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Ange Postecoglou has described Tottenham’s loss to Chelsea as ‘painful’, with certain mistakes from key players once again proving to be decisive.

Tottenham showed something different, then returned to form

Tottenham’s performance against Chelsea was one of deception. Nobody expected both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero to be named in the starting line-up. Certainly, nobody would have predicted Tottenham to have been 2-0 up after 11 minutes.

However, then things began to return to what everyone has started to expect of Spurs recently. Romero was forced off with injury and Sancho gets a goal back. Tottenham start to look fatigued and are pressured into their half.

Into the second half, Brennan Johnson is forced off. Then Chelsea turn the screw, earning two penalties and a volley from Enzo Fernandez, before Heung-min Son added a final goal in extra time.

Everyone was deceived into thinking Spurs’ misfortune was over, but two forced subs and clear fatigue made their regular return once again.

Ange Postecoglou describes a ‘sore’ loss for Tottenham

Speaking to BBCSport after the match, Ange Postecgolou described the loss.

“It is a sore one, a painful one. We started the game really well but as our season has been going, we lose [Cristian] Romero after 20 minutes and that disrupts us a bit and they score straight after.

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“We had moments to get our third and at half-time, we were in a decent position. The second half is a ding-dong, especially at the start, they scored but we had a big chance with Son, we didn’t take it and then they go 3-2 up.

“I thought both penalties were poor decisions by us, we have to show more discipline. In the end, the critical moments got us.

“I think there were quality opportunities but I don’t think there was an abundance of them. I can’t remember the keepers making a load of top-quality saves.

“We more than matched a good side in that department and when there is quality out there you are going to have moments. There were things we could have done better for sure.”

Spurs were undone by injuries, again

Very little can soothe a derby loss, but Tottenham’s injury situation is a heavy caveat to all of their performances at the moment.

While the return of Romero and Van de Ven would have been a significant morale boost, the challenge of having to contend with the disruption their substitutions brought and the technical drop-off with their absence, cannot be understated.

It’s an exhausting position for the team to be in, but they will once again be hoping that Romero, Van de Ven and Johnson are not set to be absent for too long.

Tottenham Hotspur fell to yet another Premier League defeat this evening, this time blowing a two-goal lead at home to Chelsea to lose 4-3. Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the game.

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure

Whether you are Ange in or Ange out, you cannot ignore the fact that Postecoglou is coming under increasing pressure from a growing portion of the Tottenham fanbase. We are seeing less and less consistency from Spurs this season and while the Lilywhites were dropping points yet playing superbly at the start of the season, they are not deservedly dropping points week-in week-out.

Such is the cutthroat nature of the Premier League, especially around Christmas, many people will want and even expect Postecoglou to be relieved of his duties. But, the simple fact is he was let down immensely again this evening.

The players let him down today

If I was Ange Postecoglou right now, I would be fuming. It was not Tottenham’s best performance of the season, nor was it the most sensible. The match basically consisted of trading punches with one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League, which is never a great idea. However, we cannot ignore the stats.

Tottenham created six big chances but missed four of them. Chelsea created two big chances and put them both away. Tottenham had an xG of 2.91 compared to Chelsea’s xG of 1.46 if we exclude their penalties. Penalties there were given away by Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr in the most naive of circumstances. Bissouma dived in at a player rushing towards the byline, and Sarr nibbled at the heels of a player jogging towards the corner flag.

Chelsea were handed two goals on a plate from situations they were hardly likely to score from. Tottenham end up losing the game by a single goal. What can the manager do to account for those kinds of unforgivable basic errors?

We need more from our captain

This is by no means a hit piece on Heung-min Son. We all love Sonny. But a captain’s job is to stand up in the tough times, deliver meaningful goals and assists, and keep the team together. The team looked in such disarray out there this evening, and Son missed such a huge chance to put Spurs 3-2 in the lead. Every player misses chances, but Son’s ability to clutch huge moments and goals from nothing seems to have faded this season.

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In the absence of Harry Kane as the talismanic figure, and James Maddison struggling to even get into the XI, Son needs to step up and be that guy. Liverpool have Mo Salah, Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, Chelsea have Cole Palmer, Man City having Erling Haaland/Kevin de Bruyne. Tottenham need their main man back now!

Daniel Levy faces his biggest opposition

All the talk will be about the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, and perhaps that is exactly how Daniel Levy likes it. Forget about the Mourinho and Conte eras. Forget about sacking Mauricio Pochettino. Forget about some of the heartless business decisions he has made over the years. I think this, right here right now, could be the biggest opposition Daniel Levy faces to his position as Tottenham chairman. Whether or not the next person would be any better or worse, people are crying out for a change, and I don’t see those cries ceasing any time soon.

