LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is back in a gloomy mood after losing 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest early this morning, their 18th defeat in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham found themselves 2-0 down after 16 minutes and although they dominated the game from then on and got a late lifeline through Richarlison, it proved to be another slump that could see Spurs’ worst points tally since 44 in the 1997-98 season.
With tough matches ahead, including a visit to eventual champions Liverpool next weekend, they have slipped to 16th place with 37 points. Only the bottom three clubs have lost more matches.
Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt that helped them reach the Europa League semi-finals last week revived their season and Postecoglou can live up to his claim that he often wins trophies in his second season at any club.
But another league defeat, his eighth at home this season, has increased the pressure on the 59-year-old former Celtic manager.
“It’s another game we shouldn’t have lost and it’s been a big part of our season where we’ve made it harder in the important moments,” the Australian told reporters.
“Conceding a terrible goal. It’s a shame because our football was excellent and we really dominated the game. Even with the two goals we conceded I still feel we deserved to win this game. At the same time it’s another defeat that is unacceptable.”
Tottenham were booed at half-time, but the mood was better in the second half as the hosts pushed back Champions League contenders Forest.
“I don’t have to say anything to the fans. The fans are disappointed and angry and so are we,” Postecoglou said.