This Sunday's 2-2 draw between Tottenham and Wolverhampton during the 19th round of the Premier League brought more than just a bitter result for the home team. The pressure on Ange Postecoglou keeps piling up, while Wolves, under Vítor Pereira's command, remain unbeaten with their new coach.
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Tottenham: the frustration script
The game started like a nightmare for Spurs. Only seven minutes into the game, Hwang Hee-Chan took advantage of a mistake in the Spurs defense and opened the scoring. Just five minutes later, Rodrigo Bentancur responded quickly, but most of the time, this London side was one step behind.
The home side could have taken the lead from the spot in the late stages of the first half through Son, but he was denied by a save from José Sá. A minute later, Brennan Johnson headed off the line to keep the score at one going into the break.
It was a summation of Spurs' plight by Postecoglou after the final whistle: "We had great opportunities to score the third and kill the game. When you don't take them, the game is always open." His words encapsulate a team struggling to hold onto its chances.
Larsen, the late villain
The Wolves came back more organized in the second half. Tactically, Vítor Pereira made changes, including the introduction of Jorgen Strand Larsen, which proved to be a game-changing factor. Larsen latched onto a pass from Rayan Aït-Nouri in the 87th minute and slammed it into the back of the net to silence the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"It was the first time I saw the fighting spirit to turn the result around. That's the spirit I want," emphasized Pereira. Well, his belief in the fighting spirit of his team was well evident even in a game that was filled with injuries and limited resources.
Postecoglou under scrutiny
The Spurs' coach didn’t hide his disappointment. "You know when it’s 2-1, the game is always in jeopardy. We’re leaving disappointed with the result," he admitted. This statement reflects the precarious position of a team that has conceded the first goal at home 15 times in 2024—a Premier League record.
Injuries also keep being an eyesore: Destiny Udogie limped off with a tendon problem, while Richarlison and Mikey Moore also came off: "It was always a risk someone might suffer a bigger injury when you can't give them rest. Unfortunately, Destiny paid the price today" lamented Postecoglou.
Wolverhampton: a fighting spirit
For Vítor Pereira, the draw was a source of pride. "In the first half, the team had some difficulties in controlling the pressure, but competed. In the second half, we started to play with the ball and created problems," he said in reflection.
Wolves are battling resiliently and sit just above the relegation zone with 16 points. Confidence seems to radiate from a certain Pereira, who claims, "I really believe we are going to stay in the Premier League. I believe in the players, their quality, and the work that we're doing."
Ahead of
It would seem Tottenham is stuck in the rut of ups and downs. With 11 goals this season, Brennan Johnson remains the standout, but defensive lapses remain their Achilles heel. The fixture list is coming thick and fast now, meaning Postecoglou will have little time to make any adjustments, although a midweek break may give them a chance to regroup.
While Wolverhampton gives some evidences of recovering, with injuries and an insufficient squad, the team doesn't stop winning in confidence. Vítor Pereira knows how complicated everything will be, but he sees positive steps being taken.