If all things were equal and balanced, we would have won – Ange Postecoglou reflects on Tottenham’s narrow defeat against Newcastle United.
Tottenham Hotspur’s first match of 2025 ended in disappointment, as they suffered their tenth defeat of the season at the hands of Newcastle United.
The match, held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, began in promising fashion for the home side, with centre-forward Dominic Solanke opening the scoring in the 4th minute with a brilliantly taken header.
However, Newcastle United wasted no time in responding, with Antony Gordon finding the back of the net just two minutes later, silencing the jubilant home crowd.
As the match progressed, the Magpies began to impose themselves on proceedings, and their efforts were rewarded in the 38th minute when Alexander Isak doubled their lead.
Despite spirited attempts from Tottenham to claw their way back into the game, the early strike from Solanke remained their only goal, and Newcastle’s defence held firm, securing a 2-1 victory.
Following the match, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his views on the result in an interview with BBC Sport, offering a pointed critique of the circumstances surrounding the game.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Postecoglou stated: “On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today.
“Outstanding. I couldn’t be prouder of the players. I couldn’t ask any more. It’s a game we would have won if all things were equal.
“If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today. Things weren’t equal and balanced.”
When asked what was not equal, if it was Newcastle’s opener: “You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion – if all things were equal and balanced we would have won.
“We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we’re going through. If it was an even playing field we’d have won.”
While the manager’s comments left some questions unanswered, the context surrounding Tottenham’s situation painted a clearer picture of the challenges they faced.
Key injuries left Spurs without a full-strength lineup, forcing them to rely on makeshift solutions.
The match against Newcastle saw the team finish without their only centre-back Dragusin, compounding their defensive woes.
Additionally, with second-choice goalkeeper Fraser Forster unavailable due to illness, Tottenham had no choice but to field their third-choice option in goal – Brandon Austin.
It is perhaps these factors that Postecoglou referred to when speaking of an uneven playing field, as the lack of depth in certain positions continues to expose Tottenham’s vulnerabilities.
Despite these setbacks, the team’s performance was commendable, with moments of attacking brilliance that could have turned the tide on another day.
The result, however, remains a stark reminder of the margins in the Premier League and the importance of squad depth in navigating its relentless demands.
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