Tottenham head to Goodison Park for the final time on Sunday in the first of two trips to Merseyside in the coming weeks which will decide Ange Postecoglou’s fate.
Tottenham haven’t won at the Grand Old Lady since 2018. That’s a run which must be broken on their final - unless they face each other in the FA Cup - trip to Everton’s home. The Toffees can’t score, they’ve won one league game in their last 12 and new boss David Moyes has admitted he’s no magician with a quick fix.
This is a must win for Postecoglou’s out-of-form side. A 12th Premier League defeat is unthinkable for the north Londoners. Yet it will probably be the next visit to Merseyside which will either give Postecoglou the breathing space he needs or send him to the job centre.
Everton is important but in a few weeks Spurs will return to the same part of the country for the biggest game of Postecoglou’s tenure so far. Tottenham will be bringing a 1-0 lead to Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final. It’s a slender advantage but if they surrender it then surely that’s a P45 for the Aussie.
Spurs fans are not happy with the league form but they argue there are injuries - particularly in defence - which are costing them points every week. That’s understandable but, nevermind where they are in the league, they crave a trophy. They’ve not had one since 2008. Now Spurs are in good shape in the Europa League and scraped past Tamworth to remain in the FA Cup hunt.
But the League Cup - the trophy they lifted in 2008 - is now within sight. Tottenham fans are planning their day out at Wembley. If that was to vanish it will hurt more and the manager will feel the heat for it.
That’s why Postecoglou must go to Anfield with a proper plan to contain the Reds. None of this “it’s not who we are mate” nonsense. If they go toe-to-toe with Arne Slot’s side on away soil they will get beaten and crash out. He should watch how Nottingham Forest frustrated the Reds earlier in the season and how Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United hurt them on the counter. It’s time to show some tactical flexibility with his patched-up side.
Losing to this Everton side will pile pressure on Postecoglou but the next trip to Merseyside early next month will be one which really shows if he can continue to lead Tottenham.
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Manchester City appear to be quaking in their boots about the outcome of the hearing into their 115 charges.
That’s sarcasm in case you don’t get it. This week they’ve tied up the world’s best striker for another DECADE. While they’re about to spend more than £100m in January when most other clubs are acting like penniless punters who have spent all their money on Christmas presents and parties in this most dour of months.
That doesn’t signal a club which is fearing a huge financial penalty or points deduction which could send them down to the Championship. They’re acting like a club confident they won’t be getting much of a punishment and who should be back competing for the title next season.
Not sure you’ll see Haaland facing the likes of Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle next season that’s for sure.
Amad Diallo. New deal and a hat-trick to celebrate. Saved Manchester United against Southampton.
The disgusting abuse Kai Havertz’s partner received on social media this week. Rotten.
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