‘It’s only logical’ – Postecoglou defends Spurs slump amid injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou jumped to the defense of his Tottenham players, saying it was “only logical” they would experience a setback after their poor form continued.

Postecoglou watched on as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to high-flying Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, leaving them 11th in the table and ten points off the top four.

They averaged over 65% possession (70.4%) for the seventh time this season in the Premier League, although they ultimately lost five of those games (one won, one drawn).

Spurs' inconsistency has hampered their progress this season. They defeated both Manchester clubs, but dropped points against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth.

However, Postecoglou was not helped by defensive injuries, with Radu Dragusin later replaced by Yves Bissouma with what appeared to be another problem.

Djed Spence was also sent off, meaning he will not be available for Spurs' match against a rejuvenated Wolves, who defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Thursday.

“We ask a lot from this group of players, a lot of these guys play every three days,” Postecoglou said.

“It is logical that they will not be at their sharpest, but they are trying. It is obviously disappointing to be defeated. It would never be a match with too many chances.”

“We tried to create as many chances as possible and Forest played well, we just couldn't get over the line.

“I still thought we created some good moments and we couldn't capitalize on them. The goalkeeper made some good saves to keep them in the game.

“We needed a goal to break them open and it looked like we didn't get that.

“The boys are giving it their all. I can't ask for more. We ask a lot from many of them, and it's not for lack of trying, like I said, that's all I can ask for. We” We did our best done, but we just weren't able to get over the top today.”

For Forest and Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, their victory over Tottenham moved them into third place in the Premier League, continuing their good start to the season.

They have now won four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since May 1995, while this victory ended a run of six consecutive league defeats against Tottenham.

And although Forest have already surpassed the total points they achieved last season, Nuno was not about to get carried away with their latest win.

“That [being up to third in the table] is not what is important. We did very well during many periods in the game,” Nuno said.

“We were against the ropes because Tottenham have enormous quality. But overall a good performance.”

Forest's possession of 29.6% was the lowest in a home Premier League game so far this season, while it is the second time this season they have averaged 30% possession or less and won in the league (29% against Manchester United).

They were also marginally beaten in the expected goals (xG) metric, with a total of 1.21 xG from their 10 shots, compared to Spurs' 1.28 from their 13 attempts.

And despite not being at their best, Nuno explained that the team's togetherness has contributed to their meteoric rise this season.

“Our greatest strength is the bond they have,” he added. “It's the way they help each other at every moment. The one from the bank [made an] influence. Everyone in the team is huge.

“It's a team spirit. It's a team sport and we need everyone.”

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