Bottom half of the Premier League table

Tottenham Hotspur once again threw away points having blown a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 to Chelsea in the Premier League this evening.

We’ve analysed the performance of the Spurs players throughout the ninety minutes and beyond at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Below we have shared our thoughts, along with an individual player rating on a scale of 1-10.

How the Tottenham players rated vs Chelsea

Fraser Forster: Sancho’s goal was out of reach. Did well with a double save from Neto and Palmer on the half-hour mark. Called into action with sensational reflexes to deny Sancho minutes into the second half. 7.

Pedro Porro: Was seemingly targeted by Chelsea with high aerial balls towards Sancho. Why didn’t he throw himself in front of Enzo’s shot? 4.

Cristian Romero: Back in the side following injury but his return only lasted 15 minutes when he was forced off with another injury. 5.

Micky van de Ven: Forced back too early? Just like Romero he didn’t last the distance and it looks like another potential hamstring issue. 6.

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Destiny Udogie: Did really poor in the build-up to Chelsea’s third where Palmer turned him inside out. 4.

Yves Bissouma: Why on earth did he decide to go to ground to gift Chelsea a penalty, foolish. Hooked on 78 mins. 3.

Pape Matar Sarr: Booked on 29 mins. Headed against the bar from Son’s corner. Another midfielder guilty of a stupid decision which gifted Chelsea a penalty. 3.

Dejan Kulusevski: Tottenham’s man in form once again made Cucurella pay when he cut inside and found the back of the net. Replaced on 78 mins. 6.

Brennan Johnson: Did well down the right to capitalise on Chelsea’s error to cross for Solanke. Off with an injury in the early stages of the second half. 6.

Dominic Solanke: Got the scoring underway when he got his toe to Johnson’s pass. Nearly had a second ten mins before half time but could not sort his feet out quickly enough from Son’s cross. 6.

Heung-min Son: Linked up well with Solanke down the left. Should have scored on 68 mins but failed to hit the target, scored in injury time. 4.

Radu Dragusin: On in place of the injured Romero. Made a terrific challenge on Jackson inside the penalty area five mins before half time. 6.

Timo Werner: Called off the bench to face his former side to replace Johnson. 4.

Lucas Bergvall: Did little of note when he came on. 4.

James Maddison: Another 78th-minute replacement, curled a good chance over the bar. Set up Son’s goal. 5.

Archie Gray: Asked to play at central defence alongside Dragusin for the last 12 mins. 5.

Tottenham are next in action on Thursday night when they make the trip to Glasgow to face Rangers in the Europa League.

It has now emerged that one club are already doing the groundwork in the hope of pulling off an unlikely deal for Heung-min Son in January.

The curious contract situation of Heung-min Son

Most of us were expecting Tottenham to offer Heung-min Son a new long-term deal but instead, reports indicate that no such offer will be forthcoming for now.

Instead, the North London club have allegedly decided to simply activate the one-year extension for the time being, thus taking his deal to 2026.

Some sources have claimed that Son‘s camp are surprised by this development and that some Saudi Pro League clubs are now plotting a move for the forward next summer.

January offer on the way for Heung-min Son?

Fanatik have now claimed that Galatasaray are keeping an eye on the 32-year-old’s situation and are planning to test the waters with an offer in January.

It is explained that although the Turkish club know that the possibility of a January transfer is low, they are expected to try nonetheless.

In fact, it is revealed that agent George Gardi, who works closely with Galatasaray, has been given authority by club president Dursun Ozbek to start work on a deal for the South Korean.

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The outlet asserts that the Istanbul club have also started preparing some contracts to entice the Spurs man.

Tottenham will not sell Son in January

There is no way that Tottenham will consider selling Son in January, and the forward is unlikely to consider moving to Turkey at this stage of his career.

In fact, I have no doubt that the North London club will offer the 32-year-old a long-term deal before the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur receive some bad news in their pursuit of one Serie A star, with Manchester City now reportedly also entering the race.

Speculation linking Juventus star with a move to Tottenham

Spurs Web has brought to you a number of reports from Italy over recent days claiming that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli.

It was TuttoJuve, who first reported that the Lilywhites are set to battle both Marseille and Crystal Palace for the midfielder, who has struggled for game time with the Bianconeri this season.

It was subsequently revealed by Tuttosport that Spurs would be able to sign the Italy international if they are willing to put €25m (£20.7m) on the table.

Tottenham face PL competition for Nicolo Fagioli

TBR Football have now become the latest outlet to report on Spurs’ interest in Fagioli, claiming that the Lilywhites are ‘keen’ to add him to their squad.

The outlet further asserts that the 23-year-old is surplus to requirements for Thiago Motta, and the Old Lady are thus willing to offload him.

