Irish Examiner

On a night billed as win-or-bust for Postecoglou and his side, they overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg last week to win 3-1, with a James Maddison strike in between Odobert's first two goals for Tottenham.

The 20-year-old French winger, signed from Burnley last August, has missed most of the season with a hamstring injury but was back with a bang to see Spurs through to a last eight showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was far from comfortable, though. Tottenham had not troubled AZ's goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro until Odobert scored his first in the 26th minute. The goal was an error from the Dutch team, with a loose back pass putting Wouter Goes under pressure in the right-back position.

Nevertheless it was Heung Min Son's determination to close down the defender that forced a rebound into the path of Dominic Solanke, who was loitering in the penalty area with intent. The Spurs striker could have tried a tricky shot but smartly chose to lay the ball square across goal, where Odobert met it with a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

Spurs were level on aggregate and fired up. Son looked like he wanted to prove a point with a couple of driving runs into the penalty area, the first ending with Lucas Bergvall curling a shot over the bar, and the second with Odobert slicing the ball high into the air.

From the start, the Dutch side seemed content to try containment rather than go looking for another goal to build on their 1-0 lead. Ernest Poku, so dangerous in the first leg, had precious few opportunities to show his pace or trickery, and when he had a half-chance, Guglielmo Vicario smothered the ball at his feet.

Troy Parrott, AZ's top scorer with 17 goals before kickoff, got little change out of the returning Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who caught the Dubliner with a thunderous challenge early on.

And within three minutes of the restart, James Maddison put Spurs ahead in the tie for the first time in the tie. Pedro Porro won the ball in the Tottenham half and sent Odobert away. The winger played the ball forward to Maddison, who exchanged passes with Son before steering a precise shot past Owusu-Oduro.

Finally AZ started to attack in earnest. Poku got clear of the last line of defence, but Van de Ven used his astonishing spped to make a recovery tackle. When the big Dutchman went off to be replaced by Archie Gray on the hour mark, he received a standing ovation from home supporters.

But within minutes AZ levelled the tie after a mix-up in the Tottenham defence. Odobert did well to intercept a pass towards Peer Koopmeiners, but a lack of communication with Bergvall allowed the Dutch midfielder the chance to shoot, which he did with power past Vicario.

The scores were level on aggregate, the game was a knife edge, and nerves kicked in.

Then Odobert struck again. It was a flowing move from one goalmouth to the other, perfectly illustrating 'Angeball' at its best. Vicario, Gray and Romero played short passes out of defence to Maddison, who drove forward through midfield. The ball was shuttled down the left via Son to Spence, who drilled in a low cross that was flicked on by Solanke to Odobert, who converted from close range at the far post.

Still there were chances for AZ to equalise. Kees Smit went on to add height to their forward line, but headed over from close range when Parrott looked to be in a better position to score. Smit then upset his team-mates when he volleyed wastefully wide in the closing stages.

The final whistle was greeted with relief as much as celebration, as Tottenham's fans realised their season is still very much alive.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 7, Romero 6, Van de Ven 8 (Gray 61), Spence 8; Sarr 6, Maddison 7 (Bissouma 77), Bergvall 7 (Davies84); Odobert 8 (Johnson 78), Solanke 6, Son 7.

AZ (4-3-3): Owusu-Oduro 6; Maikuma 6 (Meerdink 84), Goes 5 (Belic 89), Penetra 6, Moller Wolfe 6; Clasie 6, Buurmeister 6 (Smit 65), Koopmeiners 7; Sadiq 5 (de Wit 46), Parrott 6, Poku 6.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola said it was “a missed opportunity” for his men, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back to get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

“It was chaotic, and we added to the chaos,” he said. “We looked nervous in the first half, but showed a strong mindset to come back, and hopefully can show the same on Thursday.”

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario.

Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles in defence, and their problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross to the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as a possible successor to Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot.

