Tottenham Hotspur picked up their third defeat in the last four games as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Spurs took an early lead through Dominic Solanke, who scored a fantastic header from Pedro Porro’s deep cross.
Newcastle restored parity within three minutes through Anthony Gordon after Lucas Bergvall’s pass was cut out by Joelinton’s hand. It left Ange Postecoglou furious on the sidelines, and he gave an angry press conference after the game.
Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead at the break. In the second half, Tottenham dominated the game and created some fantastic chances, but they couldn’t find the equalising goal they were looking for.
Postecoglou said after the game that he was very proud of his players for the shift they have put in.
However, Alan Shearer wasn’t too impressed with Porro’s effort in the build-up to Newcastle’s opening goal. The popular pundit couldn’t fathom why the 25-year-old left his position so early, leaving Gordon to exploit the space.
Shearer said to Premier League TV Production: “From a Tottenham point of view, you know Newcastle love pressing, why on earth encourage them?
“Why on earth is the goalkeeper passing it out? Why on earth Porro gone 15-20 yards further forward from where should be. Because, Newcastle will punish them.”
The same old debate arises with Tottenham
Spurs have now picked up just one win in their last eight Premier League games, and they are in trouble at the moment.
Porro was actually one of their best players against the Magpies, but Shearer is absolutely right here. He should not have left his position so early when there was no need for it.
This brings us back to the same old argument – should Potecoglou change his methods at Spurs? They are one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the Premier League, but defensively shaky and porous.
While pundits and fans are baffled why Spurs keep playing passes from the back and take risks, Postecoglou thinks that’s the only way his side can play.
To be fair, Spurs are missing their top defenders through injuries and illness. Archie Gray and Ragu Dragusin were sick throughout the week, but they still gave their best effort.
A new goalkeeper made his debut, while Sergio Reguilon was brought back from the cold. Considering all these factors, Postecoglou is probably right in saying that his players made him proud today with that display.