However, it is explained that Manchester City and ‘a host of other sides’ have now also been put on alert as the midfielder is now in the shop window.

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Fabio Paratici is a big fan of Fagioli

Fabio Paratici will have seen Fagioli closely, with the player having joined the Juventus academy back in 2018 before progressing into the first-team

Interstingly, TBR Football relays a quote from Italian football agent Vincenzo Morabito, who said back in 2022 that Paratici was the man who discovered the midfielder.

Morabito says about Fagioli: “Paratici discovered him and told me that he would have gone far.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha has taken another twist, with Wolverhampton Wanderers adamantly rejecting any prospect of a January transfer.

Despite their resolve, Spurs are not backing down from their desire to sign the in-form Brazilian striker.

Wolves’ standout striker under the spotlight

Matheus Cunha has emerged as one of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ most important players this season, delivering stellar performances that have helped the club navigate a turbulent Premier League campaign.

The Brazilian forward has scored seven goals in 13 league appearances, showcasing his clinical ability in front of goal and cementing his reputation as a key figure for Gary O’Neil’s side.

For a team battling at the lower end of the table, Cunha’s contributions have been nothing short of vital. His knack for scoring at crucial moments has not only kept Wolves competitive but has also drawn the attention of several top clubs.

Among these suitors, Tottenham Hotspur have been particularly keen, identifying the versatile striker as the kind of player who could transform their attack.

Tottenham’s determination to secure Cunha

Reports by FootballTransfers, have revealed that Spurs are willing to engage with the player’s representatives, signalling their serious intent to bring him to North London in the January transfer window.

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At Molineux, however, the mood is equally resolute. Wolves are determined to retain their prized asset and are reportedly preparing to offer Cunha a lucrative new contract that would make him the highest-paid player at the club.

This pre-emptive move is seen as a strategic attempt to fend off interest from Tottenham, as well as other potential suitors in the Premier League like Arsenal and Manchester United, both of whom have been linked with the forward.

The reports further state that financially, Wolves would likely demand a premium price for Cunha, considering they invested €50 million to sign him from Atlético Madrid in 2023.

With his Estimated Transfer Value currently set at €25.3 million, any prospective buyer would need to make a significantly higher offer to even tempt the Midlands club into negotiations.

Spurs are keeping tabs on Eberechi Eze as well

The prospect of the Lilywhites luring Matheus Cunha away from Wolves highlights the club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market, particularly as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

While Cunha is a primary target, Spurs under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, indicating a broader strategy to reinforce their offensive lineup with versatile, high-quality players.

For Wolves, the battle to retain Cunha comes at a critical juncture. The club’s ongoing relegation battle, coupled with the financial disparity between themselves and Tottenham, makes this a difficult challenge.

Although they appear committed to holding on to their star striker, the allure of playing for a bigger club and competing at a higher level could ultimately sway the Brazilian forward’s decision.

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring a talented defender whose style of play has been compared to that of PSG veteran Marquinhos.

Tottenham could use a new defender

Tottenham’s lack of depth across their defensive line has been exposed this season. Injuries have seen Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies start in the middle, with the pair recording both good and bad performances since stepping up, while Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have remained in the first team, despite facing scrutiny for some underwhelming displays.

To make things more urgent for Spurs, Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from the club, as he pursues Champions League football, while Davies has little more than six months remaining on his current contract.

Although Luka Vušković will officially become a Tottenham player in the summer, if any current defenders leave then a new signing could be necessary to help keep stability at the back and Spurs are currently monitoring a talented player who would not cost them a huge sum.

Tottenham are interested in Matte Smets

Tottenham are understood to be closely monitoring Matte Smets, a central defender who joined Genk in the summer for £2m, but is already attracting interest from North London, while Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on his development.

Smets is 20 years old and has previously been compared with Marquinhos, while praised for his tackling, passing and positioning, as well as his cool composure and anticipation.

He is right-footed, but has played on the left side of defence and in midfield, making him a useful addition to any squad.

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While still early on in his career, Smets has made 14 starts in the Belgian Pro League this season, making a further appearance off the bench, and Genk have achieved six clean sheets with him playing and sit top of the league.

And he has recently broken into Belgium’s national team, playing the second half in a 1-0 defeat to Israel in the Nations League.

Smets is already used to making regular starts and at an affordable price, he could be a great signing for Tottenham if they pursue a deal.

In a significant career move, Jermaine McGlashan, former Gillingham player and coach, has left his role at the Kent club to join the prestigious Tottenham Hotspur academy, where he will be working with the youth players.

McGlashan’s coaching journey

Jermaine McGlashan, once a lively winger for Gillingham, has steadily built his reputation in the coaching world, and his recent departure from the Gills marks a significant milestone.

