Ange Postecoglou, the first Australian to manage in the Premier League, remains popular with fans and is understood to retain the support of the club's board, but after five losses from their last six fixtures he needs to turn the team's form around soon.
What has gone wrong for Postecoglou and can he fix it?
Busy physio room
Tottenham were without 10 players at Everton, with leading scorers Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson the latest absentees. Player availability has hampered the club throughout the last two months, with first-choice defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven making one appearance since December. Archie Gray, 18 and predominantly a midfielder, has started the last 11 fixtures in the unfamiliar role of centre-back.
Why so many injuries?
Eyebrows were raised when Postecoglou brought back Romero and Van de Ven to start the 4-3 loss to Chelsea on December 8 in what appeared a risk. It backfired as both failed to finish and they are not due back until later this month, but he has also been dealt much bad luck. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario fractured his ankle in November and Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-match domestic suspension arrived during the busiest time of the season. A lack of alternatives has meant available players have been run into the ground amid a period of 14 fixtures since December 1 of which Spurs have won four.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent Spurs on the way to their fifth defeat in six matches. (AP PHOTO)
Can January's transfer window help?
Postecoglou has often acknowledged Spurs need reinforcements but with 11 days left in the transfer window the only addition has been goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. With Solanke and Johnson out for the foreseeable future a striker has been added to the requirements with the recall of Dane Scarlett from second tier Oxford United, where he scored four times in 22 appearances, unlikely to be enough.
How is Postecoglou still in a job?
Tottenham were sixth and only three points off Arsenal after a remarkable 4-0 win at Manchester City on November 23. That victory was the calm before the storm and while results have deteriorated at an alarming rate, Postecoglou has masterminded cup successes over Manchester United and Liverpool amid a crippling list of absentees. It is thought there is an understanding amongst the club board over the current injury crisis. Nevertheless, results must improve.
What's next?
Postecoglou and Spurs will aim to arrest their slump during a key week where a Europa League trip to Hoffenheim on Thursday is followed by Sunday's visit of lowly Leicester.
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