Ange Postecoglou on ‘thin ice’ at Tottenham after ‘unacceptable’ loss

After Tottenham lost to Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season back in September, Postecoglou defiantly declared he “always wins a trophy” in his second season.

They were comments aimed at allaying fans’ fears of a trophyless season, but instead they have been used to – as Postecoglou has said himself – mock him after a bad result.

Silverware does remain on the cards with Tottenham in the Europa League and holding a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

But Postecoglou knows results must improve soon.

He added: “Of course the defeats hurt me. Not acceptable. Too many losses this year. Too many games getting away from us.

“It needs to stop.”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown feels pressure is mounting on Postecoglou, saying his style of play is at times proving costly as they continue to play a high-pressing game.

“Tottenham took so many risks and Arsenal took advantage – the game was so open,” Keown said on TNT Sports.

“Manchester United will probably go above Spurs. A difficult moment for them and the manager is skating on thin ice.”

Former Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon added: “One win in nine – it’s not good enough at all.

“This puts a lot of unrest in that [Tottenham] camp. If they weren’t in the Carabao Cup semi-finals there would be big problems.”

Son said the players also need to stand up and be counted.

“It’s up to the players as well,” the striker said. You have to listen to what we want to do. I think we were not disciplined enough.

“We have to do better in every aspect. When you look at table it’s not good enough.”

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand criticised Tottenham’s defending, saying: “It’s like watching an academy under-18s game when the kids are working it out for themselves.

“I would be screaming at my goalkeeper, my defenders. Play over the press, not into the press.”