The real reasons why Postecoglou is so upset after losing to Newcastle United

Ange Postecoglou’s frustration following Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle United highlighted deeper issues within his team rather than any perceived officiating errors.

The Spurs manager expressed outrage, focusing on perceived injustices during the match, yet his arguments lacked detail or substance. His post-match remarks reflected more deflection than accountability, raising questions about his ability to handle the pressures of managing in the Premier League.

The contentious moment came early in the game when Anthony Gordon scored Newcastle’s equalizer, just minutes after Dominic Solanke had given Spurs the lead. The controversy centered on Joelinton’s alleged handball in the build-up.

Despite protests from Spurs players and supporters, VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the goal. The Premier League Match Centre later explained that Joelinton’s arm was in a natural position, and the contact was accidental, thus aligning with the rules.

This decision was met with outrage from Postecoglou, who implied bias and unfair treatment. However, as former referee Mike Dean and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe noted, the officials followed the established protocols.

Howe acknowledged the incident, admitting Joelinton’s arm made contact with the ball but emphasized the natural position and lack of intent. The rules clearly state that a goal is only disallowed if an accidental handball directly results in a goal, which was not the case here.

Newcastle capitalized on their momentum, with Alexander Isak scoring the eventual winner before halftime. Despite Spurs having more possession, Newcastle created better chances and controlled key moments of the game. The Expected Goals (xG) statistics further supported Newcastle’s dominance, with a 2.43 to 1.00 advantage over Spurs.

Postecoglou’s post-match comments suggested a broader conspiracy, blaming external factors rather than addressing his team’s shortcomings. His claim that Spurs would have won on a “fair and even playing field” lacked evidence, especially given that Spurs managed only a few tame shots on target throughout the match.

In contrast, Newcastle’s attacking players consistently tested the Spurs defense, with Gordon and Isak leading the charge.

The Tottenham manager’s remarks echoed a pattern often seen in high-profile managers who deflect attention from their team’s flaws. Comparing Postecoglou’s reaction to the measured responses of Eddie Howe underscores a contrast in leadership styles.

While Howe focused on the game’s tactical aspects and his team’s performance, Postecoglou opted to blame external factors, avoiding accountability for his side’s struggles.

The deeper issue lies in Tottenham’s form under Postecoglou. Despite a significant financial outlay of £370 million over 17 months, Spurs find themselves struggling for consistency. Their record under his management—19 wins, 7 draws, and 22 losses in 48 league games—reflects bottom-half form, far from the standards expected of a club with Tottenham’s ambitions.

Postecoglou’s lack of experience managing at a high level, having previously coached in Scotland, Japan, and Australia, has become increasingly evident in the ultra-competitive environment of the Premier League.

The match statistics further dismantle Postecoglou’s claims of injustice. Newcastle’s four bookings compared to Spurs’ solitary yellow card in stoppage time contradict the notion of biased officiating.

Moreover, controversial incidents, such as Solanke’s reckless challenge on Dubravka and Kulusevski’s shoulder-to-face contact with Gordon in the penalty area, went unpunished. If the roles were reversed, one can only imagine the uproar from Spurs fans and their manager.

This defeat reflects a broader narrative of Tottenham’s struggles. Despite significant investment, the team lacks the cohesion and resilience required to compete at the highest level. Postecoglou’s inability to instill these qualities has left Spurs battling for mid-table respectability rather than European qualification.

In contrast, Newcastle continues to thrive under Howe’s guidance. Their tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and defensive solidity have made them one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides. This victory, their sixth consecutive win in all competitions, underscores their upward trajectory and ability to perform under pressure.

As Spurs prepare for another challenging fixture against Liverpool, Postecoglou must shift his focus from blaming external factors to addressing the internal issues plaguing his team.

Accountability and adaptability are essential if he hopes to turn Tottenham’s season around. Meanwhile, Newcastle will aim to maintain their momentum, with upcoming fixtures providing further opportunities to solidify their position among the league’s elite.