Son sent him the wrong way to snatch a draw Spurs barely deserved.

Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4 (Van de Ven 61), Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5 (Bergvall 46), Bentancur 5 (Maddison 61); Johnson 5 (Son 46), Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7 (Brooks 81), Christie 6 (Scott 71), Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7 (Ouattara 71), Semenyo 6 Sinisterra 89).

Referee: John Brooks 7

Ange Postecoglou lives to fight another day, as Spurs showed some of the fighting spirit they have lacked in recent weeks to come back from 2-0 down to hold Bournemouth, who were ultimately frustrated as they chase a place in Europe.

Leading by two goals with 25 minutes to play, and the better side from the start, Andoni Iraola's men must see this as a missed opportunity, while Postecoglou can reflect on his positive second-half substitutions sparking a Spurs resurgence.

After Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson had put the Cherries in charge, Pape Matar Sarr and a penalty from Heung Min Son brought Tottenham back into get a draw that eases the pressure on Postecoglou.

Spurs are still in the bottom half of the table, and their only hope of success rests on progressing in the Europa League. Trailing 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar, they face the second leg at home on Thursday and must hope to play like they did in the second-half here, not the first.

The biggest surprise was that it took Bournemouth 42 minutes to score, so poor were Spurs in the opening half. Cristian Romero's return from a three-month injury layoff was greeted with a roar by Spurs supporters, but within minutes it was clear that the Argentine was ring-rusty.

Only 20 seconds had elapsed before he passed sideways to Evanilson, whose low shot was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario. Ten minutes later Romero gave the ball away again, and when Rodrigo Bentancur did the same, Vicario again saved well to deny Justin Kluivert.

Spurs were a shambles. Southampton have found out the hard way that the risks outweigh the rewards of trying to play out from the back without the right players to do so, but Ange Postecoglou persists with this approach.

Once again Tottenham's problems were primarily of their own making, losing possession time and time again. Tavernier's goal, three minutes before half-time, was a case in point.

Pedro Porro, another senior player whose performances have dipped alarmingly, led a break into the Bournemouth half, but his tame pass towards Brennan Johnson was easily cut out by Milos Kerkez, who charged down the left flank before delivering a delicious, curling cross the far post that Tavernier converted with a sliding finish.

It was exactly what Bournemouth deserved for their bright, smart football, with Iraola showing why he he is being talked about as one of Tottenham's target to replace Postecoglou.

The Spurs manager had opted for a workmanlike midfield, dropping James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall along with captain Son, but it meant Spurs carried little attacking threat.

Dominic Solanke, who scored 21 goals for Bournemouth last season before his record-breaking transfer to Tottenham, was given precious little service, and one glancing header that was easily saved by Kepa was his only effort on goal.

Spurs were booed off at half-time, and Postecoglou responded by sending on Bergvall, and Son, who went close with a shot that was tipped round the far post. Justin Kluivert had a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review, before setting up Evanilson to make it 2-0 with a delightful clipped finish in the 65th minute, lifting his shot over Vicario.

That should have been it, but Spurs showed there is spirit in the side, despite their travails. Pape Matar Sarr pulled one goal back a minute later with what appeared to be a mis-hit cross from the right that flew in off Kepa's far post.

Maddison, another substitute, then put Son in, and when Kepa sent the Korean flying, referee John Brooks pointed to the penalty spot. Son sent him the wrong way to set up frantic final ten minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Vicario 7; Porro 5, Romero 4, Danso 6, Spence 7; Sarr 6, Bissouma 5, Bentancur 5; Johnson 5, Solanke 5, Odobert 6.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Kepa 6; Cook 7, Hill 7, Huijsen 7, Kerkez 8 Tavernier 7, Christie 6, Adams 6, Kluivert 7; Evanilson 7, Semenyo 6.

Referee: John Brooks 7.

