottenham. At some point, the club needs to stick to something."

He added: "There's life after this for everybody, including Tottenham and including me."

Postecoglou said he had been "worn down" by injuries, issues around VAR and mounting criticism this season.

"I'm a fighter so the bigger the fight, the more I enjoy that challenge," he said. "But I can't fight against an invisible opponent, so that's the bit that's worn me down.

"I don't know how to tackle that. I can't tackle that."

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says he is not affected by the abuse he receives from some Spurs supporters and "will continue fighting".

Spurs suffered their 16th defeat in 30 Premier League games this season with Thursday night's 1-0 loss at Chelsea.

Postecoglou cupped his ear in the direction of the travelling Spurs fans after substitute Pape Sarr, whose introduction was booed four minutes earlier, scored an equaliser which was later disallowed.

Asked whether the abuse from some fans goes too far, Postecoglou said on Friday: "No, I am fine. I don't get affected by that. I will continue fighting my whole career."

He added: "I get that they [the fans] are frustrated and angry. At the same time, I understand the criticism towards me. But if anyone looked at the players and said they aren't trying - then I am sorry they are not watching the right game."

Spurs are 14th in the table with eight games left - one place above their worst Premier League finish in 1994 - and on course to finish outside the top 10 for the first time in 17 years.

With their side trailing at Stamford Bridge, the Tottenham fans chanted "you don't know what you're doing" after booing Postecoglou's decision to replace Lucas Bergvall with Sarr in the 65th minute.

But Postecoglou turned towards them and cupped his ear when Sarr appeared to have levelled, before the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Sarr on Moises Caicedo in the build-up.

Addressing that incident, Postecoglou said: "I made a mistake last night in that I celebrated a goal.

"Since VAR came in here, there were four or five incidents in Scotland and I thought I am not really going to celebrate goals.

"I just felt we needed something. Cracking goal from Pape, I heard the fans weren't happy and I felt the need to celebrate and it could be a real momentum shift to finish strong.

"My mistake was celebrating a goal, VAR defeated me, I won't be doing that again."

Postecoglou said VAR was "killing the game" in his post-match interview.

The two VAR incidents on Thursday evening took just under seven minutes to resolve, contributing to 12 minutes being added on at the end of the match.

Caicedo's strike, disallowed for a marginal offside, took just under four minutes to resolve, while Sarr's equaliser took over three minutes.

"There was 12 minutes of extra time yesterday, that's not why VAR was brought in," Postecoglou added on Friday.

"I am the lone voice. I don't hear anyone else saying it. That's why I am sat here and saying maybe I am disconnected.

"When I retire, I will probably watch less football and find another hobby."

'Disconnect between Postecoglou and Spurs fans'

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham

Jamie Redknapp

Former Tottenham midfielder on Sky Sports

There's a disconnect between the two [Tottenham fans and Ange Postecoglou] at the moment. It's not ideal for the manager.

He's got some big games ahead. He's got to keep his head up, got to keep going, working hard and believing in what they do.

Worst season ever?

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham

Postecoglou is the first Spurs manager to lose his first four matches against Chelsea, while they have fewer points in London derbies this season than any of their neighbours - and the bigger picture offers no solace.

With eight games left, Spurs are 14th, and could well finish outside the top 10 for the first time in 17 years. They are now battling to avoid their worst season in the Premier League era.

Spurs heading for worst finish in over 20 years

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham

According to Opta's supercomputer, Tottenham Hotspur's most likely finish in the Premier League in 2024-25 is where they currently sit - 14th.

They have a 24.3% chance of ending the season in the lower mid-table.

What's more worrying for Spurs fans is the likelihood of finishing in the top half. It's hardly shooting for the stars but the latest supercomputer calculations have the chances of Ange Postecoglou's side finishing in the top half at just 1.4%.

They actually have a higher percentage chance of finishing one spot above the drop in 17th (5.2%) than they do finishing in the top half.

Should they end the season 12th or below, which seems increasingly likely, Spurs will achieve their worst Premier League finish since the 2003-04 season, where they ended the year 14th with 45 points.

