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Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged that the changes that he made to the side were one of the contributing factors to Tottenham’s loss to Crystal Palace, but he has explained why playing some of his key men against the Eagles was not an option.

Following the jubilation of Thursday night when Spurs sealed passage to the final of the Europa League, they were brought back to Earth on Sunday by a well-drilled and disciplined Palace side.

The Tottenham side, which featured eight changes from the eleven that started in Norway, was second best for the majority of the game, with Oliver Glasner’s men registering a comfortable 2-0 win through a brace from Eberechi Eze.

The defeat was Spurs’ 20th loss of the league season, which is the most Tottenham have had in a single campaign in the Premier League era, with Ange Postecoglou setting an unwanted record.

Ange Postecoglou says playing key Tottenham players was not an option

The Tottenham head coach was measured in his post-match press conference, stating that the changes he made to the side did impact performance, but admitting his side should have still played better than they did.

When asked if the changes made to the team had an effect on the display, Postecoglou told Football.London: “That explains some of it but not all of it. I still felt we should have been better than we were today.

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“So, I can’t totally discount the performance today on the fact that I’ve made a number of changes. We should have still been able to perform better than what we did.”

When asked if the plan was to bring Solanke and Richarlison on if Dejan Kulusevski had not gone off injured, the 59-year-old responded: “No, we weren’t going to. The last time we played on an artificial pitch with Tamworth, the game after we got two calf injuries out of it.

“Guys like Brennan, maybe Richy and Madders, so we were never going to risk those guys today.”

The Swede, who was one of just three players to keep their place in the starting eleven from the mid-week clash, was forced off with an injury in the first half after a clash with Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Tottenham fans would have had their hearts in their mouths when it happened, particularly given that James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are already sidelined.

However, Postecoglou confirmed that Kulusevski just has a knock and revealed that the medical department are confident that he should be fit for the Europa League final.

Ange Postecoglou has now provided bad news regarding a Tottenham forward when asked why he was not involved against Crystal Palace.

As many expected, the Tottenham head coach did not field many of his key players against Crystal Palace, making eleven changes to the starting line-up, and even hesitating to bring some of his big guns off the bench.

Before the game against Palace, Postecoglou pointed out that the artificial surface took a lot out of his players in Norway, suggesting they were more susceptible to injury.

That is perhaps why we did not see the likes of Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and others yesterday for even 20 or 30 minutes, even though Tottenham were trailing 2-0.

Ange Postecoglou reveals Scarlett has undergone surgery

If the Australian did not want to use the likes of Solanke and Richarlison, the obvious person to turn to would have been young Dane Scarlett.

Yet, the 21-year-old did not even find a place on the bench for the clash against the Eagles. Postecoglou has now revealed that it was because the Tottenham academy graduate has now gone under the knife to fix his groin problem.

When asked why Scarlett did not get an opportunity against Palace, the Spurs boss told Football.London: “Dane’s had an operation, he was carrying a groin injury all year, and we decided to get the operation done so he’s ready for pre-season.”

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Will Tottenham consider cashing in on Dane Scarlett this summer?

Scarlett has not progressed the way Tottenham would have hoped over the last couple of years, with the striker disappointing in all of his loan spells in the EFL.

However, he is still very young at 21, and the Spurs decision makers will keep in mind that Harry Kane himself had a similar trajectory before exploding onto the highest level at the same age.

Ange Postecoglou had played down fears of a serious injury for Dejan Kulusevski on Sunday, and Alasdair Gold has now revealed if the Swede was spotted in Tottenham training on Monday.

Kulusevski was one of just three players who kept their place in the starting lineup from the side that started against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, but the Swede’s afternoon did not last long against Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old was on the receiving end of a hard challenge from Marc Guehi, and after soldiering on initially following some treatment, he decided to come off on 19 minutes.

Tottenham fans would have feared the worst at the time, given that both James Maddison and Lucas Bervall are already sidelined, but Postecoglou confirmed after the game that Kulusevski had only sustained a knock.

Was Dejan Kulusevski spotted in training today?

Tottenham fans on social media were extremely revealed to hear that Dejan Kulusevski’s injury was not serious, but they might be a tad bit concerned with Alasdair Gold’s latest update.

The journalist has taken to social media to confirm that the 25-year-old did not train with the rest of the Tottenham Hotspur squad on Monday.

However, Gold pointed out that this was to be expected and not necessarily indicative of the seriousness of the injury.

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Postecoglou will think twice after fielding any key players against Aston Villa

If the Tottenham boss was thinking about giving some minutes to any of his key men ahead of the Europa League final, this Kulusevski injury scare might convince him against doing so.

