If Ange Postecoglou is keen on identifying the sources of distress at Tottenham Hotspur, he should begin with the significant vulnerabilities in his midfield and defense. These weaknesses have unfortunately jeopardized his position as the club's manager. On Friday, Postecoglou revealed the troubling discovery of a mole within the club, leaking sensitive information to the media. However, one thing is abundantly clear: Spurs have become a vulnerable target for opponents, especially when faced with any hint of pressure.
This was starkly illustrated in a disappointing 4-2 loss to Wolves at Molineux, a match that underscored why Postecoglou's squad has suffered 17 defeats in just 32 Premier League matches this season—more than in any previous season—and currently sits in 15th place. The game’s turning point came with a comical own goal from defender Djed Spence, whose miscommunication with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario resulted in a second goal for Wolves, leaving Postecoglou in disbelief as he reviewed the incident on a monitor. This moment epitomized the defensive chaos that has plagued the team.
Despite Postecoglou's attacking strategies that initially brought hope and excitement, the inability to rectify these defensive flaws has been detrimental. Since he took over at the start of the 2023-24 season, only two teams—West Ham and Sheffield United—have recorded more own goals than Spurs, who have conceded six. Furthermore, only the bottom three clubs in the league have suffered more losses than Spurs this season, marking the most defeats for the club since the 2003-04 season.
While the loss to Wolves was disappointing, it is essential to consider the context. Postecoglou’s priorities understandably lie with the upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. This focus likely contributed to the six changes in the lineup, resting key players such as Son Heung-min and Micky van de Ven. A silver lining was the return of Dejan Kulusevski from injury, who made a brief 15-minute appearance.
However, the downside to this context is the pressing concern that if Spurs repeat their careless and disorganized performance against Wolves, their chances of securing silverware this season could vanish, putting Postecoglou's tenure at risk. The match began poorly, as Vicario's weak punch from a corner allowed Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri to score, capitalizing on Spurs' defensive lapses.
The second goal was another blunder, with Vicario failing to handle a header from Marshall Munetsi, leading to yet another own goal. Despite a moment of hope provided by Mathys Tel shortly after the hour mark, the defense faltered again when Cristian Romero, a World Cup winner, was easily beaten by Ait-Nouri, allowing Jorgen Strand Larsen to score. The defensive chaos continued as Spurs squandered opportunities, with Richarlison setting up what seemed like a comeback, only for Lucas Bergvall to lose possession moments later, allowing Matheus Cunha to seal the victory for Wolves.
After the match, Postecoglou appeared visibly disheartened as he approached the remaining Spurs supporters. The errors on the field were of a nature that no manager can fully anticipate. He defended his players, stating, “The goals weren't lapses; they were individual errors, which is unusual for us.” However, the frequency of these mistakes raises questions about a deeper-rooted issue within the team.
Postecoglou acknowledged the importance of accountability, saying, “I’m not going to hold anyone to account; the only person who gets held to account is me.” He emphasized that while mistakes are part of football, the disappointing performance against Wolves was a significant setback for the club.
Amidst the chaos, thousands of frustrated Spurs fans made their displeasure clear, directing chants of “We Want Levy Out” towards chairman Daniel Levy. Despite the current turmoil, the focus remains on the Europa League as Postecoglou seeks to deliver on his promise of winning a trophy in what may be his last chance to do so.
In conclusion, while there are aspects of Postecoglou's football philosophy that are commendable, the upcoming match in Frankfurt holds monumental significance. For both the club and its manager, it is truly a moment of “now or never.”
