Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich on Sunday afternoon highlighted once more the issues that have plagued them season after season.
It was a match where Spurs had every reason to win, facing a side winless in the Premier League for 22 years. But true to form, Tottenham managed to let a golden opportunity slip away, a result that left them languishing in 10th place heading into the international break—a familiar scenario that has long frustrated fans and managers alike.
Ange Postecoglou, the man tasked with lifting Spurs out of their rut, labeled the performance “unacceptable” in his post-match comments, and it’s not hard to see why. His side fell into the same trap as previous Spurs squads, with a start that lacked intensity and urgency. It was as if the players felt victory was assured against a team in the bottom three, only to be met with the harsh reality of another humbling defeat. The Spurs manager, who had enjoyed early success, is now discovering just how stubborn Tottenham’s longstanding issues can be.
Postecoglou didn’t shy away from responsibility, admitting that the inconsistency and lack of focus fell under his watch. “That’s down to me. That’s my responsibility,” he said. “We didn’t start the game well at all… we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.” Despite his earnest attempt to take the heat, the manager can only do so much; the players must bring energy and commitment, especially against lesser opponents. This latest setback has once again left fans to stew on the disappointment during the two-week international break.
The trend of alternating wins and losses has become the hallmark of Spurs’ season. This same frustrating inconsistency plagued Antonio Conte’s side last year, with matches often featuring sluggish first halves, defensive lapses, and frantic comeback attempts. Unfortunately, that cycle seems to be repeating under Postecoglou. Despite the manager’s fresh approach, his squad fell back into old habits.
Sunday’s loss exposed critical tactical and personnel shortcomings that Spurs must address. For one, Postecoglou’s substitutions, often crucial to maintaining tempo in his high-energy system, were limited by an underpowered bench. Missing Richarlison’s physicality, Wilson Odobert’s pace, and the youthful energy of Mikey Moore, Tottenham’s late-game options were uninspiring. The absence of such impactful players left the manager with few choices in the final third.
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The defensive lapses were just as alarming. Spurs’ backline continues to struggle with communication and positioning, and Ipswich capitalized on these weaknesses. The first goal was a mix of poor marking and a lack of urgency from Brennan Johnson, who allowed Sammie Szmodics to take an unmarked shot that found the bottom corner. The second Ipswich goal was almost farcical, as Tottenham failed to capitalize on a break, leaving themselves wide open to a quick counterattack that ended in the back of their net.
Romero’s push upfield created an open lane, which Szmodics exploited with a low cross. Vicario’s save attempt deflected to Radu Dragusin, whose miscue allowed Liam Delap to smash in the rebound. The string of errors, from missed chances to disorganized defending, painted a clear picture of why Tottenham’s season has been such a rollercoaster.
The defeat is particularly frustrating given Spurs’ impressive attacking stats this season. Entering the match, they were the league’s top scorers, boasting a +10 goal differential second only to Liverpool. Yet, sitting in 10th place shows the depth of their defensive issues. Too many goals are leaking through the right side, exposing the space between Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero, and this vulnerability is beginning to cost them.
To further complicate matters, this ongoing pattern of defeat before international breaks has left fans in a prolonged state of frustration. The stretch marks the fifth consecutive time that Spurs have entered the break on a sour note, a bitter reminder of just how elusive consistency has been for the club.
Postecoglou’s challenge is now clear: not only must he inspire belief within the squad, but he must also instill a resilience that holds firm, regardless of the opponent. While his system demands a high level of energy and organization, the team needs to recognize that style alone doesn’t secure victories.
As they regroup, Postecoglou will need to find ways to extract more consistency from his squad, to shore up a defense that has shown vulnerability, and to instill a sense of urgency in matches where it’s easy to get complacent. In the competitive Premier League, every game demands focus, intensity, and a will to dominate, something that Spurs must learn if they’re to break free from the pattern of squandered opportunities and deflating losses.
