Tottenham Hotspur’s challenging season hit another setback with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round, adding to their recent string of disappointments.
The defeat came just days after their 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, further compounding the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.
The tension was evident at Villa Park, where fans made their frustrations known. Aston Villa supporters mocked Postecoglou with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” while Spurs fans voiced their discontent by chanting the name of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, expressing nostalgia for the Argentine’s successful tenure.
The Villa fans sing to Postecoglou "You're getting sacked in the morning!"
Moments later the Spurs fans sing Mauricio Pochettino's name!#COYS #THFC pic.twitter.com/sNJ6LKuIIf
— Chris Cowlin (@ChrisCowlin) February 9, 2025
Despite creating opportunities, Tottenham struggled to convert their chances until Mathys Tel’s late consolation goal. Villa, meanwhile, capitalised on Spurs’ defensive lapses, sealing their progression to the next round.
While Postecoglou has faced criticism, Tottenham’s severe injury crisis has undoubtedly played a role in their struggles. Key players have been sidelined, including first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who has been recovering from ankle surgery since November.
The defensive line has been hit hard, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie all unavailable. Recent ACL damage has also ruled out Radu Dragusin. The offensive unit has similarly been impacted, with Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and James Maddison among the absentees.
The chants for Pochettino highlight the admiration Spurs fans continue to hold for the manager who led the club from 2014 to 2019. His tenure saw Tottenham consistently finish in the top four and culminated in their first-ever Champions League final appearance in 2019. His focus on youth development and attacking football left a lasting legacy.
As questions surrounding Postecoglou’s future persist, the club faces a crucial decision—whether to continue backing the manager in hopes of a recovery or seek fresh leadership.
