Tottenham Hotspur’s 6-3 defeat to Liverpool was a painful reminder of the challenges Ange Postecoglou’s side are facing this season. But when a reporter asked the Tottenham manager about the defensive struggles, he remained adamant insisting injuries are to blame.
Tottenham Hotspur’s latest Premier League campaign has been marked by inconsistency and a troubling defensive record, with their defeat to Liverpool serving as a harsh reminder of the challenges facing the North London side.
The six goals conceded on Sunday, took their tally to 25 goals allowed this season in just 17 matches, equating to an alarming 1.5 goals per game on average, a statistic that starkly highlights their struggles at the back.
The home defeat to Liverpool was Tottenham’s fourth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, further underlining their vulnerability even on familiar turf.
Injuries have certainly played their part, with the absence of key defensive personnel forcing the team into makeshift arrangements, but the issues seem to go deeper than just personnel changes.
Following the defeat, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faced the media and delivered a fiery response to questions about his side’s defensive frailties.
When speaking to BBC Sport, he did not hold back in addressing the challenges Spurs have faced, particularly with their mounting injury list.
He said: “It is obviously a painful one for us. Credit to Liverpool, they were too good for us. They are in a great moment, great form, feeling confident. It was a bridge too far for us. We looked like we lacked energy which is understandable,”
When pressed further on whether injuries were solely to blame for the defensive struggles, Postecoglou’s frustration became evident.
He continued: “I’m just going to stop answering these questions. If people can’t see the obvious I‘m not going to point it out. Make of it what you want, yes we’re conceding goals.
“If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and left-back and that hasn’t coincided with what we’re doing…
“I don’t know what to say anymore. I think people make up their mind in their own way. They either think what I’m doing is good or bad, and that’s fine.
“It’s fairly significant, if you took out Liverpool’s goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back – or any team other than Liverpool, they’d find it tough going as well.”
While Postecoglou’s points are valid, injuries alone cannot account for all of Tottenham’s defensive struggles.
It is worth noting that even with a fully fit squad earlier in the season, the team faced moments where they conceded goals with alarming ease.
Balance remains a key issue for Spurs, as their attacking fluency is among the league’s best, yet defensively they have lacked structure and discipline.
Currently, Tottenham find themselves relying on an 18-year-old midfielder in Archie Gray to partner their backup centre-back, while Fraser Forster, a veteran stand-in, mans the goal.
These makeshift arrangements undoubtedly make a difference, yet they should not obscure the broader defensive lapses that have plagued the team.
Going forward, Postecoglou and his coaching staff must strike a balance between their offensive dynamism and defensive solidity.
While their attacking unit continues to deliver, the backline requires reinforcements, tactical adjustments, or both. Only then can Spurs hope to move closer to their aspirations of Champions League football and consistent top-tier performances.
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