“This is unacceptable”

Ange Postecoglou described the team’s dismal Premier League campaign Tottenham Hotspur as “unacceptable” after a 2-1 defeat to North London rivals Arsenalyesterday wednesday Son Heung-min gave Tottenham the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play, but in the end the scoreline flattered Postecoglou’s side, who have now won just once in nine league games.

Tottenham are 13th in the table with 24 points and are now closer to the relegation zone than the top four. While they reached the semi-final of the League Cup and won the first leg 1-0 against Liverpool, they have lost 11 league games this season. Injuries played a role, but Postecoglou did not try to sugarcoat the situation, which inevitably raised questions about his future.

“It was not enough, especially in the first half. We were too passive. We allowed Arsenal to control the game and dictate the pace and we paid the price,” Postecoglou told reporters. “That’s not who we are. This is not the way I prepared the team. This is not the way I want to play, to sit there and allow Arsenal to play. The pace is not good.”

The former Celtic manager says there is no “magic cure” and has called on his players to fight to improve, starting with Everton this weekend. If they lose, the Londoners could start looking towards the relegation zone.

“I want them (the players) to be angry. Nobody at the club will accept that,” Postecoglou said. “Losing so many games in the league season is not good. I know we went through a difficult period, and yes, we are asking for a good effort, but the fact is that our results and our image in the league are not good .enough. “That has to change.”

Tottenham captain Son, who was substituted in the second half, echoed Postecoglou’s thoughts. “Very disappointing. The coach is right. We were too passive. The second half was a little better, but the first half wasn’t good enough,” said the South Korean, who scored yesterday. “We have to do better in all aspects. When you look at the table… It’s not good.”