Ange Postecoglou has slammed the Tottenham team’s performance and recent performances following their derby loss to Arsenal as “unacceptable”.
Postecoglou’s side were rarely threatened in the 2-1 defeat, with Pedro Porro’s stoppage-time strike coming off the post from an impossible angle as the closest they came to a second-half reply that was presumed to put the game on the line.
Spurs remain in 13th place with just one league win against 20th-placed Southampton since beating Manchester City last November, while Arsenal are chasing the title. Postecoglou’s side are just eight points above the relegation zone.
They next face Everton, who will be trying to avoid a relegation battle. Sky Sports.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News’ Michael Dawson says Spurs manager Angers Postecoglou will be angry at Arsenal for conceding their second goal in their 2-1 defeat in the north London derby.
When asked about his views on the performance, Postecoglou said: “It wasn’t good enough. We were too passive, especially in the first half. We allowed Arsenal to be in control. We were disappointed that they allowed us to dictate whether they had the ball or not. The tempo wasn’t enough.
“That’s not us. That’s not the way I set the team up to play. It wasn’t enough to sit back and allow Arsenal to play.”
“There is no magic cure, we have to work hard and go to battle on Sunday to turn around our fortunes and our season. There are always reasons why things happen but the reality is that our results and form in the league have not been good enough. Change is needed.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
WATCH FREE: Highlights of Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham
“We didn’t play close to the identity I wanted to have. We are an attacking team with and without the ball. Against Liverpool we showed that, but tonight we were too passive. That is unacceptable. The second half was a little better, but not good enough. It wasn’t.
“This is unacceptable to anyone at the club. It is not right for us to lose so many games in a league season. Of course we are asking for big things, but the 18-year-olds (Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall) have stepped up on big days. “It hurts as much as anyone else about not being able to deliver the product.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News’ Gary Cotterill and Sam Blitz analyze Arsenal’s comeback win over Spurs in the north London derby.
Arteta praises ‘intense’ performance
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT:
“The players were great. We played 120 minutes compared to 72 hours ago, but the way we played was exceptional.”
“We made it difficult for ourselves, but our attitude was great. We had great purpose and intensity.
“We play every three days so it’s just the basis and now the next day comes. We won today, that’s great, but now it’s about Aston Villa. My confidence comes not just from the results but from what I see every day. Sometimes in football You don’t get what you deserve.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. What we can control is performance, and today they did it again.”
Leandro Trossar celebrates after giving Arsenal the lead.
Regarding the possibility of reinforcements in January, Arteta added: “Yes, of course. We have lost two big players, Gabi (Jesus) and Bukayo (Saka). We will try and we are actively looking. We have lost two very important players. We will try. But we’ll see what we can get.”
