Postecoglou frustrated by profligate Tottenham in Roma draw

Ange Postecoglou rued a lack of composure from his Tottenham side as they conceded a “frustrating” late equaliser to Roma in a 2-2 Europa League draw on Thursday.

Spurs twice led at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Son Heung-min’s fifth-minute penalty cancelled out by Evan Ndicka.

Mats Hummels then netted in second-half injury time after Brennan Johnson had put the hosts back in front in the 33rd minute.

It means Tottenham are now outside the top eight in the Europa League standings on goal difference and boss Postecoglou was disappointed not to see the job out.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It’s frustrating, particularly when they score so late in the game.

“But it was a good game. We should have put it to bed early, and it’s disappointing not to see it through.

“We should have shown a bit more composure. We had a couple of chances cleared off the line. We sort of kept them in the game.”

“They are a good side. There is a reason why they are in the Europa League. They had a great season last time, but they have had some tough times this year.

“They have quality players, but we had the chance to win the game.”

It ends level. pic.twitter.com/CdndGKA64s

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 28, 2024

Tottenham failed to win a home group stage match in the Europa League for the first time since October 2014 (1-1 vs Besiktas), having won 10 consecutive such games prior to Thursday’s draw.

Fraser Forster was called upon in goal after the news this week that number one Guglielmo Vicario is out for an extended period with a fractured ankle.

And Postecoglou praised the role played by his experienced back-up goalkeeper, who made five saves during the contest.

“He did well. We expect that from him. He is a very experienced goalkeeper, and he did his part,” Postecoglou added.

But Postecoglou was quick to praise Roma’s performance, despite seeing his side dominate the majority of the match statistics at the full-time whistle.

Spurs managed an expected goals (xG) total of 3.61 from their 24 attempts compared to the Serie A sides’ 2.36 from their 18 shots.

“They are a good side. There is a reason why they are in the Europa League,” Postecoglou concluded.

“They had a great season last time, but they have had some tough times this year. They had quality players, but we had the chance to win the game.”

Tottenham turn their attention to Premier League action when they return to home soil to take on London rivals Fulham on Sunday, a side they have lost just one of their last 14 top-flight home games against (W10 D3).