Postecoglou frustrated by profligate Tottenham in Roma draw

Ange Postecoglou lamented his Tottenham side's lack of composure as they conceded a “frustrating” late equalizer against Roma in a 2-2 draw in the Europa League on Thursday.

Spurs led twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Son Heung-min's fifth-minute penalty canceled out by Evan Ndicka.

Mats Hummels then scored in second-half stoppage time after Brennan Johnson had put the hosts ahead again in the 33rd minute.

It means Tottenham are now outside the top eight in the Europa League standings on goal difference and boss Postecoglou was disappointed the job was not done.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It's frustrating, especially when they score so late in the game.

“But it was a good game. We should have ended the game early and it's disappointing that we didn't continue the game.

“We should have shown a little more composure. We had a few chances outside the line. We more or less kept them in the game.”

“They are a good team. There is a reason why they are in the Europa League. They had a great season last time but this year they have had some tough times.”

“They have quality players, but we had the chance to win the game.”

It ends on level. pic.twitter.com/CdndGKA64s

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 28, 2024

Tottenham failed to win a home Europa League match for the first time since October 2014 (1-1 vs Besiktas), having won ten consecutive matches prior to Thursday's draw.

Fraser Forster was called into goal following the news this week that number one Guglielmo Vicario is out for an extended period with a broken ankle.

And Postecoglou praised the role of his experienced back-up goalkeeper, who made five saves during the match.

“He did well. We expect that from him. He is a very experienced goalkeeper and he has done his bit,” Postecoglou added.

But Postecoglou was quick to praise Roma's performance despite his side dominating the majority of the match statistics at the whistle.

Spurs achieved an expected goals total (xG) of 3.61 from their 24 attempts, compared to the Serie A sides' 2.36 from their 18 shots.

“They are a good team. There is a reason why they are in the Europa League,” concluded Postecoglou.

“They had a great season last time, but this year they have had difficult times. They had quality players, but we had the chance to win the game.”

Tottenham turn their attention to Premier League action as they return to home soil to take on London rivals Fulham, a side against whom they have lost just one of their last fourteen top-flight home games (W10 D3).