“He Got it totally wrong, ruin everything” – Jamie O’Hara slams Ange Postecoglou decision for Tottenham v Palace
Tottenham Hotspur endured a frustrating afternoon at Selhurst Park on Sunday, falling to a narrow 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Sky Sports pundit and former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara expressed serious doubts about Ange Postecoglou’s lineup choices, particularly questioning the decision to start 17-year-old Mikey Moore in such a physically demanding, high-pressure fixture.
The lone goal of the game came from Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who found the net a little past the half-hour mark. Mateta’s strike was enough to hand Crystal Palace their first Premier League victory of the season, a significant achievement given their struggles in the early part of the campaign. On the flip side, the result meant Spurs dropped to eighth in the league standings, now sitting on equal points with Brentford but edging them out only by goal difference. Tottenham’s inability to secure points in what should have been a winnable match has only increased scrutiny on the club and Postecoglou’s strategies.
The focus of O’Hara’s criticism centered on Postecoglou’s choice to include the young Moore in the starting lineup, placing him alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson up front. Moore, a standout from Spurs’ academy, has shown considerable potential, but O’Hara argued that this was too intense a scenario for such a young player to be thrust into from the outset. The pundit told Sky Sports, “I believe Ange got his team selection wrong. Starting a 17-year-old in a challenging away game against Crystal Palace is a tall order. Sure, Mikey Moore showed some flashes, but this kind of game requires experienced heads who know how to handle tough away atmospheres.”
O’Hara also suggested that Moore’s start highlighted a deeper issue with the squad—specifically the underwhelming performances of Timo Werner, who many would have expected to start over the young forward. “It’s telling that Werner’s form has been so poor that Postecoglou felt the need to start Moore instead,” O’Hara said. “For me, Werner, despite his struggles, would have been the better choice for this kind of match. You want experience, especially in an away game, to hold things together. Moore could have been a great addition off the bench for 20 or 25 minutes, but asking him to lead the line from the start is a big ask.”
O’Hara’s assessment reflects concerns that Postecoglou may have underestimated the pressure of playing in an environment like Selhurst Park, where Palace’s fans create an intense atmosphere that can unsettle young players. A start in such a setting places substantial pressure on someone as inexperienced as Moore, despite his undeniable talent. While Moore showed composure and glimpses of his ability, he struggled to make a significant impact—a tough task for any teenager against Premier League-level competition, especially in an away setting.
Mikey Moore has been a rising star for Tottenham, developing his skills within the club’s academy system. His senior debut came toward the end of last season in a challenging match against Manchester City, which ended in defeat for Spurs. So far this season, Moore has made eight appearances with the first team, including seven in the current campaign. His steady integration into the senior squad speaks to the faith the club has in his abilities, though some may argue that managing his exposure in critical matches like these could better support his long-term growth.
Meanwhile, Timo Werner’s journey has been one of highs and lows. He rose to prominence in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, earning a reputation as one of Europe’s top young forwards. His move to Chelsea in 2020 was highly anticipated, but he struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form in the Premier League. Two years later, he returned to Leipzig, where he rediscovered his confidence, yet his loan spell with Spurs has seen him once again struggle for consistency. For a forward with his experience, this inconsistency has been disappointing and is likely why Postecoglou is searching for alternative options, even as he navigates limited depth in the squad’s attacking line.
Tottenham’s schedule doesn’t allow much time to dwell on this loss, with a packed fixture list ahead. They return to action midweek, facing a formidable Manchester City squad in the Carabao Cup’s round of 16. The knockout nature of this tournament adds pressure on Spurs to bounce back, especially as this competition offers a realistic chance at silverware. Postecoglou’s squad will then shift focus back to the Premier League, where they’ll host Aston Villa next weekend. This fixture against Villa becomes crucial as Spurs aim to stabilize their position in the standings and recover from recent stumbles.
The recent defeat raises further questions for Postecoglou, who faces the dual challenge of managing Spurs’ league ambitions while giving young talents like Moore opportunities to develop. Striking the right balance between experience and youth in team selection could prove decisive as Tottenham strives to stay competitive across multiple fronts this season.