'I wanted the fans to get really excited'

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham

When asked about the incident where he appeared to cups his ears to the Spurs fans, manager Ange Postecoglou said: "Jeez mate, it's incredible how things get interpreted. We'd just scored, I just wanted to hear them cheer. Because we'd been through a tough time, and I thought it was a cracking goal.

"I wanted them to get really excited. I felt at that point we could potentially go on and win the game. I just felt momentum was on our [side]. It doesn't bother me. It's not the first time they've booed my substitutions or my decisions. That's fine, they're allowed to do that.

"But we'd just scored a goal, just scored an equaliser, I was just hoping we could get some excitement. If people want to read into that that somehow I'm trying to make a point about something, like I said, we'd been through a tough time, but I just felt there was a bit of a momentum shift there.

"If they get really behind the lads, I thought we had the momentum to finish on top of them."

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou is looking more isolated than ever.

The Australian directed a brief clap towards the furious travelling away fans from near the halfway line following his side's 1-0 loss at Chelsea but, by then, it could be argued the damage had already been done.

Enzo Fernandez's second-half header was enough to inflict a 16th defeat of the season on Tottenham and leave them 14th in the Premier League - 10 points away from the top 10 - and the signs are growing the fans have had enough.

Chants of "you don't know what you're doing" came from the away end after midfielder Lucas Bergvall was replaced by Pape Sarr in the 65th minute.

Remarkably, Sarr found the net with an excellent long-range strike just four minutes later, leading Postecoglou to cup his ear and turn to the away end, only for VAR to then rule out the goal for a foul on Moises Caicedo.

When asked about the incident after the match, Postecoglou said: "Jeez mate, it's incredible how things get interpreted. We'd just scored, I just wanted to hear them cheer. Because we'd been through a tough time, and I thought it was a cracking goal.

"I wanted them to get really excited. I felt at that point we could potentially go on and win the game. I just felt momentum was on our [side]. It doesn't bother me. It's not the first time they've booed my substitutions or my decisions. That's fine, they're allowed to do that.

"But we'd just scored a goal, just scored an equaliser, I was just hoping we could get some excitement. If people want to read into that that somehow I'm trying to make a point about something, like I said, we'd been through a tough time, but I just felt there was a bit of a momentum shift there.

"If they get really behind the lads, I thought we had the momentum to finish on top of them."

It's just the latest in a season of incidents between Postecoglou and sections of the fanbase.

There was the recent exchange with an angry supporter after defeat by Fulham just before the international break, another similar back and forth happened after defeat at home to Leicester and he confronted the away end after they criticised players after losing at Bournemouth in December.

He added when asked if he was alienating the fans: "You know what, I am at such a disconnect with the world these days, that who knows? Maybe you're right. I don't know. But that's not what my intention was."

This just compounds the lack of progress on the pitch, especially with almost a full squad of players available, as Spurs look to avoid their worst season in the Premier League era.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp put it plainly when he said on Sky Sports: "Tottenham were awful. It could have been so much more. Not good enough in any department from Tottenham. Chelsea were so much better.

"When Sarr scored, it looked like Ange cupped his ears to say: I know better. There's a disconnect between the two [Tottenham fans and Ange Postecoglou] at the moment.

"It's not ideal for the manager. He's got some big games ahead. He's got to keep his head up, got to keep going, working hard and believing in what they do."

Reports suggest Postecoglou is under severe pressure. Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva and Brentford's Thomas Frank have all been linked with his job.

The 56-year-old, who became Spurs boss in June 2023 and is contracted to the club until 2027, even suggested in midweek there were plenty of outstanding candidates, external to replace him.

However, Spurs are expected to at least wait until the culmination of the Europa League campaign - a chance not only to win a first trophy in 17 years, but also to qualify for next season's Champions League. They host Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their quarter-final next Thursday.

A club source indicated before the match that they weren't expecting any managerial changes before the end of the season.

Redknapp, again speaking to Sky Sports, said after the match: "I think for Ange Postecoglou, it feels like he's going to make history or be history.

"When you lose 16 games in a season as Tottenham manager, still having great players at your disposal, it's not going to wash with the fans. The performances haven't been good enough.

