´It´s only logical´ – Postecoglou defends Spurs slump amid injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou jumped to the defence of his Tottenham players, saying it was “only logical” that they would experience a drop-off after their poor run of form continued.

Postecoglou watched on as his side fell to a 1-0 defeat to high-flying Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, leaving them 11th in the table and 10 points adrift of the top four.

They averaged over 65% possession for the seventh time in the Premier League this season (70.4%), though they have ended up losing five of those games (won one, drawn one).

Spurs’ inconsistency has hindered their progression this term, beating both Manchester clubs but dropping points against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth.

Postecoglou, however, has not been helped by defensive injuries, with Radu Dragusin replaced late on by Yves Bissouma with what appeared to be another problem.

Djed Spence was also sent off, meaning he will be unavailable for Spurs’ encounter against a rejuvenated Wolves, who beat Manchester United 2-0 on Thursday.

“We are asking a lot of this group of players, a lot of these guys are playing every three days,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s only logical they are not going to be at their sharpest, but they are trying. It’s obviously disappointing to be beaten. It was never going to be a game with too many chances.

“We tried to generate as many opportunities as we could and Forest played well, we just couldn’t get over the line.

“I still thought we created some good moments, and we weren’t able to capitalise on them, the keeper has pulled off some good saves to keep them in the game.

“We needed a goal to break them open, and we didn’t seem to get it.

“The boys are giving everything. I can’t ask for more. We’re asking for a lot from a lot of them, and it’s not through a want of trying, like I said, that’s all I can ask for. We’re putting in the effort, we just weren’t able to get over the top today.”

For Forest and Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, their victory over Tottenham moved them up to third in the Premier League to continue their fine start to the season.

They have now won four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since May 1995, while this victory ended a run of six consecutive league defeats against Tottenham.

And while Forest have already surpassed the total points they managed for the entirety of last season, Nuno did not want to get carried away by their latest triumph.

“That [being up to third in the table] is not what is important. We did things very well during a lot of spells in the game,” Nuno said.

“We were against the ropes because Tottenham have huge quality. But overall a good performance.”

Forest’s 29.6% possession was their lowest in a Premier League home game so far this season, while it’s the second time they’ve averaged 30% possession or lower and won in the competition this term (29% vs Manchester United).

They were also marginally beaten in the expected goals (xG) metric, registering a total of 1.21 xG from their 10 shots compared to Spurs’ 1.28 from their 13 attempts.

And despite not being at their best, Nuno explained the squad’s togetherness is what has helped their meteoric rise this season.

“Our main strength is the bond they have,” he added. “They way they help each other in every moment. Those from the bench [made an] impact. Everyone in the squad is huge.

“It’s a team spirit. It’s a team sport, and we need everybody.”