Tottenham Hotspur’s season has taken a significant turn for the worse, as the club finds itself in a crisis with its form spiraling downwards. After a 3-2 defeat at Everton, Spurs are now 15th in the Premier League, closer to the relegation zone than the European spots, sparking fears of a relegation battle. The club has lost 12 of its 22 league games this season and has only won one of its last ten fixtures, with the pressure mounting on manager Ange Postecoglou.
Despite the poor results, Postecoglou retains the support of the club’s board. However, there are several factors at play that have contributed to Tottenham’s alarming slump. From injuries to a lack of reinforcements in the transfer market, Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs has been riddled with challenges. Here, we delve deeper into what has gone wrong for Tottenham and the Australian manager.
Injuries have been a significant issue for Tottenham throughout the 2024-2025 season, and the team’s recent poor form has coincided with a growing injury list. For the latest defeat to Everton, Spurs were without 10 players, including key figures like Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven. These absences have seriously disrupted the team’s balance and depth, leaving Postecoglou struggling to field a competitive lineup.
In particular, the injuries to Romero and Van de Ven have been damaging, as both defenders have been vital to the club’s defensive stability. Since December, they have made just one appearance between them, forcing Postecoglou to rely on inexperienced players like 18-year-old Archie Gray, who has been asked to fill in as a center-back despite being a midfielder by trade. The lack of defensive options has left Tottenham vulnerable at the back, with Postecoglou unable to maintain a consistent defensive unit.
Moreover, the absence of key attacking players like Solanke and Johnson has compounded the issue. Both players are among the top four in terms of minutes played this season, and their absence has left Tottenham with a depleted attacking force. With the fixtures coming thick and fast, Postecoglou has been unable to rotate his squad effectively, leading to exhaustion and more injuries.
The number of injuries at Tottenham has raised several questions, with many pointing to the team’s playing style as a possible factor. Postecoglou is known for implementing an attacking and high-pressing game, which can take a physical toll on players. While this approach has brought exciting football at times, it has also led to increased strains on the squad, particularly as the season has progressed.
In addition, some of the injuries have been the result of bad luck, rather than poor management. For example, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario suffered a serious ankle injury in November, and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a seven-match domestic suspension during a crucial period of the season. The timing of these setbacks, coupled with the injury to key defenders, has left Postecoglou in a difficult position.
The absence of so many key players has forced Postecoglou to play through a period of 14 matches since December 1, with only four victories in that stretch. It’s clear that the club’s injury crisis has played a significant role in the team’s downturn in form, and until these players return to full fitness, the results are likely to remain inconsistent.
Another factor contributing to Tottenham’s struggles this season is the lack of new arrivals during the January transfer window. Despite acknowledging the need for reinforcements in his squad, Postecoglou has only seen one new addition so far: goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The Czech shot-stopper made an impressive debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, but he has been the only incoming player in what has been a quiet transfer window for Spurs.
This lack of squad depth has been especially noticeable in the attacking areas. Postecoglou has been without key players like Solanke and Johnson, but the club has not been able to sign reinforcements to cover these absences. Tottenham’s failure to act in the transfer market has left Postecoglou exposed, and with the team’s ongoing injury crisis, the lack of fresh faces has compounded the issues.
It’s clear that reinforcements are needed to bolster the squad, particularly in the attacking department. Without a proper backup for the injured players, Postecoglou has been forced to rely on underperforming or inexperienced players, which has resulted in a lack of consistency in both defense and attack.
Despite the mounting pressure, Postecoglou has not yet lost the backing of the club’s hierarchy. While the club’s poor form has raised doubts about his future, especially with the team languishing in 15th place, there is an understanding within the board that injuries have played a significant role in the club’s struggles. Spurs were in a much stronger position earlier in the season, sitting in sixth place after a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City on November 23. However, results have dramatically worsened since then, with the team unable to recover from the loss of key players.
Postecoglou has managed to achieve some notable successes despite the challenges. Tottenham has advanced in cup competitions, including victories over Manchester United and Liverpool, which have provided some relief amid the league struggles. The club’s board seems to understand the extenuating circumstances surrounding the team’s injury crisis and the difficulty of finding consistency with so many key players sidelined.
However, the pressure is mounting. Tottenham’s next few fixtures, including an important Europa League match against Hoffenheim and a Premier League clash against lowly Leicester, could determine Postecoglou’s immediate future. While the board remains supportive, the results in these upcoming matches will be critical to the Australian’s tenure at the club. If Tottenham continues to falter, it will be difficult for Postecoglou to maintain his position.
While the current situation looks grim, there is still hope for Tottenham to recover and salvage their season. The return of injured players like Solanke, Romero, and Van de Ven will be crucial for improving the squad’s overall performance. Postecoglou will also be hoping for better luck in terms of injuries moving forward, as the team cannot afford to lose any more key players during this critical period.
The January transfer window also remains open, and Tottenham still have the opportunity to sign players who can add depth and quality to the squad. If the club can bring in reinforcements, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of turning their season around.
For Postecoglou, the next few weeks will be crucial. If Tottenham can start winning games again, it will ease the pressure on both the manager and the club. However, if the current slide continues, it may become increasingly difficult for Postecoglou to retain the support of both the board and the fans.
Tottenham’s season has gone off the rails due to a combination of injuries, lack of reinforcements, and a loss of form. While Postecoglou has managed to keep the board’s support despite the club’s struggles, the pressure is mounting for him to turn things around. With key players returning and the transfer window still open, there is hope for Spurs to regain their footing. However, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the future of both Postecoglou and Tottenham’s season.