McGlashan, aged 36, first rejoined the club in August 2023 under the Premier League and PFA’s ‘player to coach’ initiative—a scheme aimed at helping former players transition into coaching roles.

His connection with the Gillingham academy saw him working across all age groups alongside key figures such as Bryan Bull, offering insight and expertise to the club’s future stars.

Beyond his coaching duties at Gillingham, he also held a managerial position at AFC Croydon Athletic, where he led the club to promotion, a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership qualities.

Gillingham has long been a breeding ground for future coaching talent, with names like Adam Birchall and Andrew Crofts now plying their trade at Arsenal and Brighton, respectively.

McGlashan’s move is yet another example of how the club continues to shape individuals who make an impact beyond ME7.

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McGlashan’s move to Spurs academy

Jermaine McGlashan recently took to social media to announce his next career chapter, revealing his appointment at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy.

In a heartfelt post on X, as relayed by Kent Online, McGlashan expressed his excitement about the new role at Hotspur Way, saying: “Delighted to finally share that I’ve joined Spurs Academy.

“A big step in my coaching journey and development, looking forward to learning and working in an elite environment day to day with some top coaches.

“Thank you Gillingham FC for the last 18 months, and wish you all the best for the future, will be down to a game soon I’m sure. Gods timing always.”

A great opportunity for Tottenham’s youth system to develop

In a broader sense, Tottenham’s academy continues to strengthen its foundation by integrating coaches with varied experiences, a strategy that bodes well for the club’s future.

Whether McGlashan can emulate the success stories of other former Gills personnel in the Premier League, such as Andrew Crofts at Brighton, remains to be seen.

However, one thing is certain—McGlashan’s passion for football, coupled with his growing expertise, makes him an exciting addition to Spurs’ coaching ranks.

Tottenham could be set to pounce on the Italy international as some intermediaries have been asked to find a new home for the player in January.

Spurs eyeing move for Serie A midfielder

The player in question is Nicolo Fagioli, who has fallen down the pecking order of Juventus boss Thiago Motta this season.

Tottenham‘s interest in the 23-year-old first came to light on Tuesday, with Tutto Juve revealing that the Lilywhites are keeping tabs on the player.

The outlet suggested that while the Bianconeri are not in a hurry to get rid of their academy graduate, they will consider any proposals that come their way.

Tottenham set to step up Nicolo Fagioli pursuit

GiveMeSport have now reported that after being made aware of Fagioli‘s availability, Spurs are primed to step up their pursuit of the player.

It is revealed that the North London side are aware that some intermediaries will ‘up the ante’ to find a viable destination for the midfielder after Juventus put him up for sale.

It is asserted that the Serie A giants are prepared to green-light a cut-price sale in January, with the club ready to accept an offer of £20m for the Italy international.

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Fagioli’s stance and potential competition

Given his lack of game time this season, Fagioli is said to be ‘desperate to begin assessing his options’ ahead of the January window.

Spurs are not the only Premier League side keeping an eye on his situation, with Crystal Palace also waiting to pounce on the player.

Additionally, the publication reveals that Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also likely to be sounded by intermediaries over the coming days and weeks.

Paulo di Canio believes that one of his former clubs made a big mistake by signing a player from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Former Spurs man struggling at new club

It is fair to say that most Tottenham fans were not too unhappy to see Emerson Royal depart to Milan in a €15m (£12.4m) deal back in the summer.

While the Brazilian had a couple of decent spells of form during his Spurs career, he always looked a little off-pace for the Premier League and did not seem a particularly good fit for Ange Postecoglou‘s system.

While the 25-year-old has got regular minutes under Paulo Fonseca this season, he has not set the world alight at the San Siro, coming under heavy criticism from the Italian media during the last few months.

Paulo di Canio says AC Milan made a transfer blunder

Di Canio is the latest pundit to write off Emerson, declaring that the right-back is not good enough for the Rossoneri.

The 56-year-old insisted that the way Tottenham fans treated the Brazil international should have been a warning sign to the Serie A giants.

Di Canio said (via Calciomercato): “Milan should never have taken Emerson Royal, he’s not a Milan player and he doesn’t make you make the leap in quality compared to Calabria. Even at Tottenham, the fans chanted against him.

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“And I didn’t understand how he managed to play with all the coaches. Then if he goes to Fiorentina, maybe he’ll make a good impression. If they took him, it’s because Calabria offered even fewer guarantees.”

Emerson is capable of turning things around

Too many pundits are writing off Emerson too swiftly without giving him a proper chance.

The former Spurs man clearly seems to have the support of his manager and one would not put it beyond him to turn his fortunes around at Milan.

While the 25-year-old does have weaknesses in his game, he has a lot of useful attributes and is certainly capable of being successful in Serie A.