Tottenham Hotspur’s season continues to unravel as they suffered their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, this time at home to Leicester City. The 2-1 loss not only extended Spurs’ winless run to seven games but also deepened the sense of crisis surrounding the club. For Leicester, the victory was a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal season, lifting them out of the relegation zone—at least temporarily. However, for Tottenham, the defeat highlighted systemic issues that go far beyond injuries or bad luck.
A Familiar Story for Spurs
Tottenham started the game brightly and took the lead in the first half, but their inability to hold onto a lead—a recurring theme this season—proved costly once again. Leicester struck twice in quick succession early in the second half, exposing Spurs’ defensive frailties and lack of resilience. The loss leaves Tottenham languishing in 15th place, just five points above the relegation zone, and raises serious questions about the direction of the club under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs have now dropped a league-high 21 points from winning positions this season, a statistic that underscores their fragility and inability to close out games. While injuries have undoubtedly played a part—James Maddison was notably absent for this match—the problems run deeper than just personnel issues.
Defensive Disarray
One of the most glaring issues for Tottenham is their defensive organization, or lack thereof. Despite fielding a makeshift backline due to injuries, the manner in which they conceded both goals against Leicester was alarming.
As one pundit pointed out, “You can still defend well with bad players or with reserve players, but the way they defend is structurally atrocious.” Postecoglou’s tactical setup, which prioritizes attacking football, often leaves the team exposed at the back. While this approach can yield thrilling results when things go well, it becomes a liability when the team is struggling for form and confidence.
A Second-Half Collapse
The start of the second half was particularly damning for Tottenham. Leading 1-0 at halftime, they emerged from the break looking complacent and disjointed. Leicester, despite their own struggles this season, capitalized on Spurs’ lethargy with two quick goals. The ease with which Leicester sliced through Tottenham’s defense was a stark reminder of the team’s current limitations.
Another pundit was scathing in his assessment: “For Tottenham to come out and it felt like they were sitting in the dressing room thinking, ‘Leicester are really bad, all we need to do is go out in the second half and we win the game.’ That was the smell I got from this second-half performance.”
Postecoglou Under Pressure
Ange Postecoglou’s position as manager is increasingly under scrutiny. While he has been hampered by injuries and a lack of squad depth, his inability to adapt his tactics or instill a sense of defensive discipline has frustrated fans and pundits alike. The Australian manager has repeatedly pointed to the club’s injury crisis as a mitigating factor, but as one pundit noted, “Today, his starting lineup was better than Leicester’s. They didn’t lose because of injuries; they lost because they were not good enough.”
Postecoglou’s post-match comments, in which he claimed there was “nothing else I can ask of those players,” have also raised eyebrows.
Critics argue that he could demand better defensive organization, more intensity, and a greater sense of responsibility from his players. His insistence on sticking to a single style of play, regardless of the opposition or circumstances, has been both a strength and a weakness.
The Bigger Picture: A Club in Crisis
Tottenham’s problems extend beyond the pitch. The club’s lack of activity in the January transfer window has been a source of frustration for fans and the manager alike. With the exception of goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, Spurs have failed to bring in any reinforcements, despite glaring weaknesses in the squad. This lack of ambition from the board has left Postecoglou with limited options and has only added to the sense of stagnation at the club.
The financial structure at Tottenham, which sees chairman Daniel Levy earning more than 90% of the squad, has also come under fire. Critics argue that the club’s reluctance to invest in top-tier talent has left them unable to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
“The way the structure at Tottenham is set up right now doesn’t allow them to compete with the top teams in England.”
What’s Next for Tottenham?
Tottenham’s immediate focus will be on their upcoming fixtures, which include crucial matches in the Europa League, FA Cup, and League Cup. While Postecoglou has pointed to these competitions as potential sources of salvation, the reality is that Spurs’ form makes them unlikely contenders for silverware. The second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Liverpool, in which they hold a narrow 1-0 lead, will be a particularly stern test.
For now, Postecoglou remains in charge, but the pressure is mounting. The lack of an obvious successor may buy him some time, but the patience of the fans and the board is wearing thin.
“The pressure is getting so big, and he’s just not finding a way. As a coach, you need to find answers and solutions, and right now, he’s clearly not doing it.”
Tottenham’s season hangs in the balance. Whether they can turn things around or continue their downward spiral remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama at Spurs is far from over.