Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment and frustration at his team’s collapse during their 3-2 defeat against Brighton. The Australian coach labeled the performance as “unacceptable” and one of the worst defeats he has experienced since joining the club. Postecoglou highlighted the team’s failure to maintain their lead after being 2-0 up following goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison. He criticized the team for getting carried away and accepting their fate rather than fighting back.
This defeat marked the 10th occasion that Tottenham has lost a Premier League match after leading by two or more goals, according to statistics provided by Opta. Postecoglou, in his second season with Tottenham, acknowledged that the team’s second-half display was far below their standards, stating, “Nowhere near where we should be.” The manager emphasized the need for his players to remain focused and resilient, especially in challenging moments during matches.
Tottenham had been enjoying a successful spell with five consecutive wins, including a remarkable 3-0 victory over Manchester United. However, Postecoglou recognized that complacency might have crept in due to the team’s recent good form. He stressed the importance of staying grounded and not underestimating any opponent in the competitive landscape of the Premier League.
James Maddison, who found the back of the net in the match against Brighton, admitted that Tottenham “lost complete control of the game.” He emphasized the necessity for top teams to remain composed and resilient when facing adversity, something he felt Spurs failed to do in this instance. The players acknowledged their shortcomings and the need to learn from this defeat to avoid similar setbacks in the future.
The defeat against Brighton serves as a wake-up call for Tottenham as they strive to maintain consistency and competitiveness in the Premier League. Postecoglou and his team will be looking to bounce back strongly in their upcoming fixtures and rectify the issues that led to their downfall in this crucial match.