Haaland, whose absence was sorely felt in the defeats to Real Madrid and Liverpool, took just 12 minutes to return to the scoresheet. His early goal was enough for City to gain at least some revenge for their two defeats at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur this season and move back into the Premier League top four.

This may not have been the most fluent performance by Guardiola’s side, even if their margin of victory could have doubled had an added time effort by Haaland not been contentiously ruled out for offside. Dominant in the first half when they should have had more to show for their efforts, City were forced to defend determinedly to fend off a Tottenham response in the second period and survived a last minute chance that fell to Pape Matar Sarr. This win, though, could turn out to be extremely significant at the end of the season.

Jeremy Doku’s trickery on the left had provided some of City’s most threatening moments against Liverpool last Sunday although the winger’s final ball too often has a habit of letting his good work down. Initially it looked as though it might be a case of more of the same as the Belgium international twice found himself in good positions before misplacing his pass.

It turned out, however, that they were sighters with Doku getting it right when he set up Haaland for the 12th minute opening goal. City opened up Tottenham when they moved the ball quickly across the pitch, exposing the gaps between the Spurs defenders before Doku’s deflected pass inside found Haaland who swept home for his 20th league goal of the season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side had paid the price for their lack of discipline and organisation and there were few signs of them addressing their flaws during the rest of a first half that was dominated by an increasingly confident City.

Doku continued to be the visitors’ most effective outlet, constantly tormenting Porro, while on the other flank Savinho gave Spurs left-back Destiny Udogie a similarly troublesome time. And had City showed more composure in front of goal, the game would have been effectively over inside 30 minutes.

Savinho was guilty of missing a good chance to add the second when Doku again found himself in lots of space after another cross-field move. The Belgian curled in an accurate low cross towards his teammate who managed to drill his first time shot into the ground, sending it looping over the bar. Then Haaland was uncharacteristically wasteful when he placed a close range shot too close to keeper Guglielmo Vicario who saved well with his feet.

Spurs had appeared disjointed and lacked coherence throughout the opening half and were grateful to reach half time trailing by just one goal. They could draw some belief from Kevin Danso’s header that drew a save from City keeper immediately before the break but there were few signs they were capable of disrupting Guardiola’s side.

A Doku chance shortly after the restart suggested the momentum of the game would remain unchanged but Spurs finally began to show signs they could hurt the visitors and grew in confidence after Pedro Porro’s excellent low cross was almost turned home by Wilson Odobert.

That triggered a period of sustained pressure from Postecoglou’s side and Danso quickly drew another save from Ederson from a free-kick before the City keeper was again forced to react to keep out Rodrigo Bentacur’s header.

Postecoglou attempted to build on his side’s second half revival by introducing Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence, left out of the starting line-up after feeling the effects of the recent schedule, but they were unable to force an equaliser.

SPURS (4-3-3): Vicario 6; Porro 7, Danso 6, Gray 8, Udogie 6 (Spence 66, 6); Bergvall 7, Bentancur 6 (Sarr 66, 6), Maddison 7 (Werner 82, 6); Johnson 6, Tel 6 (Kulusevksi 66, 6) , Odobert 6 (Son 66, 6).

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson 6; Nunes 6, Khusanov 6, Dias 6, Gvardiol 6; Gonzalez 6 (Silva 73, 6), Kovacic 7 (Gundogan 90, 6); Savinho 7 (McAtee 90, 6), Marmoush 6 (Foden 73, 6), Doku 8 (Grealish 90, 6); Haaland 6.

Referee: Jarrad Gillett 6

David Johnson had been prolific at Portman Road across a four-year spell and his son Brennan followed in his footsteps with two quickfire goals in Suffolk to set Spurs on course for a third straight Premier League win.

Omari Hutchinson pulled one back for Kieran McKenna's side before half-time and relegation-threatened Ipswich did have other chances, but Tottenham made the points safe with late strikes by Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski.

It continued Spurs' mini-revival, Ange Postecoglou's team winning three league fixtures on the bounce for the first time since December 2023 as they aim to put a difficult winter period behind them.

