Postecoglou’s Billy Joel Misstep and Tottenham’s Set-Piece Woes
Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, found himself in hot water after quoting Billy Joel to defend his dislike of boring set-piece practice. Not only did he lose any street cred he may have had, but he also revealed to opposition managers that he doesn’t prioritize free kicks and corners. This oversight came back to haunt him as Chelsea capitalized on two free kicks to secure a 2-0 victory, leaving Tottenham’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League hanging by a thread.
This defeat pushed Tottenham down to fifth place, seven points behind Aston Villa with only one game in hand. With just four games remaining, their chances of recovering from their dip in form seem highly unlikely. However, the bigger issue for Postecoglou is the realization that Tottenham has a recurring problem of faltering towards the end of each season.
This loss marked their second London derby defeat in four days, indicating that the players need to toughen up when facing their neighbors. The match against Chelsea saw Tottenham concede from free kicks in both halves, making it three consecutive defeats. With Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play, their prospects look bleak.
What is most concerning for Postecoglou is the fact that Tottenham’s struggles seem to be a recurring theme. Despite the promise they show early in the season, they consistently falter when it matters most. This pattern was evident in their defeat to Arsenal, where they fell behind by two goals within half an hour. It seems that the team has failed to learn from their mistakes and history, allowing yet another season full of potential to crumble in the home stretch.
The first goal against Chelsea came from a dead ball situation just 25 minutes into the game. Tottenham’s defense was caught off guard as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher delivered a free kick into the box, allowing defender Trevoh Chalobah to score with a classy header. VAR attempted to intervene with delays to check for offside and fouls, but after a lengthy delay, the goal stood. This early setback put Postecoglou’s team on the back foot once again.
Postecoglou’s struggles to get the best out of his team during the crucial part of the campaign are becoming increasingly evident. Tottenham’s star players, such as Son Heung-Min and James Maddison, have been anonymous and ineffective. Maddison, in particular, has seen his form decline to the point where he has been subbed off in his last nine games and was eventually dropped from the starting lineup. His place in the England squad for the Euros is now in jeopardy.
Despite Chelsea not fielding a lineup of superstars, they managed to overpower Tottenham throughout the match. The absence of key players due to injuries further weakened Tottenham’s squad. Their bench consisted of inexperienced players, highlighting their lack of depth. This lack of quality and experience was evident as they struggled to create meaningful chances against Chelsea.
Postecoglou’s decision to downplay the importance of free kicks and corners, quoting Billy Joel’s song “You May Be Right,” has proven to be a duff note. Tottenham has now conceded 16 goals from set-pieces this season, highlighting a clear weakness in their defense. While Postecoglou’s dislike for set-piece practice may be unconventional, the results speak for themselves.
Chelsea’s victory propelled them to eighth place in the Premier League table, surpassing West Ham United. They now sit just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United, reigniting their own hopes of European qualification. As Tottenham’s dreams fade away, Chelsea’s prospects continue to improve.
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s affinity for Billy Joel and his disregard for set-piece practice have come back to haunt him. Tottenham’s recurring struggles towards the end of the season are evident once again, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes hanging by a thread. With only a few games remaining, the team’s lack of resilience and defensive weaknesses have been exposed. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory has propelled them up the table, keeping their own European dreams alive.