'Back Postecoglou with money needed for top-four push'published at 13:10
13:10
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham have a good amount of players who can play across the frontline and their midfield looks strong when fit. It is their defence that is weak.
When Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are unavailable then they really struggle. They have been playing kids at the back and out of position in recent weeks so, with that in mind, it does need reshaping to suit the style of Ange Postecoglou.
He needs centre-backs with pace because of their high line and Radu Dragusin doesn't have that. That is why they have struggled so much because their foundations are built in defence.
But the question is: who do they bring in?
The problem with Tottenham is that they have never had a team that is capable to really compete despite having money spent elsewhere on things like the stadium.
The owners have never heavily invested and in the summer it was young players who were brought in.
They need to back Postecoglou and give him the money needed to push for the top four and fit his style.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
The evolution of the goalkeeper - how goal-kicks have changedpublished at 12:02
12:02
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
The vast majority of teams in the Premier League are going short from their goal-kicks most of the time, with 11 of the 20 teams playing at least 50% of them inside their own area, and 17 of the 20 playing most of them in their own half.
Premier League leaders Liverpool play 85% of their goal-kicks into their half, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City having a similar figure of 83%.
But there are perhaps some surprising takes from the figures.
As the above graphic shows, Arsenal - for years seen as playing a progressive, attractive style of football - are just as happy to go long with their goal-kicks as they are short, with roughly half of them ending in the opposition half.
In contrast, the Gunners' fierce rivals Tottenham have, somewhat incredibly, gone long with just four of their 145 goal-kicks so far this season.
Brighton notably went from goalkeeper to goal in less than 30 seconds to spark their 3-2 comeback win against Tottenham in October.
The Seagulls play 75% of their goal-kicks inside their own half and have had some great success with that tactic this campaign.
Meanwhile, surprise packages Nottingham Forest - sitting third in the Premier League - are also bucking the trend with their goal-kicks, with 60% of them being sent into the opposition half.
It is a tactic that, while at odds with the rest of the Premier League, is working for them with resurgent 33-year-old striker Chris Wood providing them with an effective outlet for the long ball.
Dublin understands fans frustrations but defends Postecoglou's 'bravery'published at 09:51
09:51
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin says he still likes the "bravery" of Ange Postecoglou's beliefs but can understand why Tottenham fans wish there was more in-game management from him and his players.
"Do people not like him because he is so straight and does not fluff anything up with his words? Dublin queried on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Maybe he should get more credit, but I think the frustration from Spurs fans is that they don't change a thing and they do everything to the letter.
"There doesn't seem to be any in-game management from the senior players and fans would like to see more of that.
"But the manager will keep backing his players, so what can you do?
"I'm not surprised by his tone because he answers questions how he seems fit. I like him and have a lot of time for him.
"I like the bravery in his beliefs and the way he wants to play football. I like what he is trying to do at Spurs."
'Spurs know they are going to see the light at the end of this tunnel'published at 16:46 7 January
16:46 7 January
Image source, Getty Images
Having the opportunity to go for silverware would bring "joy and hope" at the end of a "dark tunnel" for Tottenham, says former defender Sebastien Bassong.
It has been 17 year since the club last lifted a trophy, winning the League Cup in 2008.
Ange Postecoglou's side face a tough test if they are going to have a chance to repeat that success, facing Premier League leaders Liverpool in the two-leg Carabao Cup semi-final - the first of which is at home on Wednesday.
"They are going to have to perform. They are going to have to stand up," Bassong told BBC World Service's Sportsworld.
"They are going to have to showcase their talent, their resilience and Ange [Postecoglou] as a manager he knows he's going to have to find the solution to give his team the support they need to go and try and do their best to win the game.
"The Carabao Cup - there's a glimpse of a chance to bring some silverware to Tottenham, so for me that would be an extra motivation because it's been a while since they have been in that position and, even from a fan stand point, that brings you joy and hope.
"In football, everything can go from zero to a hundred in a blink of a second and Spurs know they are going to see the light at the end of this tunnel, this dark tunnel, in terms of injury, bad luck, things not being equal.
"That's part of life and part of the process and they are going to have to learn."
Postecoglou on Kinsky, Bentancur's return and Son's contractpublished at 14:19 7 January
14:19 7 January
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Wedensday's EFL Cup game against Liverpool (kick-off 20:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Postecoglou confirmed that goalkeeper signing Antonin Kinsky is available to play, adding: "He is one that we had earmarked for the summer to bring in but we have had injuries. I've got a decision to make [on Wednesday]."
He praised the new signing's personality, adding: "We're trying to build a team of people who are ambitious and have a clear goal in their heads for their career. From talking to him and looking into his background, he certainly seems to fit that mould."
Postecoglou didn't rule out another signing being made this month: "We're still trying to help the squad and players. We still have roughly 10 first-team players missing. That's not easy so we need to still try to help the playing group."
