The heated discourse around Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City and Ange Postecoglou’s furious reaction to the result has distracted from the bigger picture for Tottenham: it is now five defeats in six games and Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea could reel them in on the final day.
Spurs could not screw this up, could they? Fortunately for Postecoglou’s side, they end the season with a visit to long-relegated Sheffield United, who have shown little on their return to the top-flight to suggest they are capable of going out with a bang, even with the pressure completely off.
Postecoglou’s loaded suggestion that Spurs’ foundations are “fragile” — as much down to the relaxed mood at the club in the build-up to the City game as the subdued atmosphere on the night — has also distracted from a much-improved performance from his side.
Spurs went toe-to-toe with the champions and only lacked a killer instinct, underlined when captain Heung-min Son uncharacteristically missed a one-on-one which would probably have earned his side a draw — and potentially handed Arsenal the title.
If Spurs play with the same bravery and commitment against the Blades on Sunday, they will surely get the point needed to guarantee fifth place and Europa League football.
James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur both looked back to pre-injury levels, Pape Sarr excelled in a new role and January signing Radu Dragusin more than held his own, suggesting there was merit to Postecoglou’s theory that his players’ poor form was down to a lack of rhythm and regular game-time.
In that respect, perhaps the curtain is coming down just as Spurs are poised to pick up, and yet it feels like they need the season to end as much as any club.
Their dismal run and the disconnect between Postecoglou and most fans around the City game has put a little strain on his previously excellent relationship with the fanbase. The summer break should provide a welcome reset.
Provided Spurs do the job at Bramall Lane, Postecoglou can turn his attentions towards further transformation in the summer.