It would not be surprising if all of the eleven who are expected to start at Bilbao against Man United remain completely unused at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans will be nervously waiting for full confirmation that Kulusevski is fit and ready to go for the showpiece final.

Tottenham had a chance to build momentum ahead of their Europa League final, but instead, they turned in another limp showing at home. Here are five players who let Tottenham down against Crystal Palace.

Indeed, for Tottenham Hotspur, they have their eyes set on the Europa League final, which is set to take place on 21 May.

The Premier League season has long ended for many fans, with Tottenham sitting all the way down in 17th after suffering 20 league defeats in 36 games.

Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace marked the 20th of the league campaign – the most in a single season by Tottenham.

Ange Postecoglou rang the changes, giving his fringe players a chance to make a case for a place in the Europa League squad. But the majority of them failed to impress. Here are five players who let Tottenham down against Crystal Palace.

Djed Spence’s body language is a worrying sign

For the second week running, Djed Spence looked really poor at the back, with his defending leaving much to be desired.

He was constantly getting caught out of possession, positioning himself poorly in defensive actions, and showing a lack of desire to track back – all of which were on full display against Crystal Palace.

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It is frustrating to watch because we know there is a good player in there, but it appears as though he is not too happy being played in dead rubber games.

Ben Davies’ time at Tottenham might be up

Tottenham’s defence was all over the place against Crystal Palace, and they could have been 3-0 down at half time.

It is frustrating to have both Spence and Ben Davies on the same side of the pitch, as both players do not complement each other well at all. The Welshman was poor defensively, with question marks over his positional sense in this tie.

With his contract set to expire, given his performances in recent games, it looks like Spurs might be better off letting him run out his contract.

Kevin Danso needs to sharpen up before May 21

With the club’s luck with injuries, it would not be the strangest of things if another player picked up an injury before the Europa League final, as it has been the story of Tottenham’s season.

At the moment, given the performances of Tottenham’s second-choice centre-backs, one would be praying that neither Cristian Romero nor Micky van de Ven pick up knocks.

Kevin Danso was really poor against Crystal Palace. He had a 6.2 rating on FotMob, did not win any of the tackles he put in all match, and was dribbled past once after Jean-Philippe Mateta simply put the ball beyond him to go through on goal.

These performances do not inspire confidence, and for a player who has been solid since joining Spurs, Danso has to be much better in the coming weeks.

Pape Matar Sarr has an on-field identity crisis

Pape Matar Sarr looks very lost on the pitch. What exactly is his role? Is he there to mop up, to make runs into the box, or to keep Tottenham ticking? The midfielder looks like he is not sure what he is meant to do on a football pitch these days.

Against Crystal Palace, he was just as disappointing. He managed the fewest touches (29) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes.

Going forward, there was nothing to show for it either. He had two shots in the game, neither of which was on target. He also missed Tottenham’s biggest chance after failing to keep his header on target from a Pedro Porro cross.

Touches in the opposition box? He only managed two. Tottenham lack creativity when James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall are not on the pitch in midfield, and with Sarr’s display against Palace, that theme continued. He needs to be more effective in the attacking phase of play.

Mathys Tel a bright spark for Tottenham but lacks support

The forward was one of Tottenham’s bright sparks in the clash against Crystal Palace, as he looked to make things happen and was eager to get on the ball.

He even offered defensive cover for Spence at times in the game, tracking back to cover up for the full-back.

But most of his hard work goes under the radar because the winger lacks service from those around him. Against Palace, he completed the most dribbles (3) in the match, was the most fouled player in the match (4 times), and won the most duels (11).

That is a complete performance from the Frenchman, and had he grabbed a goal, it would have been the perfect way to cap off that display.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fretting over Dejan Kulusevski’s fitness after the winger appeared to pick up a knock during the latest Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their 20th Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday, after Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Eberechi Eze struck twice to seal the win for the Eagles, completing a first-ever Premier League double over Tottenham in the process.

In a bid to manage fatigue and give minutes to some of his fringe players, Ange Postecoglou rang the changes, making eight alterations to his starting line-up.

The likes of Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski all started, while several regulars were named on the bench.

James Maddison has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with injury, while Lucas Bergvall is also sidelined and is expected to miss the Europa League final later this month.

Tottenham fans take dig at the club’s medical team after Dejan Kulusevski’s knock

As Spurs continue to battle a mini injury crisis, there was fresh concern on Sunday afternoon when Dejan Kulusevski was withdrawn after picking up what appeared to be a knock.

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With the Europa League final looming large, any new setback would be a major blow to the squad’s preparations. However, Ange Postecoglou moved quickly to calm fears, stating that Kulusevski is expected to be fine.

Despite the manager’s reassurance, the reaction on social media painted a more anxious picture, with many Spurs fans expressing fears over the Swede’s fitness ahead of the final.

