Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou felt that his side should have defeated Newcastle United and likely would have if “all things were equal and balanced,” at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Spurs were consigned to a 2-1 defeat on Saturday, with the Magpies overturning an early lead. Dominic Solanke opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but Anthony Gordon equalized just two minutes later, before Alexander Isak sealed the victory.
Tottenham were frustrated by Newcastle’s equalizer, upheld after a lengthy VAR review ruled Joelinton’s handball unintentional. Adding to their struggles, Spurs, now winless in six home league games, lost center-back Radu Dragusin to injury at halftime.
Spurs came close to scoring in the second half, with Brennan Johnson hitting the post and near misses from James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. Both teams had four shots on target, but Newcastle edged Tottenham in the shots count (14-13).
“On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won,” Posteocglou told BBC Sport.
“Outstanding. I couldn’t be prouder of the players. I couldn’t ask any more. It’s a game we would have won if all things were equal.”
If all things were equal and balanced, we would have won. Things weren’t equal and balanced.”
When asked if it was Newcastle’s first goal that was not equal, he added: “You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opinion – if all things were equal and balanced, we would have won.
“We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we’re going through. If it was an even playing field we’d have won.”
Injury issues led to Tottenham fielding their youngest Premier League starting XI since March 2015, with an average age of 23 years and 336 days. Goalkeeper Brandon Austin made his debut, earning praise from Postecoglou for his performance.
“Really good,” he added. “The moments we are going through are putting big tasks on players, and they’re rising to the occasion. The performance deserved a victory.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
