Tottenham fans all agrees that Spurs dud just proved why Ange must axe him for the final
Tottenham Hotspur fell to their 21st Premier League defeat of the season last night, a statistic that’s as deflating as it is glaring. However, as grim as that sounds, Spurs fans can take some solace in the fact that there is now only one match left in this challenging domestic campaign—and it’s the one that matters most.
In fact, the truly significant takeaway from last night’s loss wasn’t the result itself, but rather that Ange Postecoglou’s side escaped without any further injuries to key players. With the Europa League Final on the horizon, that’s a small but vital victory in itself. Tottenham’s upcoming clash in Europe represents their biggest game in years—a chance at silverware, redemption, and a route back into the Champions League spotlight.
Despite putting in an improved performance compared to the lacklustre display against Crystal Palace on Sunday, there’s no escaping the fact that Spurs head into the final on the back of another loss. That’s not an ideal platform on which to build momentum, and Postecoglou will surely be frustrated by his team’s inconsistency and inability to turn chances into results. While there were glimpses of promise from certain individuals, others failed to rise to the occasion—raising questions about who deserves a spot in the starting XI for the final.
Bright Sparks: Odobert and Son Offer Hope
Let’s start with the positives, however small they might seem in the context of a defeat. Two players in particular stood out in a relatively subdued team performance: Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min.
Odobert, normally deployed on the right wing, was shifted into a more central role as a number ten, a tactical adjustment made necessary by the absences of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison. Though not flawless, the Frenchman showed flashes of creativity and attacking intent. He buzzed around the final third, linked well with his teammates, and offered a fresh attacking dimension that Spurs have often lacked in recent weeks. Despite the occasional errant pass or mistimed shot, Odobert’s energy and movement suggested he could cause Manchester United problems in the upcoming final.
Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard gave Odobert a respectable 6/10 rating, acknowledging his lively display. The same score was awarded to Son Heung-min, who looked sharper and more threatening than he has in recent months. Son produced a few of his trademark surging runs down the left flank, injecting urgency and danger into Spurs’ attacks. While his final ball didn’t always hit the mark, journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor observed that Son appeared “quicker with the ball at his feet than he has in months”—a promising sign ahead of the final.
Both players may not have been spectacular, but they did enough to strengthen their cases for starting roles in the Europa League showdown. Their energy, pace, and willingness to take on defenders could be crucial assets in what is expected to be a tense and tightly contested encounter.
Cause for Concern: Gray Struggles Again
Unfortunately, not every player made a compelling case for selection. Among the underwhelming performers, Archie Gray’s display was particularly concerning.
The 18-year-old, who arrived from Leeds United and has largely impressed with his versatility throughout the season, looked out of his depth in midfield. While Gray has shown great maturity and adaptability, especially when deputising in defensive roles, his recent outings in the middle of the park have exposed his limitations. Just like in the game against Crystal Palace, he struggled to impose himself both defensively and creatively.
Against Aston Villa, Gray’s passing lacked precision, his positioning was uncertain, and on several occasions, he was easily bypassed by Villa’s midfielders. He seemed off the pace and uncomfortable in a central role that demands both physicality and tactical awareness.
Kilpatrick, reflecting on Gray’s performance, awarded him a 5/10 rating, noting that he “struggled to impose himself on the game.” It’s an assessment that likely mirrors Postecoglou’s own thoughts. With the stakes so high on Wednesday, the Tottenham boss will need players who are fully prepared for the challenge—and Gray, for all his potential, doesn’t look ready to shoulder that responsibility just yet.
Looking Ahead to the Final
In summary, while Tottenham’s loss adds another blot to their domestic record, there are some clear takeaways. The likes of Son and Odobert offered enough to suggest they could be difference-makers in the Europa League Final, their performances hinting at attacking sparks that Spurs desperately need. On the other hand, Gray’s difficulties in midfield serve as a timely warning that youth and promise are not always enough in high-stakes fixtures.
With just days to go until the final, Postecoglou has some important decisions to make. Spurs fans will be hoping that the team can rally, put this defeat behind them, and rise to the occasion when it matters most. After a season full of frustration, Wednesday night offers a shot at redemption—and perhaps, the chance to end the campaign on a high.