Spurs plummeted to 15th in the table, closer to the relegation zone than to 10th-placed Fulham, as Postecoglou's injury-plagued crew hit a new low in the first half of a 3-2 defeat at goal-shy Everton on Sunday when they shipped three goals and were totally outplayed.
Not even a couple of late goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison could mask the inadequacy of the Spurs performance, as they've now taken only four points from the last 27 with no signs of the freefall ending.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin hadn't scored in 17 games - until Spurs came along. (AP PHOTO)
Everton have been finding it hard to score against anyone - but they cut Spurs open at Goodison with ease, netting three times in the opening period for the first time in nearly eight years. It led Postecoglou to admit it had been his fault.Â
"It wasn't a great first half. I guess the majority of that is down to me. I changed the team and changed the structure," said Postecoglou, who employed a three-man defence because he felt he had no other options with just 11 fit players available.
"We had a couple of setbacks in terms of player availability and we struggled to get control of the game and allowed Everton to capitalise on that.
"Obviously at half-time we had a mountain to climb. Fair play to the players, they kept going until the end but ultimately fell short.
"I have the responsibility of the group of players. I do have to try and get us through this and that's what I've got to focus on.
"For me to focus on anything else is abstaining myself from the responsibility I have. I'm just determined to get us out of this."
Ange on today's defeat 🗣� — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) pic.twitter.com/xkaMB742cnJanuary 19, 2025
There's been plenty of sympathy for Postecoglou for Spurs' depleted resources, with star striker Dominic Solanke becoming the 11th injury victim, sustaining a knee injury in Saturday's training session and having to be ruled out.
But Spurs' fans can't expect any fresh legs from the transfer window, with Postecoglou admitting: "As far as I know at the moment there's nothing imminent."
The League Cup remains Postecoglou's big hope of a trophy as his side lead 1-0 over Liverpool after the semi-final first leg but with the second leg not being staged at Anfield until February 6, fans' patience is beginning to run short as the criticism multiplies.
"We know we're in a really tough situation right now, but we believe we'll get through it. But you can't afford to drop your head," Postecoglou said.
