Ange Postecoglou said his side lacked their usual "aggression" and "positivity" in the 2-1 defeat at Wolves, their second reverse on the bounce following the damaging 4-1 defeat by Chelsea, while goal-scorer Brennan Johnson described Spurs as "too safe".
In the first game without centre-half Micky van de Ven and playmaker James Maddison - both out until the new year - in came Eric Dier and Ben Davies at centre-half, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was Spurs's most advanced midfielder.
Dier and Davies were solid defensively for 91 minutes before Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina burst into the box to score in stoppage time, both making several important interventions to keep Wolves from the door. But the way they played as the clock ticked towards the final whistle would have alarmed Postecoglou.
Spurs dropped deeper and started to hurry their passing, with the Australian suggesting his players had "self-preservation" in mind.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin November 13, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin November 13, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Can turmeric put a spring in your step?
Arthritis was not only robbing Jane of the pleasure of her daily dog walks, but also of sound sleep. Until she discovered Food-Grown Organic TurmaForte Turmeric, which has now brought back joy and ease to her daily routine
I found the Ozempic for smokers. Within aweek, I'd quit
Last November, the NHS announced a miracle cure for smokers: a demo graphic I’ve identified with from the age of 14.
Taking the plunge
Dancing On Ice star Mollie Pearce opens up about training for her toughest challenge yet.
Can McCullum's Midas touch turn white-ball sides to gold?
England coach worked miracles with Test team...now he must do it again
The London MP, her despot aunt and a scandal that won't go away
Tulip Siddiq's close links to a bloodthirsty regime leave her constituents with serious concerns
Markets in turmoil, zero growth and confidence smashed
It's a depressing picture, but Reeves could turn it around - if she'd listen to London
Chelsea swagger: Why SW3 is swinging again
With a wave of red-hot openings, this formerly supercool enclave of south-west London is the place to be once more
Advanced prostate care at Sage Urology
Prostate health is crucial for men over 50, with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and early prostate cancer being common concerns.
Lake Como & Lugano: your exclusive Alpine escape at Parco San Marco
Where the majestic Alps embrace the serene waters of Lake Como and Lake Lugano, Parco San Marco Hotels & Beach Resort offers a sanctuary of luxury and natural beauty.
Could Trump be the unlikely mastermind of world peace?
The Gaza ceasefire deal is his first win for the 'peace through strength' doctrine