He provided a fitness update ahead of Wednesday's match: "I still think we're down [on players]. Bentancur is back but we lose Maddison and Sarr to suspension."
Elsewhere in the squad, he added: "Mikey [Moore] potentially could be available on the bench. Richarlison is training but we want him to have two solid weeks of training so if he gets through next week he will be fine. Fraser [Forster] is back in training."
On club captain Son Heung-min's new contract: "The main ambition is to make sure he finishes his career here with some silverware."
'I'm very worried about the fragility of Gray'published at 11:00 7 January
11:00 7 January
Media caption,
The New York Times' chief football correspondent Rory Smith thinks Tottenham's injury problems are "saving" Ange Postecoglou.
"I'm not sure anybody could look at that [the injury problems] and think this is a fair test of his system, when he has that many players out," said Smith.
"I think it is on Levy and the recruitment.
"If you are going to play Postecoglou's system in the Premier League, maybe you need to have a bigger squad, that's something Levy and Tottenham should have considered when appointing him.
"I'm very worried about the fragility of Archie Gray, who is an absolutely wonderful footballer, who should absolutely not be playing central defence in his late teens.
"There's a chance it robs him of his confidence, he should be in midfield and I'm worried about the impact that could have on a young player's confidence."
'Postecoglou is under pressure'published at 08:59 7 January
08:59 7 January
Media caption,
On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton discussed the pressure on Ange Postecoglou following Saturday's defeat to Newcastle.
Postecoglou repeated the same answer several times in his post-match interview after Tottenham's defeat by Newcastle.
Sutton said: "There's no getting away from the fact that this season Tottenham haven't got the results which are expected.
"There was the expectation to kick on from the fifth-placed finish last season and it doesn't look like they're going to challenge for a Champions League spot. That's a problem."
Postecoglou 'a bit sharp' or an attempt 'to stir things up'?published at 19:07 6 January
19:07 6 January
Image source, Getty Images
Was Ange Postecoglou's post-match interview "too much," or was he trying to "stir things up a bit?"
Reflecting on the Tottenham bosses comments and clear agitation at the officials decision-making, The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I thought they were hard done by, but he is bristling in media interactions and I thought it was just a bit too much.
"Managers are allowed to snap back at reporters as they get asked a lot of questions and they have a lot of duties to do, but I just feel like there is a certain way to do it. It feels like he was already waiting to have a go at the person who was asking the questions.
"He doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who is in control of his team and it was a bit sharp for my liking."
It is not the first time that Postecoglou has been frosty with the media but he is certainly also not the only manager to have ever done it.
Former Premier League winger Bolo Zenden added: "A manager says things to sometimes stir things up a bit.
"The journalists are there to put the finger where it hurts and sometimes it is not easy. But managers also have an agenda. They say things to stir it up, to make sure next time they have the right way. It is a bit of a game.
"We have seen so many managers speaking out in certain ways, for example Jose Mourinho would say certain things just to make something happen."
'Understudies outperformed the leads'published at 16:08 6 January
16:08 6 January
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
If all things were equal and balanced, Lucas Bergvall would have played the full game against Newcastle United.
Then again, if all things were equal and balanced, Bergvall probably would not have been in the starting line-up to begin with.
All of us are painfully aware of our current injury crisis – exacerbated by winter illnesses – but, in times of struggle, it can be helpful to look for the silver linings.
Saturday's result was disappointing, but the performance revealed one area where Spurs are definitely not lacking any strength in depth: character.
Indeed, this was a show where the understudies outperformed the leading stars.
Bergvall covered every blade of grass, connecting play with his passes and purposeful runs, as well as surviving physical assaults from the opposition. He deserved to play the full game, and I am hopeful that the decision to substitute him was partly to save him for our upcoming cup fixture against Liverpool.
Djed Spence proved yet again that he justifies more minutes at left-back (not only when Destiny Udogie is injured), with the added bonus that he can more than hold his own at centre back as well.
Archie Gray is improving with every game, facing the adversity that surrounds him with the composure of a seasoned professional, not an 18-year-old rookie.
Meanwhile, Brandon Austin gave a debut performance that was worth the 17-year wait and the player of the match award.
So yes, reinforcements are needed – and I am as eager as any fan to see how we use this transfer window beyond signing a new goalkeeper – but we can also be proud of the fight left in the players we already have.
It is a long season and if the players can find their courage and composure at the right times, all is not lost.
'There has got to be a little bit of game management'published at 15:38 6 January
15:38 6 January
Media caption,
'If all things were equal' - Postecoglou repeats same answer six times
An agitated Ange Postecoglou was furious Anthony Gordon's equaliser had been allowed to stand after a handball in the build-up, as Tottenham's injury-hit side pushed Newcastle all the way but fell short.
He used a version of the phrase "if all things were equal" nine times in an interview with the BBC.
"In that interview frustrations and emotions have boiled over," said former Brighton striker Glenn Murray on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "It goes without saying that the pressure is mounting on him.