"If they can win some silverware, it'll be unbelievable for them."

Vice-captain James Maddison, reacting to the fan frustration, said: "They have every right to be an angry bunch at the moment.

"I don't really want to be here talking and I'm sure the fans don't want to listen to me. It can still be a very special season if we lift silverware. We need them as much as they need us, so the message is to stick together."

Like Postecoglou, chairman and co-owner Daniel Levy has faced criticism from the fans.

But Levy has given the head coach resources to shape a squad. Postecoglou has spent £214.8m, with the most recent arrivals signed in January - forward Mathys Tel, defender Kevin Danso and goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

That extra spend was an attempt to salvage the season while alive in three cup competitions, but after elimination from the domestic cups, it is Europa League or bust.

It will be Spurs' last chance to live up to Postecoglou's comment early in the campaign that he "always wins a trophy in his second season" - having done so in Scotland, Japan and Australia.

With little to play for in the Premier League, a end to the Spurs trophy drought would end the season on a high.

On another night, Postecoglou's post-match rant about VAR would have taken the headlines. On Thursday, it was a footnote.

Tottenham thought they had equalised when Sarr struck home from distance.

The celebrations followed but were cut short as VAR checked for a possible foul. After a lengthy delay, the goal was ruled out.

Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live he "hated VAR to his core", that there was no point in having referees - and that there would soon be AI officials.

Postecoglou, who has often criticised VAR, become embroiled in a lively post-match interview with Sky Sports.

Here is what he said in full:

"It's killing the game, mate. It's not the same game it used to be.

"We all sat on our couches last night and watched TV [when Everton's James Tarkowski was not sent off for a high challenge on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister] and I guarantee you if Jarred Gillett was VAR last night, it would've been a different outcome, so you just don't know what we're going to get.

"You are standing around for 12 minutes. It's just killing the game, but no-one cares about that. They just love the drama and controversy and I'm sure there will be 24 hours of discussion about it and that's what everyone wants - they're not really interested that it's killing the spectacle of the game.

"If a referee sees that and he needs to see it for six minutes, what's clear and obvious about it?

"Last night we were all sat on our couches and saw one replay and thought: 'Oh my God.'

"Tonight we sat there and were waiting for six minutes for something that VAR official Jarred Gillett thought was clear and obvious - it's crazy, it's madness.

"We accept it and have to take the fall out from it. Clear and obvious? What does that suggest? That it's on the first replay. That's why the game is going the way it is."

Maresca hails 'big win' as Chelsea return to top four. Video, 00:01:51Maresca hails 'big win' as Chelsea return to top four

Up Next. Tonali's goal - A cross? A shot? Or 'throbby wobbler'? Video, 00:01:41Tonali's goal - A cross? A shot? Or 'throbby wobbler'?

'You can't have all the success he's had without a genius of a brain' Video, 00:01:58'You can't have all the success he's had without a genius of a brain'

I'm not ruling out playing for three more years - Anderson Video, 00:01:00I'm not ruling out playing for three more years - Anderson

I've been playing 'better football' since joining Villa - Rashford. Video, 00:01:04I've been playing 'better football' since joining Villa - Rashford

Past two weeks have been best of my life - Shearer. Video, 00:01:52Past two weeks have been best of my life - Shearer

'Six minutes to come to a clear and obvious decision' Video, 00:01:54'Six minutes to come to a clear and obvious decision'

Up Next. Tonali's goal - A cross? A shot? Or 'throbby wobbler'? Video, 00:01:41Tonali's goal - A cross? A shot? Or 'throbby wobbler'?

'You can't have all the success he's had without a genius of a brain' Video, 00:01:58'You can't have all the success he's had without a genius of a brain'

I'm not ruling out playing for three more years - Anderson Video, 00:01:00I'm not ruling out playing for three more years - Anderson

I've been playing 'better football' since joining Villa - Rashford. Video, 00:01:04I've been playing 'better football' since joining Villa - Rashford

Past two weeks have been best of my life - Shearer. Video, 00:01:52Past two weeks have been best of my life - Shearer

Goodbye!