Liam Delap had tormented Tottenham during Ipswich's memorable 2-1 success in north London in November and immediately set about a repeat performance.

Barely 30 seconds had been played when Delap got away from Archie Gray and tested Guglielmo Vicario, who parried away and while Jaden Philogene was first to the loose ball, his shot hit team-mate Hutchinson on the line and offside was given to ensure the visitors survived.

Two minutes later Delap sent another low effort wide before he headed against the post from a Kalvin Phillips free-kick in the sixth minute during a whirlwind opening.

Spurs needed to improve and they duly did, with a fine run by Son Heung-min setting up a chance for Lucas Bergvall - but Dara O'Shea blocked and Jacob Greaves hooked away before Johnson could pounce.

It was a warning Ipswich failed to heed as Postecoglou watched his team break through after 18 minutes. Gray produced a superb ball over the top for Son, who controlled impressively and worked a yard of space against Ben Godfrey before he crossed in for Johnson to poke home.

Johnson sheepishly looked over to the assistant referee, but the goal was given after a quick check for offside.

It was quickly followed by a second goal eight minutes later. Rodrigo Bentancur released Son on this occasion and the Tottenham captain cut inside before teeing up Johnson to slot home his 14th goal of the season.

It was almost 3-0 moments later but Son had a shot deflected wide and Ipswich reduced the deficit in the 36th minute. Kevin Danso was dispossessed and Phillips played through to Jack Clarke, who cut back for Hutchinson to curl into the corner for his third goal this term.

It set up a finely-poised second half which was initially stop-start as Jens Cajuste limped off for Ipswich before they started to build momentum.

Half-time substitute Luke Woolfenden thought he had levelled after 61 minutes when he headed home Hutchinson's cross, but the defender had strayed offside.

Postecoglou responded with Pedro Porro and James Maddison introduced.

Maddison's every touch was heavily booed given his past links to Norwich, but he had the last laugh when he twinkle-toed past two opponents to set up Spence for Spurs' third in the 77th minute.

Kulusevski wrapped up the points with six minutes left when he curled home off the post, despite Ipswich's Greaves being down hurt, as Tottenham won on the road again.

PA

As the tyro from Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow cannot join a UK club until he turns 18 in September, he’ll remain with the Saints for their upcoming campaign kicking off against Galway United on Friday week.

His five-year contract with Spurs begins in January 2026.

A multitude of clubs from the UK, including initial interest from Manchester City, and the continent, were tracking the talent but Celtic were the last club to compete with Tottenham for his signature.

Melia was represented in contract talks by former Ireland international Clive Clarke who, as well as being his agent, is the brother of his mother Pamela.

His uncle was central to interactions with Spurs over recent months, accompanying the youngster on trips to their plush training ground, and meetings with first-team manager Ange Postecoglou and club legend Ledley King. Once he passed his medical on Tuesday, the transfer was confirmed by both clubs.

“Our Chairman has been negotiating this deal for a number of months,” said Saints director of football Ger O’Brien about the involvement of Kelleher in securing the deal.

“It's a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player and something the club is proud of.”

Saints have been trailblazers in this regard, receiving a record fee of €300,000 for Keith Fahey from Birmingham City in 2008, and double that when James Abankwah was snapped up by Udinese in 2022.

This package trumps those deals, further vindicating Kelleher’s decision to purchase the Saints all of 18 years ago.

Since then, the property tycoon is estimated to have pumped over €10m into the Inchicore outfit, a large portion funding an underage system he was enthusiastic about from the outset.

Kelleher, it must be recalled, strengthened his commitment to the domestic league by luring manager Stephen Kenny back to the scene with the offer of a five-and-a-half year contract last June.

He was manager for most of Melia’s 41 club appearances in 2024, including exposure in their Conference League run to the playoff stage that had Ireland senior manager Heimir Hallgrímsson singling him out for praise.

"Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work,” said Kenny.

“He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.

“Every day on the training ground he shows a high work ethic and a capacity to take on information quickly and he grasps the tactical requirements depending on the game in question.

“His pressing out of possession is phenomenal and his pace offers a real threat and adds a dimension to our attacking play. His hold up play has been his greatest improvement over the last six months as he continues to develop physically.

“First and foremost he is a goalscorer, he scored some brilliant goals last season, and different types of goals and has shown a capacity to play anywhere along the front 3.

“Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country.”

Melia was fast-tracked into the Ireland U21 squad for the latter stages of the Euro 2025 campaign only to withdraw due to injury.

A 3-2 loss at Everton ramped up the speculation around Postecoglou's job, but he masterminded victory by the same score away to Hoffenheim on Thursday to keep the club on track to make the Europa League last-16, while next month will bring a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool.

Richarlison's 33rd-minue header had Tottenham on course to return to winning ways in the division for the first time since December 15, but Jamie Vardy levelled for Leicester within a minute of the second period before Bilal El Khannouss fired in what proved the winner after 50 minutes.

Home fans turned on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy during the second period and while boos greeted full-time after this latest defeat leaves them 15th, Postecoglou feels his depleted squad continue to give everything during a period of 17 fixtures in two months amid a continuously growing injury crisis.

"I really believe in this group of players. Even today, what I asked of them, some of the performances were outstanding considering what they've been through. To me that's all positive, but ultimately, the fact that we've lost another game of football, the focus is on that," Postecoglou reflected.

"I have felt all along that the players are still very committed to what we're doing. That's important to me because I firmly believe in it.

"This is probably as low as we've been so far this year but I still think that in these last three months we can do something really special and I think these players believe that.

"Right now it's very hard to visualise that when you think of the current circumstances we're in. You just have to look at our absences today and they'll all be back.

"Even missing Madders (James Maddison) today, he was so good the other night.

"All these little things that are not allowing us to get any momentum, I'm sure will change and when they change, I'm really confident we can make an impact."

First-choice defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returned to training this week, while Spurs continue to chase additions in the transfer window.

Asked if he will be here to welcome back key personnel, Postecoglou admitted: "Who knows. I reckon there is probably a fair chunk that will say no.

"When you are the manager of a football club, you can be very vulnerable and isolated. I don't feel that.

"I feel like this group of players, not for me, are giving everything for the club. I have a group of staff that is really committed. I focus on that."

Ruud van Nistelrooy had faced speculation over his position following a run of seven straight league losses, but watched his team produce an excellent comeback to win in the division for the first time since December 3.

This victory moved Leicester out of the bottom three and Van Nistelrooy praised his squad.

He said: "We got 1-0 behind but we were playing well and I said that before in previous games. I saw today a team that was 1-0 behind, but we weren't affected mentally.

"At half-time the players were calm. They knew the game-plan was going accordingly. We had chances and we wanted to start the second half really well, which they went out and did extremely well to be fair."

Postecoglou pointed to the passion of his patched-up team and some dire refereeing decisions from Andrew Madley, with some justification, in a rare show of anger after Alexander Isak's 14th league goal of the season clinched a sixth successive victory for Eddie Howe's side.

Whether fans are pro- or anti-Ange, they would do well to look at the situation over the past year at St James' Park, where a club that had finished fourth in 2023 and were enjoying some spectacular nights in the Champions League, were also deemed to be in crisis.

Newcastle are in a healthy position right now, fifth in the table, five points behind second-placed Arsenal going into Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against the Gunners, with winnable games to come against Bromley in the FA Cup, plus Wolves, Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham in the league.

No wonder there is a feelgood factor around the club. Yet this time last year, it was a different story. A rash of injuries to key players, loss of form and confidence, and six defeats in seven games over the festive period meant Newcastle went into their match at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with both first-choice centre-backs and three other players injured, star signing Sandro Tonali banned and a slump in form from key players such as Keiron Trippier and Isak. They lost 4-1.

