The dark clouds continue to gather over Tottenham Hotspur as manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactics come under fire amid a spate of costly injuries. Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa marked Spurs’ second cup exit in a week, compounding their dismal Premier League position. As the pressure mounts on the embattled Australian coach, fans are making their frustrations known – but much of their ire is directed at long-time chairman Daniel Levy.
Tactical Troubles and Injury Woes
From the very first whistle at Villa Park, Tottenham’s deficiencies were laid bare. Morgan Rogers carved through the visitors’ non-existent midfield press with ease before setting up Jacob Ramsey for the opener. Questions will be asked of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, but the traveling Spurs faithful were quick to pin the blame elsewhere – chants of “Daniel Levy, get out of our club” rang out just 57 seconds in.
Postecoglou’s alpha-male obstinacy and freeform tactics already appear outdated and unworkable. But it begs the question – how is the Australian supposed to prosper with four teenagers in his starting lineup? Injuries have decimated an already thin squad, forcing highly-rated youngsters like Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore into extended action. There are growing concerns that this heavy exposure could lead to burnout for Spurs’ brightest young stars.
Fans Turn on Levy as Frustrations Mount
While Postecoglou may be the one feeling the heat, it’s clear that Spurs fans have another target for their anger: Daniel Levy. The long-serving chairman’s cautious approach in the transfer market is wearing thin, especially in contrast to clubs like Aston Villa who are taking risks to compete at the top once again.
Perhaps memories abound of Gareth Bale’s less than valedictory loan during lockdown football; someone else’s damaged goods freely available for a good reason may be best avoided.
Still, the sight of a revived Marcus Rashford in Villa colors, his wages partly paid by the hosts, underscored what Spurs are sorely lacking – experienced, elite talent to supplement their crop of promising kids. Rashford’s brief cameo, beating his man with pace and skill, was a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been in North London.
Kinsky Can’t Stem the Tide as Villa Dominate
If not for the heroics of Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky, Villa would have been out of sight by halftime. The Czech shot-stopper, another talented youngster thrown in at the deep end, pulled off a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable. But he could do nothing about Villa’s second, stranded as Youri Tielemans loped through the Spurs midfield to release Rogers for a simple finish.
To their credit, Tottenham rallied after the break and grabbed a late consolation through debutant Mathys Tel. The highly-rated French teenager, horse-whispered away from Bayern Munich by Postecoglou, fired home with virtually the last kick of the game. But it was all too little, too late.
Pressure Mounts on Postecoglou as Spurs Slide Continues
As the final whistle blew on another chastening defeat, Postecoglou cut his usual sideline figure – arms sunk deep in his puffer pockets, expression implacable. But even his famed stoicism must be tested by Tottenham’s dramatic slide. With a top-four spot already looking like a pipe dream and silverware hopes extinguished for another season, the vultures are circling over the Australian.
If Postecoglou’s alpha-male obstinacy has worn thin quickly, his freeform tactics outdated, unworkable, how is he supposed to prosper with four teenagers in his team?
The question now is whether Levy will pull the trigger, consigning Postecoglou to the ever-growing list of managers to try and fail to awaken the sleeping giant of Spurs. Or will the parsimonious chairman hold firm, trusting in his coach to turn the tide with scant resources? One thing is for sure – the natives are restless in North London, and the storm clouds are gathering over the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