I think we're going to leave things there. In a few hours the live-texting team will return with more build-up to Chelsea vs Tottenham.

Thank you very much for joining me and the team - a rare shift without any errors from yours truly (and we even talked about leg injuries and VAR decisions against Liverpool - my two weak points).

We'll be back tomorrow morning at 07:00 BST to soak up all the Chelsea and Spurs reaction.

Take care.

Chelsea slipping from Champions League race

Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)

Opta's supercomputer is at it again.

Wednesday evening's results in the Premier League saw Chelsea slip to sixth in the table before tonight's game against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues currently sit on 49 points, two behind Manchester City in fourth, though Enzo Maresca's side have played a game less.

According to the supercomputer, they now have just a 14.0% chance of making the top four.

Their most likely end of year finish is sixth (27.6%) while an unlikely end of season surge for third has just a 7.4% probability of happening.

A win tonight would see Chelsea jump back into the top four, though Newcastle in fifth will have played a game less.

Is the old supercomputer writing Maresca's men off too early?

'This is a great game to finish the week off'

Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)

This is a great game to finish the week off. It ended up 4-3 to Chelsea earlier in the season, and there are likely to be a few more goals this time too.

Chelsea have people like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke back from injury to bolster their attack, but Spurs have got some key players like Micky van de Ven fit again too.

Tottenham's league campaign has been disappointing - it is winning the Europa League or bust for them - while Chelsea are still chasing the Champions League places.

Spurs looked tired to me before the international break, so it will be interesting to see what they are like here. We know how exciting they can be on their day, it is just those days have been few and far between this season.

Chelsea have been a bit flat as well, but maybe this is the game where both teams come to life and serve up a thriller - that is what I am hoping for anyway.

Sutton's prediction: 3-2

Rumours about future 'do not consume me' - Postecoglou

Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou dismissed further questions about his future as Spurs boss in his news conference yesterday.

"I don't deal with it," he explained.

"It doesn't rock my world - it doesn't consume me. I know my responsibilities are and I am sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates for it.

"And you know what, maybe someone will think: 'Ange Postecoglou is not a bad coach - maybe we'll take a punt on him'."

"I am passionate about what we're doing," he added.

"I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that is what I'll keep doing."

get involved

'It was a decision the officials got badly wrong'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Rob, Cambridge: Another question for Phil M (it's a slow day here!): Do you think the relatively early timing of the Tarkowski tackle in the match may have influenced the decision at all? Was there pressure to not ruin the entertainment of the match with an early sending-off? Would there have been a different outcome had the foul been committed in the 85th minute?

Again, Rob we just do not know but I do think the old days of a “free hit” for defenders on an opponent are well behind us.

I just think it was a decision the officials got badly wrong and the time it happened had nothing to do with it.

get involved

'It is just too invasive'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Ceiron: Hi Phil. When/what will change with VAR to make it more robust? When it works it works well generally but there’s still so much major error rate.

Hi Ceiron. You’ve got me on a hobby horse here. I have gone right off VAR after thinking it would be a great thing. We’ve just gone so far from “clear and obvious” and it now seems to me that officials are almost looking for reasons to disallow goals. It is just too invasive.

I’m happy with semi-automated offside and goal-line technology but remain unconvinced in other areas.

It doesn’t stop mistakes either. How could VAR not come to the conclusion that James Tarkowski should have been sent off in the Merseyside Derby?

get involved

'it was such a reckless challenge'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Michael, Liverpool fan in Hackney: Hi Phil, the debate around Tarkowski's tackle is pretty one sided and everyone but the ref and VAR seem to have seen it as a straight red. Additional mitigation for me is that at first glance, it looked like Mac Allister had fouled an Everton player to get the ball immediately prior. I wonder if Tarkowski, as Everton captain, saw that and in the moment decided to react more strongly?

Hi, Michael. Only James Tarkowski would know that, but it was such a reckless challenge and could have caused serious injury to Alex Mac Allister. He was incredibly lucky not to have been sent off.

get involved

'It was dealt with at the time'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Alex: To Phil. What would your stand be on retrospective punishment for not given red card offences such as the Tarkowski challenge where PGMOL have admitted it was an error?

