Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure after Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday. Despite a blistering start, which saw Spurs score twice in the opening 15 minutes, defensive errors and lapses in concentration led to yet another disappointing result.
Tottenham began the game with intent, capitalizing on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s early mistakes. Brennan Johnson punished the first error, seizing the ball and setting up Dominic Solanke, who calmly slotted home against his former club. Minutes later, Dejan Kulusevski made it 2-0, benefiting from another Cucurella slip. Johnson was again involved, feeding Pedro Porro, whose assist allowed the Swede to glide past two defenders and fire a low shot into the bottom corner.
However, Chelsea struck back swiftly. Jadon Sancho halved the deficit with a stunning long-range strike, igniting a comeback that Spurs failed to contain.
The second half belonged to Chelsea. Yves Bissouma’s clumsy challenge handed Cole Palmer a penalty, which he converted to level the score. Moments later, Enzo Fernandez volleyed home from close range, giving the visitors a 3-2 lead.
Tottenham’s woes deepened when Pape Matar Sarr conceded another penalty in the 83rd minute. Palmer stepped up again, this time delivering a cheeky finish to extend Chelsea’s advantage. A late consolation from Heung-min Son in stoppage time was not enough, as Spurs fell to their fourth defeat in seven matches across all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou under fire
Tottenham’s poor form has raised serious questions about Ange Postecoglou’s future. The club has managed just one win in their last seven games—a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City—but currently languishes in 11th place, with only 20 points from 15 matches.
Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has publicly called for the Australian’s dismissal, reflecting a growing unrest among fans. Adding to the speculation, reputable insider Paul O’Keefe hinted that Postecoglou’s position could become untenable if Spurs fail to win upcoming fixtures against Rangers and Southampton. “Not sure about that but defeat at Rangers and Southampton then it’s very precarious,” O’Keefe noted on X.
Not sure about that but defeat at Rangers and Southampton then it's very precarious
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) December 8, 2024
Postecoglou arrived last summer, replacing Antonio Conte and rejuvenating the club with an attacking style of play. His early impact was undeniable, as Spurs climbed the table and thrilled fans with free-flowing football. However, injuries derailed their momentum last season, culminating in a fifth-place finish.
Despite significant summer reinforcements, including Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s performances have been inconsistent, with persistent injury problems continuing to undermine their progress.
With half the season already gone, the pressure is on for Postecoglou to turn Tottenham’s fortunes around. The next few matches could prove decisive for his future, as the club battles to salvage a campaign that has fallen far below expectations.