"There is the massive question mark over his style of play, but I am still a fan of it because it is fresh and exciting.
"As a manager, if you are going to get sacked then you are going to do it by sticking to your style and not getting talked into another way. But there has got to be a little bit of game management and control to tweak tactics.
"It is not about going against your values but you can tell now in interviews that he is leaning more into 'I'm not changing' territory."
Tottenham's league table curiositypublished at 12:14 6 January
12:14 6 January
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty Images
A third defeat in their past four Premier League games at home to Newcastle on Saturday left Tottenham 12th in the table.
But, when delving into their goalscoring statistics, supporters could be forgiven for wondering how exactly this has happened.
Ange Postecoglou's side have 15 fewer points than at this stage last season - despite scoring the same number of goals and conceding just one more.
So, how can that be?
Tottenham this season have been winning big and losing small.
Six of Spurs' seven wins have been by three or more goals - the exception being a 3-1 win over Brentford in September.
Nine of their 10 defeats have been by a single goal - including against the Magpies on Saturday - with the exception being the 6-3 defeat by Liverpool in December.
You can see how much of an anomaly Tottenham are this season just by looking at the table.
The Lilywhites currently sit 12th despite having a goal difference of +12!
In fact, it is such a unique situation for a side to be in that Spurs are the first Premier League team to sit in the bottom half after 20 games despite having a positive double-digit goal difference since Claudio Ranieri's Chelsea back in 2000-01.
Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:01 6 January
08:01 6 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Newcastle.
Here are some of your comments:
Tottenham fans
Kelechi: The boys put in a decent shift. That equaliser, so soon after our goal and with the controversy around it, was psychologically damaging for us in the first half. Say what you will, but a hand caused the ball to go in the direction of the goalscorer - that should be a handball foul. How Joelinton and Dan Burn survived getting sent off is still surprising to me. We move on.
Colin: I am so confused with the handball law now. I think we should revert to the original interpretation: ball to hand only. Ifab have totally confused us all, referees included. We played much better in the second half but we are too vulnerable defensively.
Peter: I thought Lucas Bergvall was outstanding, I was surprised he was substituted off. Spurs needed to score to equalise, with proven attacking players. Full credit to the substitute goalkeeper, he was confident and played very well.
Michael: At least we are consistent about being inconsistent! We are definitely going backwards!
Josh: Our youngest team for 10 years. A goal that arguably shouldn't have stood for the opponents. And 45 minutes played without a recognised centre-back. Injuries have devastated Spurs but winning ways will return with the players. Ange Postecoglou shouldn't be blamed for these results. I like Daniel Levy but he has a massive window to ensure the team is fleshed out to compete across all tournaments.
Newcastle fans
Geoff: A game of two periods. First half, we were outstanding and well worth the lead at half-time. However, we were a different side in the second half and, in the end, were fortunate to win. I know Eddie Howe has his eye on midweek but his substitutions were bizarre. Every time he made one, we got worse. We still gained three points but we were nowhere near as good as previous games.
Mike: That was a hard three points. Where did the 12 minutes of extra time come from? My fingernails were down to my knuckles.
Ian: Newcastle need to take more of their chances when they come. They can't quite kill the game off when they are leading and this allows teams the opportunity to keep fighting when they think they have a chance to get back into the match.
Jamie: I'm very happy with the result. We don't travel down south well, so a win is always important. I have to feel sympathetic to Spurs, I hope they stick with Postecoglou and build a squad with the depth that makes them able to compete. We also need greater depth, but the result proves again that Newcastle's first XI can challenge most sides in the league.
Gossip: Spurs keen on Kolo Muanipublished at 07:15 6 January
07:15 6 January
Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris St-Germain this month, with Tottenham, Aston Villa, AC Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig all interested in the 26-year-old France forward. (Ben Jacobs), external
Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle: Postecoglou's Spurs in freefallpublished at 15:38 4 January
15:38 4 January
Matthew Howarth BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Ange Postecoglou's team could hardly have wished for a better start against in-form Newcastle, but Dominic Solanke's early goal was as good as it got against the Magpies.
Spurs were behind seven minutes before half-time and despite an improved second-half display, they failed to trouble goalkeeper Martin Dubravka enough to salvage something from the game.
Spurs were adamant Joelinton should have been penalised for handball in the build-up to Anthony Gordon's equaliser, but the officials deemed that the contact with Lucas Bergvall's pass was accidental and that the Brazilian's arm was in a natural position.
Their latest defeat means Spurs have picked up only five points from their last eight in the league, while their run of six home league matches without a win is their longest since an eight-game streak under Juande Ramos in 2008.
They have not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since a 4-0 victory over Everton back in August - 10 matches ago.
Debutant goalkeeper Brandon Austin could do little about Newcastle's two goals, while the introductions of Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Yves Bissouma with half an hour to play failed to turn the tide on another deeply frustrating afternoon for Postecoglou and his players.
Image source, Getty Images
