Ange Postecoglou faced more concerning issues at Molineux, as Tottenham`s defensive frailties were exposed for everyone to witness.
Spurs` defense was clearly at fault for conceding goals, and the Tottenham manager`s expression reflected the team`s struggles.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP
Before the match, Postecoglou mentioned concerns about a possible leak within the team, suggesting information was being passed to the opposition.
However, Wolverhampton didn`t seem to require inside information to exploit Tottenham`s vulnerabilities.
Even when Tottenham showed signs of a comeback, they repeatedly undermined themselves with defensive errors.
Djed Spence, Christian Romero, and Lucas Bergvall, along with goalkeeper Vicario, will likely want to forget this game as quickly as possible.
This victory significantly boosts Vitor Pereira’s team`s chances of staying in the Premier League next season, marking their fourth consecutive win.
Wolves haven`t achieved such a winning streak in the top division since 1972, during the era of club legends like John Richards and Derek Dougan.
Today, players such as Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha are the ones celebrated by the fans.
Postecoglou was hoping for goals from his team, not leaks, but goals were exactly what he conceded.
But the game took a turn against Tottenham in under two minutes.
Rayan Ait-Nouri`s strike from outside the box put Wolves ahead after goalkeeper Vicario`s punch from Jean Bellegarde’s free-kick.
Tottenham fan brings along his puppet to watch the match
Vicario argued he was obstructed, but VAR confirmed the goal was valid.
The extended VAR review frustrated Wolves supporters, who voiced their displeasure with chants against VAR and its perceived slowness.
This was a sentiment likely shared by both Postecoglou and the Wolves fans.
Wolves fans quickly shifted their focus to the Tottenham manager, chanting about his potential dismissal.
After conceding early, Spurs stabilized, and Yves Bissouma`s shot forced a brilliant save from Wolves` keeper Jose Sa.
However, a comical own goal extended Wolves` advantage.
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Strand Larsen attempted to reach Marshall Munetsi’s header, which went through to Vicario. Vicario`s save bounced off Spence and into the net.
Postecoglou had rotated his squad with the upcoming Europa League second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt in mind.
He made tactical changes ten minutes into the second half.
Substitute Bergvall quickly made an impact, setting up Brennan Johnson on the right wing.
Johnson`s cross was misjudged by Nelson Semedo, and Mathys Tel capitalized, scoring at the near post.
Tottenham now had a chance to fight back. Or so it seemed.
Five minutes later, they conceded again due to their own errors.
Ait-Nouri dispossessed Romero, who failed to clear the ball despite appearing to be in control.
Ait-Nouri`s cross found Strand Larsen, who scored his 12th goal of the season from close range.
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Credit: Getty
This was also his fifth goal in four matches, with the Norwegian player playing a crucial role in Wolves` resurgence.
The same pattern repeated in the closing minutes.
Spurs created another opportunity to salvage something from the match.
Romero`s header hit the bar, and substitute Richarlison tapped in the rebound from close range.
Could this lead to a dramatic finish? Not at all.
This time, Bergvall was at fault, losing possession in midfield, allowing substitute Cunha to break free and score his 16th goal of the season, securing the win.
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Cunha had stirred controversy before the game with online exchanges with Wolves fans about his future.
However, it appeared all was forgiven as the Brazilian apologized to the fans and made a heart gesture.
