Everton 3-2 Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou under pressure after Everton loss
They turned their anger on chairman Daniel Levy and uttered a sarcastic “ole” when Spurs passed the ball. Everton fans were delighted after enjoying their fourth league win of the season: “You’re nothing special, we’re losing every week.”
There was pure vitriol after the half-time whistle and the final two goals made the game a little less toxic and contributed to the tense atmosphere.
Spurs got what they deserved: nothing.
Postkoglu changed the defensive strategy to a back three but failed miserably, although he insists it was simply to find a structure from which he could move.
There is clearly something wrong with Tottenham’s manager but their results and football compare to Bournemouth’s Andoni Illara.
He was without eight players against Newcastle United on Saturday and made just 39 substitute appearances in total compared to the home side’s 979 substitute appearances.
Iraola still conjures a tactical masterclass 4-1 win This leaves the Cherries unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions and just one point away from a Champions League spot.
For Tottenham and Postkoglu, the comparison is stark and unflattering.
All eyes will increasingly be on Levy, who is not known for being patient or extending the tenure of embattled managers, especially when he becomes the main target of noisy discontent rather than those in the technical field.
Spurs fans went through their complete anti-Levey playlist – which is not good news for any manager under his stewardship.
The idea of firing Postkoglu was simple. The hard part now is finding people who are capable. Change for the sake of change is rarely a good solution.
Tottenham and Postkoglu will cling to the hope the team brings Liverpool lead 1-0 in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. As he looks to get key defenders Christian Romero and Mickey van de Veen fit again, although Solanke will be a doubt as he could be out for a few weeks.
They have to play at a higher level than Everton for those hopes to not be dashed any time soon.
Postkoglu didn’t try to avoid the issue, saying: “I have a responsibility to the players. I do have to try to get us through this and that’s what I have to focus on.”
“To me, focusing on other things is giving up on my responsibilities.”
He remained defiant, adding: “My faith will not waver.
“We are in a very extreme injury situation. If you look at where we are now, it will eventually go away. I certainly hope and believe it will go away.
“We’ll give ourselves a chance to be consistent with our performance and result. I certainly haven’t lost faith or determination to turn things around and the players showed that in the second half.”
Spurs will now travel to Hoffenheim for a Europa League tie before hosting another Premier League side, Leicester City, at home next Sunday.
‘The Tottenham doctor’ has helped others – now a cure must be found closer to home or Postkoglu will be in deeper trouble.
