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Postecoglou lamblasts ‘football gods’ amidst Tottenham resignation
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Ange Postecoglou lives to fight another day at Tottenham after a draw against Eintracht Frankfurt

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou must be wondering how his side didn’t walk away with a win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night. Going into the Europa League quarter-final first leg, questions loomed over which version of Spurs would turn up, given their rollercoaster of a season marked by inconsistency. Under pressure to produce a strong result, the Lilywhites put in a determined performance, but were left with only a draw to show for it.

The match began in the worst possible fashion for the hosts. Just six minutes in, a costly error from James Maddison in midfield gifted Frankfurt the opening. French striker Hugo Ekitike seized the opportunity, curling a powerful shot from the edge of the area that flew past Guglielmo Vicario to give the German side an early lead. While some might point fingers at Pedro Porro for not closing down quickly enough, it was a strike of real quality, one that looked destined for the net the moment it left Ekitike’s boot.

However, Tottenham responded in the best possible way and took control of the game from that point forward. The equaliser came through an unexpected source—Pedro Porro—who produced a moment of brilliance to bring Spurs level. Making a sharp, darting run into the box, the Spaniard met a driven low cross from James Maddison and executed a stunning back-flick that slipped through the legs of a Frankfurt defender and nestled into the net.

From there, the Lilywhites dominated possession and created several clear chances, hitting the post multiple times and forcing the Frankfurt goalkeeper into key saves. Despite their relentless pressure and superior play, the finishing touch eluded them. It was one of those nights where the ball simply wouldn’t go in, and the match ended 1-1, leaving Tottenham with work to do in the return leg, but plenty of positives to build on.

Ange Postecoglou curses Tottenham’s luck after missed chances

Postecoglou’s side created chance after chance but simply couldn’t find the finishing touch. Spurs struck the woodwork three times, squandered two clear-cut opportunities, and saw numerous efforts blocked by a resolute Frankfurt defence.

It was a dominant display in terms of attacking intent, but the final score didn’t reflect their superiority. The tie, which could have been wrapped up at home, now hangs in the balance. Tottenham must head to Germany needing a goal, and perhaps more, to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.

Speaking on the missed chances in his presser, Ange Postecoglou said (as transcribed by Football.london),

“I’m resigned to the fact that the football gods have got their eyes elsewhere this year. They’re obviously busy with other clubs and other managers so whatever we get we’re going to have to do it without them this year.”

On another day, with the same intensity and chances created, Tottenham would have comfortably won the first leg. Instead, they were left to settle for a frustrating draw, a result that doesn’t reflect their dominance, but keeps the tie finely poised heading into the second leg.

Will Tottenham’s missed chances come back to haunt them? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the performance gave fans a reason to believe. The team showed intent, urgency, and a real hunger to win, something that’s been missing far too often this season.

Despite the frustration of a 1-1 draw, the tie is far from over. Spurs are still firmly in the race for a Europa League semi-final spot, and the second leg in Germany presents a fresh opportunity to finish what they started. For Ange Postecoglou, progression in Europe could be pivotal, not just for the club’s ambitions but potentially for his future at N17.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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