Postecoglou criticises other Premier League clubs over injuries

Following their disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham at home, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou had some spiky comments for other Premier League managers and the way the media has covered injuries at other clubs, while ignoring his side’s crisis.

Spurs played against Fulham with their backup goalkeeper (Fraser Forster) and with their two backup centre backs (Ben Davies & Radu Dragusin). Club captain Son Heung-min was also forced to deputize at striker as Dominic Solanke missed the match with an illness.

Big Ange criticizes “violin-playing”

As tradition after a poor result, Postecoglou had a tense press conference with British broadcasters after the draw with Fulham.

When asked what went wrong, the Australian manager said it was a tough and tight game for his side with not a lot of chances for them to score.

Postecoglou also said that he felt his team should have taken an early lead and scored more in the match than their own goal. However, he also relayed how proud he was of his side for the result.

Then, ‘Big Ange’ took his shots at the media and other Premier League clubs.

First, he criticised Fulham’s Marco Silva’s tactics. “There wasn’t a whole lot of football being played…there was a lot of stoppages and we just couldn’t get over the top of them.”

When asked about if injuries played a part in the result, Postecoglou said: “I've seen so much violin-playing over (other teams having) one centre-back out, but we're just supposed to get on with it.”

Both Spurs’ starting centre backs, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, are injured. Backup duo Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin have started the last three matches for Tottenham.

“Benny and Radu have been outstanding throughout this spell. I mean there aren't too many teams in the league who have both their centre-backs out. The beauty of it is these boys are, and I love that,” Postecoglou said, praising his reserve players.

“I love the characters they're showing. I love the fact that they're not seeking excuses or wanting me to make allowances for it.”

‘Spursy’ run continues

Spiky comments aside, Postecoglou’s comments were more on the positive side after the result. Tottenham fans though could not help but feel underwhelmed by yet another poor result following a big win.

After beating Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad, Postecoglou’s side have scraped by. The club were lucky to come away with a 2-2 draw against Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.

The 1-1 draw with Fulham was a deserved result, but Spurs were huge favourites with the betting sites before the match and really should’ve won.

Looking ahead

Tottenham will head down to the Vitality Stadium on Thursday (7:15 AM on Friday, AEST) to play Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

Our EPL predictions have Spurs winning this one, but will be a tougher test than the soccer betting odds make it seem.

Bournemouth are one of the most creative teams in the league. They have the fifth-most xG and fifth-most shots in the league. They could cause problems for Tottenham’s makeshift backline.

Conclusion

Spurs enter Matchweek 14 in 7th place and could drop into the bottom half with a poor result here. Postecoglou should survive whatever happens this week, but he is getting close to being on the hot seat and really can’t afford another loss here.