One supporter asked, “Does anyone trust our medical team in this day and age?” while another feared the worst, saying, “So out for the season…” A third posted, “Hope he is okay,” and another fan noted, “Good news, looked bright when he was on and we looked terrible after he was subbed. Cotton wool until the final, can’t have cash snapping him.”

One fan stated bluntly, “So he is out for six weeks,” while another, sounding jaded, added, “Heard that one before.” One simply said, “See you next season Deki 😂” and another took a pointed dig at the club’s medical staff: “If the medical team says he is okay then we know for sure he will be fine 🙂”

Speaking after the final whistle, Ange Postecoglou downplayed concerns around Kulusevski’s fitness. The Tottenham boss said: “He should be okay. Just talking to him after. The medical team are not too concerned about him. It was just a knock.”

With less than two weeks to go until the Europa League final, the hope within the Tottenham Hotspur camp will be that Dejan Kulusevski can shake off the knock and return to full sharpness in time for the clash in Spain.

The absence of James Maddison has already weakened Tottenham’s attacking options, and they can ill afford to lose another creative outlet at such a crucial moment in the season.

Big changes are expected at Tottenham this summer, not just in their coaching and technical staff, but also in the club’s boardroom, with a major review planned at the end of the season.

It has been widely reported that over the last few months a managerial change is likely at Tottenham this summer, but it has been suggested over recent weeks that other big figures could also follow Ange Postecoglou through the door.

Following the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as the club’s new chief executive officer, various sources have claimed that Tottenham’s chief football officer, Scott Munn, could depart.

It was reported last month by The Mail that Spurs’ medical, sports science and analytics will also be reviewed this summer, with changes expected in those areas as well.

Big changes expected at Tottenham irrespective of Europa League fortunes

BBC Sport have now claimed that, irrespective of whether Spurs win the Europa League, there are expected to be some major changes behind the scenes at Hotspur Way.

A new head coach is likely to be the most important one, with Postecoglou’s future at the club far from secure.

The outlet says that the medical and strength and conditioning teams are under scrutiny in light of the number of injuries Tottenham have had this season.

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Additionally, the report says that Venkatesham is expected to be joined through the door by Fabio Paratici, who is in line to return in a formal role.

Will Scott Munn and Johan Lange stay at Tottenham?

BBC Sport say that if Paratici does seal a return, it is difficult to see a scenario where Scott Munn could stay, with Tottenham’s chief football officer likely on his way out.

However, the report says that the club’s technical director, Johan Lange, who arrived through the door last summer, is expected to remain at Hotspur Way despite Paratici’s arrival.

It is revealed that the Dane will continue playing a lead role in talent identification for the upcoming transfer window.

A former Arsenal striker has revealed that he was extremely keen to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, but the Gunners forced him to move abroad instead.

There is no love lost between the two North London clubs, with the rivalry being one of the oldest and fiercest in English football.

That is why there is only a handful of players who have played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in recent history, with direct moves between the two clubs being even rarer.

The last player to make a move from one to another was Willian Gallas, who made a free switch from the Emirates to White Hart Lane back in 2010.

The most infamous is undoubtedly Sol Campbell, who moved in the opposite direction and remains enemy number one for Tottenham fans to this day.

Tony Woodcock reveals Gunners blocked Tottenham transfer

Tony Woodcock made 131 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 56 goals in his four-year spell at Highbury from 1982 to 1986.

The England international arrived at the Gunners from Koln and went back to the German club four years later, but he has now revealed that Tottenham was his preferred destination at the time.

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Woodcock said on the Grumpy Old Men of Football Podcast: “I came to Arsenal. I signed a four-year contract, and it came up again. In those days, you couldn’t offer a player a penny less, or it would be a free transfer. I get my renewal, which was absolutely crazy, they said I’d agreed on things I hadn’t agreed on.

“I’d signed a contract, a blank contract, if you can’t trust Arsenal who can you trust after being there for four years? It came back and went to the tribunal. I won the case.

“I should’ve signed and stayed at Arsenal, but I was so angry about what had happened that I wanted to play for Spurs. I negotiated with Tottenham, Tottenham wanted me at the time, but Arsenal said you’re not going there in any way whatsoever, so I went back to Koln.”

Spurs fans can have the last laugh over Arsenal this season

As disappointing as this season has been for Tottenham in the Premier League, they could still have the bragging rights over Arsenal, as they have a big chance to end the season with silverware.

Jamie O’Hara has said that Tottenham would have had a better season than Arsenal if they had won the Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on re-signing a player they let go back in 2020, but they have now heard that a London rival could make the player their top target after a recent injury development.

