DailySun
ANGE POSTECOGLOU received a warning regarding “unrest” among his Spurs players after Declan Rice gave a candid assessment of Arsenal’s comeback victory.
Rice claims that the Gunners “should have scored 10” as Tottenham continues to face challenges, with only one win in their last nine Premier League outings.
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Postecoglou appeared more disheartened than his critics after Spurs’ 2-1 loss in his post-match comments.
Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon indicated that the coach would face even greater scrutiny if not for a commendable Carabao Cup campaign.
Spurs currently lead Liverpool 1-0 going into the semi-final second leg on February 6.
However, following the disappointing display at the Emirates, Lennon noted: “This creates significant unrest within the squad.
“If they were not advancing in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, serious problems would emerge.
Postecoglou acknowledged that, after requiring extra time to defeat fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup merely three days earlier, Spurs were “nowhere near good enough” in their crucial clash against their North London foes.
Spurs have earned just nine points from 27 available, with their only triumph during this period being a 5-0 thrashing of bottom-placed Southampton on December 15.
Supporters have witnessed just a single win at Arsenal during the past 32 visits.
Currently, Tottenham’s total of 24 points from 21 matches puts them nearer to Southampton’s six points than Arsenal’s 43.
Dominic Solanke’s own goal and Leandro Trossard’s quick strike negated an opening goal from Son Heung-min on the previous Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou criticizes the “vile and detestable” abuse he faced at Tamworth, claiming objects were hurled at him
Gunners’ midfielder Rice remarked: “That was more significant than anything. From the very start, it was complete domination. You could sense it was a derby.
“Honestly, we were unlucky; we probably should have scored 10 tonight.”
Postecoglou’s critique mirrored that sentiment, and he assumed responsibility.
He told TNT Sports: “Nowhere near good enough, particularly in the first half. We were overly passive. We permitted Arsenal to control the game.
“The second half improved slightly [but] … still not satisfactory.
“Ultimately, the responsibility lies with me regarding how I prepare the players.”
Too many losses this year. Too many games slipping away from us. It must stop.
Ange Postecoglou
“Certainly, these losses sting. They are not acceptable. Too many losses this year, too many matches slipping from our grasp. It has to come to an end.
“If you give up now, there’s no reason to keep going. Our focus now shifts to the vital encounter with Everton this weekend.”
Spurs are currently eight points above the relegation zone, just one point ahead of Manchester United.
Though, a loss on Sunday against the struggling Toffees, who are hopeful that the return of David Moyes can reinvigorate them, could see Postecoglou’s squad drop from 13th to 15th.
The Australian told BBC’s Match of the Day: “When we play well and challenge our opponents, that’s when we shine, but today we did not reach that level.”
Nonetheless, Tottenham’s immediate concern is not so much their scoring troubles but rather their defensive leaks.
Spurs have scored 43 goals – only two fewer than league leaders Liverpool at 48 – but have conceded 32.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham
By Dan King
ARSENAL mounted a comeback to overcome Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby.
Son Heung-Min opened the scoring in the 25th minute against the run of play.
However, true to their form, the Gunners took advantage of a corner that led to Gabriel Magalhaes unintentionally heading into the net following Dominic Solanke.
Leandro Trossard then put Arsenal ahead just before halftime with a spectacular finish.
Here’s how the players were rated…
David Raya – 6
Had little action until he blocked an attempt from Kulusevski midway through the first half, then was beaten by a deflection for Son’s goal. Made no significant saves in the second half.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Defensively solid but lacked attacking confidence, missing key crossing opportunities.
William Saliba – 6
Unflustered until Son’s shot deflected off him. Started the second half cautiously but improved to limit Spurs’ chances.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Made a pivotal interception against Solanke and played a vital role in the equalizer. Strong defensive performance in the second half against Solanke.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Delivered a fantastic pass to set up Sterling and had a well-rounded display as the second-youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.
Thomas Partey – 7
Strengthened the midfield, effectively winning back possession, especially before Arsenal’s second goal. Occasionally caught out by Spurs’ pace.
Declan Rice – 7
Covered a lot of ground and provided a crucial set-piece assist for the equalizer. Still finding his best form, but getting better.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Held a lot of possession but struggled with execution, missing clear-cut chances at both halves’ starts. Tentative when facing defenders. Substituted justifiably.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Drove play effectively without creating a decisive pass, but assisted Trossard for the second goal. Missed a chance to extend the lead, showing fewer signs of regaining form compared to Rice.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Frustrated fans with missed opportunities until he found the net, but contributed little in the second half.
Kai Havertz – 4
Minimal involvement in the first half, occasionally nicking the ball from Tottenham’s keeper Kinsky. Missed a close-range header early in the second half and struggled to make an impact.
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Gabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5
Slow to adjust to the game, with limited contributions aside from one significant run and a blocked shot.
Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6
Substituted to strengthen defense and achieved that successfully.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6
Added energy in the closing minutes and almost set up a scoring chance.
Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6
Committed a strategic foul to prevent Solanke from breaking free during stoppage time.