Hello, Alex. No retrospective punishment. It was dealt with at the time – very badly admittedly – but it is done now. This does not stop me saying it was one of the most obvious red cards you will ever see, and quite how VAR studied it and did not recommend the referee to reconsider is beyond me.

get involved

'I’m sure Liverpool would love to get their hands on Isak and Kerkez'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Mike, Eastbourne: Who would be your top 3 summer signings for Liverpool?

Hello, Mike. Entering the realms of guesswork and – perhaps – the extremely unlikely here, but mine would be Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak (could Newcastle even dare to part with him), Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez and maybe Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.

If I was going for four (!) maybe they would consider strengthening in central defence and go back to Bournemouth for Dean Huijsen…sorry Cherries fans.

Should stress I’m not saying these will happen – but I’m sure Liverpool would love to get their hands on Isak and Kerkez.

A lot depends, of course, on the contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

get involved

'We can’t disguise how disappointing the season has been'

Phil McNulty Q&A

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Mick: Of the bottom eight teams in the premier league, only Spurs and Ipswich have not sacked their manager in a desperate attempt to avoid relegation. Maybe the Tractor Boys can be excused for showing loyalty to the management team who gained back-to-back promotions, but there can be no excuse for Tottenham. It's like "Call of Duty" in attack and dereliction of duty at the back, so how on earth is Ange Postecoglou still in a job?

Hi, Mick. First things first. Ange Postecoglou could still win the Europa League this season and get Tottenham into the Champions League. That would have been the aim before the start of the season – with a trophy as well, of course.

We can’t disguise how disappointing the season has been in other aspects, but if Spurs did sack Postecoglou now or had done in the past few weeks, who is realistically available and an upgrade, a guarantee of improvement? I don’t see anyone jumping out at me.

It’s easy to say “sack the manager” but what comes next is not so easy.

And while I have no particular wish to sound like an Ange Postecoglou apologist, he really has had to deal with an horrendous injury list this season.

I do accept that if Spurs do not win the Europa League, then I suspect his position would then come under review – but he could still fulfil his promise of always winning a trophy in his second season.

None of Tottenham’s last 15 Premier League home games against Southampton has finished level (W12 L3). Spurs have scored in all 15 of those games, while Saints have also found the net in each of the last eight.

Southampton have won just one of their last seven Premier League games against Spurs (D2 L4), beating them 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February 2022.

Tottenham won the reverse fixture against Southampton 5-0 in December, with all five goals coming in the first half. It was the fifth time Spurs have scored 5+ goals in a Premier League match against Saints, with no side doing so against a specific opponent more often.

Spurs have won one of their last 10 home Premier League matches (D3 L6), picking up just six points. Across their 10 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beforehand, they won seven games and 21 points.

Across their last 18 away Premier League matches, Southampton have collected just five points (W1 D2 L15), and their one win was at fellow promoted club Ipswich in February.

Tottenham Hotspur have shipped 26 home Premier League goals this season, only ever conceding more in five campaigns on home soil. Their current average of 1.73 goals conceded per game is their second worst in a Premier League season, however, shipping 34 in 19 games in 2007-08 (1.79).

Southampton have lost 10 of their last 13 Premier League games in London (W1 D2) and among the 13 teams to play 100+ away games in the capital, the Saints have lost the highest percentage (59.4%, 85/143).

Spurs have won 11 of their last 14 Premier League matches against sides starting the day bottom (D3). Each of Spurs’ last five defeats against sides in 20th have been against teams starting with W (3x West Brom, 1x Wigan, 1x West Ham); they are unbeaten in 34 against non-W teams (W28 D6) since a 2-1 defeat to Leicester on the final day of the 2001-02 season.

Son Heung-Min has had a hand in 18 goals in 16 Premier League appearances against Southampton for Spurs (11 goals, 7 assists). The only current Premier League player with more goals and assists against an opponent is Mohamed Salah versus Man Utd (13 goals, 6 assists).

James Maddison – who netted a brace against Southampton in Spurs’ 5-0 win in December – has scored seven Premier League goals in 11 games against the Saints, more than he has against any other club.