Kyle Walker-Peters has been one of just a few Southampton players to come out of the season with any credit in a disastrous return to the top flight for the Saints, who have picked up just 11 points all campaign.

With the former Tottenham Hotspur man becoming a free agent in June, he is unspuriously attracting a lot of interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

It was first reported at the start of April that Tottenham and West Ham were set to battle for Kyle Walker-Peters, and since then, it appears more clubs have entered the fray for the defender.

A couple of weeks ago, CaughtOffside claimed that Spurs were showing the strongest interest in Walker-Peters, but it now appears that another Premier League rival could step up their pursuit of the 28-year-old.

Fulham could make Walker-Peters their top summer target

Football Insider have offered an update on the future of the Spurs academy graduate, naming Tottenham, Everton and West Ham as three sides who have shown interest in the full-back.

They say that Walker-Peters is likely to be one of the most-sought-after players of the summer and assert that he could now shoot up to the top of Fulham’s wishlist.

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This is because the Cottagers have learned that Timothy Castagne faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines and are thus expected to prioritise signing a replacement this summer.

The outlet says Marco Silva’s side may thus decide to push ahead with a move for Walker-Peters and muscle their way in front of Tottenham and West Ham.

Do Tottenham need Kyle Walker-Peters?

Spurs are certainly not short of options at right-back, with Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Archie Gray at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal.

One would think that a left-back to compete with Destiny Udogie would be a more pressing need for the Lilywhites, particularly given that Ben Davies’s contract runs out this summer.

However, Postecoglou seemingly prefers playing Spence at left-back, and Walker-Peters has also shown that he can slot in on the left side if necessary.

While Gustav Isaksen continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, one reputed Italian outlet has now expressed scepticism over whether the North London club’s interest in the player is genuine.

There is no doubt that Spurs will need to prioritise adding reinforcements to their flanks this summer.

Heung-min Son is not getting any younger, Richarlison is expected to depart Tottenham, Timo Werner’s loan spell comes to an end this summer, while there remain question marks over Mathys Tel’s future.

It has been reported by a few Italian publications that Tottenham are considering a move for Lazio’s Gustav Isaksen.

In fact, it was even claimed by TV Play recently that Spurs were ready to bid €40m (£33.5m) to sign Isaksen, having been very impressed with his displays over recent months.

The print edition of Corriere dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now done a deep dive on the Lazio man and has discussed his future.

The report mentions the speculation regarding a move to Spurs, but reveals that Isaksen’s representatives are refusing to comment on the possibility of a switch to N17.

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Given the silence from the player’s camp, Corriere questions if reports of Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the Denmark international are even genuine.

They also point out that the 24-year-old continues to be plagued by massive inconsistency and suggest that it will put off the likes of Spurs from making a move.

What other wingers have Tottenham been linked with?

When it comes to wide players, it appears as if the Lilywhites are prioritising players with Premier League experience.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham are extremely keen on securing Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth this summer, although the Cherries are expected to demand top dollar for the Ghana international.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of four Premier League clubs to have made a ‘firm offer’ for Dean Huijsen, who has shone in his first season in English football, but the Lilywhites are not the favourites to land the Bournemouth player as things stand.

Various outlets from Spain are increasingly confident that Cristian Romero will swap Tottenham for Atletico Madrid this summer, which would leave the Lilywhites needing a top-class addition at the back.

Tottenham Hotspur could turn their attention to a 20-year-old centre-back, who has had an exceptional debut season in the Premier League since his switch to England last summer.

It has been widely reported over recent months that Spurs are big fans of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but they are not the only club monitoring the youngster.

The likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool have also allegedly shown an interest in Huijsen, and a big update has now emerged regarding Los Blancos’ pursuit of the young centre-back.

Tottenham among four English clubs to make offer for Dean Huijsen

Cadena SER have now revealed that Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all made firm offers to try and sign the Bournemouth star this summer.

The outlet explains that the Premier League quartet pose a big threat to Real Madrid, who are also keen on landing the Spain international.

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In fact, it is revealed that Huijsen, who is represented by his own father, has now given permission for a law firm in Madrid to negotiate a deal with the La Liga giants on his behalf.

The youngster’s family want an offer soon so that they can finalise a transfer early in the window, but Madrid are playing the waiting game at the moment.

Spurs’ London rivals are leading Huijsen transfer race

Cadena SER say that as things stand, Chelsea are ‘best placed’ to land the former Juventus man, who values the Blues’ offer highly as it is the best he has received so far.

However, Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool have not given up on their pursuit of Huijsen just yet after submitting proposals of their own.

The publication adds that no proposal has come from Madrid, who prefer to wait to find out what new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans are before finalising their summer transfer targets.