“Imagine outfield player having Fewer touches than Vicario”- Ange Postecoglou now ready to drop Spurs star who lost possession 23x today and Singlehandedly allow Brighton completes a stunning comeback
Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of securing a coveted Champions League spot took a major blow this evening as they suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion. Despite a commanding first-half performance, where Spurs led 2-0 thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, their advantage crumbled spectacularly in the second half.
Ange Postecoglou’s men entered the interval with momentum and confidence, but that would rapidly dissipate. Within just 20 minutes of the second half, the home side completely turned the game around. Brighton came out of the gates with purpose, mounting a furious comeback. Goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, and Danny Welbeck stunned Spurs and secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
This defeat snapped Tottenham’s five-match winning streak, and Postecoglou now has a lot to reflect on as the team heads into the international break. It was a result that highlighted glaring vulnerabilities in the squad, and the second-half collapse will certainly be the subject of much scrutiny.
Brennan Johnson’s Red-Hot Form Continues
While the result was a bitter disappointment for Spurs, one silver lining was the continued excellent form of Brennan Johnson. The Welsh winger has been in scintillating form, and his goal tonight marked his sixth consecutive match scoring in all competitions. This consistency in front of goal has been a revelation, especially considering the criticism he faced earlier in the season.
When Johnson arrived from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million, expectations were high, but his initial performances were met with skepticism from some fans. However, the 22-year-old has answered his critics in emphatic fashion, becoming one of the key figures in Postecoglou’s attack. His goal against Brighton was not only a testament to his improving form but also equaled a club record. Johnson now shares the honor with Harry Kane for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games as a Spurs player.
Unfortunately, despite Johnson’s individual brilliance, his efforts were undone by the team’s collective collapse in the second half. Tottenham’s defensive frailties and lack of composure proved costly, leaving Johnson’s remarkable achievement overshadowed by the painful result.
Johnson, however, can walk away from the AMEX Stadium with his head held high. His sharpness in front of goal continues to shine through, and he is rapidly emerging as a vital asset for Tottenham moving forward. But, not every player could take solace in their individual performance. One teammate, in particular, had a night to forget.
Dejan Kulusevski Struggles to Make an Impact
With Brennan Johnson flourishing on the wing, Dejan Kulusevski has found himself in a more central role, partnering with James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur in recent weeks. However, this positional shift hasn’t worked out as expected for the Swedish international, and tonight’s display was one of frustration and ineffectiveness for the 24-year-old.
Kulusevski struggled to get involved in the game, completing just 20 passes at a meager success rate of 69%. His inability to link up play in midfield was evident, and he also found himself losing possession far too frequently. Out of the 15 duels he engaged in, Kulusevski won only four, further highlighting his struggles to impose himself on the game.
In terms of overall involvement, Kulusevski’s 55 touches were alarmingly low, even fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who had 63 touches. To make matters worse, Kulusevski gave the ball away 23 times, more than any other Spurs player. His wastefulness on the ball meant that Tottenham lacked creativity in key moments, and he was unable to carve out any significant goal-scoring opportunities.
For a player of Kulusevski’s talent, this was a particularly disappointing outing. After showing promise since joining Spurs from Juventus, his inconsistency in central midfield raises questions about his best role in the team. With the likes of Maddison and Bentancur thriving, it’s clear that the Swede is struggling to adjust to the tactical demands of his new position.
A Chance for Reflection
Tottenham’s capitulation at Brighton will be a tough pill to swallow for Ange Postecoglou. His team looked in control at halftime but were unable to maintain their grip on the match. Defensive lapses and a lack of composure allowed Brighton to storm back into the game and ultimately take all three points. The defeat not only dents Spurs’ Champions League hopes but also exposes areas that require immediate attention.
The upcoming international break provides Postecoglou with a valuable opportunity to assess his team’s weaknesses and make adjustments. Spurs had been riding high on a five-game winning streak, but this defeat is a sobering reminder that they remain a work in progress. Postecoglou will need to use this time to address the team’s fragility and find ways to ensure such collapses don’t happen again.
One decision that the manager will need to consider is the future of Kulusevski in the starting lineup. His performance against Brighton leaves much to be desired, and if Tottenham are to bounce back in their next fixture against West Ham United, changes may need to be made. Kulusevski’s poor form could see him dropped in favor of other options, as Postecoglou seeks to reignite his side’s momentum after a disappointing setback.
While the defeat at Brighton is certainly damaging, it’s not the end of Tottenham’s push for a top-four finish. However, lessons must be learned, and key players like Kulusevski will need to improve if Spurs are to get back to winning ways.