This time it was Tottenham's turn to suffer without three central defenders, which became four when Radu Dragusin could not continue after half time because of sickness, a third-choice goalkeeper making his debut, out-of-form senior players Heung Min Son and James Maddison dropped and a rash of teenagers on the pitch and on the bench.

Even though Dominic Solanke headed Spurs into an early lead, it was no surprise that Newcastle won, although Anthony Gordon's equaliser was hugely controversial and Isak's winning goal was the slightest of touches on Dragusin's goalbound toe-poke.

And as Howe admitted, the visitors had to tough it out in a second-half dominated by Tottenham in terms of chances, possession and passion.

“I’m shattered the boys didn’t get the rewards they deserved because we were outstanding, our football was outstanding against a very good opponent in good form and a good place,” said Postecoglou.

“I thought it was brilliant, a game we deserved to win and on any other day, on a fair and even playing field and logical thought processes,they would have won that game.” He was referring not only to Joelinton's handball that set up Gordon's equaliser, but also Madley's reluctance to show second yellow cards to the Brazilian and Dan Burn, who might have been sent off by a different referee. Madley was booed loudly from the sixth minute, when Gordon scored, and also angered Newcastle fans when he failed to spot Dejan Kulusevski clatter Gordon in the penalty box, leaving the England winger with a bloody nose in front of the watching Thomas Tuchel. The German was on duty for the first time since taking over officially as England manager on New Year's Day, and must have been impressed not only by the goalscoring of Gordon and Solanke, but also impressive displays by Newcastle's young full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

They are thriving in a Newcastle side that has found its rhythm since Tonali returned from his long suspension for betting offences, and unlike Postecoglou, Howe has the luxury of being able to field a settled team week after week.

Eight players have started all of their past six games, as Howe has found a winning formula centred around Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield. “We went through a spell where we were very inconsistent with our performances and results, so I made a conscious decision to try to be consistent with my team selection, to try to give the best chance to get consistent results. We’ve started to win games, so I’ve been very reluctant to change things or unbalance what’s been working for us. Sometimes, even within a game, I haven’t wanted to change the dynamic too much unless I’ve felt like I’ve absolutely had to.” What Postecoglou would give to have his big names back from injury and suspension as Spurs face an unenviable run of games. Having lost 6-3 to Liverpool two weeks ago, they face Arne Slot's side in a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final starting on Wednesday. They then face four away games that could make or break their season and Postecoglou's chances of remaining in charge.

Tamworth Town in the FA Cup should be a chance to rotate his squad and blood some youngsters, but Premier Leagtue trips to Arsenal and Everton rarely bring Spurs much joy, and then they travel to Hoffenheim in a bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League, before facing Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg of the Carabao Cup. It totals nine games in the space of 30 days, and with his depleted squad unlikely to welcome back many of the long-term injured, he desperately needs signings. Young Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was signed from Slavia Prague for €15m Euros this weekend, and Daniel Levy, the chairman who is the subject of repeated protests from fans, has to decide whether to back Postecoglou with more signings.

Howe, meanwhile, has found a winning formula and can look forward to a serious challenge for the top four and more.

Levy, and Tottenham's restless fans, could do worse than look north for an example of how patience can pay off.

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Austin 7; Porro 7, Dragusin 5 (Reguilon 46), Gray 7, Spence 6; Kulusevski 7, Sarr 6 (Bissouma 62), Bergvall 7 (Maddison 62); Johnson 6, Solanke 7, Werner 4 (Son 62).

NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Dubravka 7; Livramento 7, Botman 7 (Kelly 90+2), Burn 7, Hall 6; Guimaraes 7, Tonali 7, Joelinton 6; Murphy 7 (Longstaff 85), Isak 6 (Willocl 85) Gordon 7 (Barnes 78)

Referee: Andrew Madley 5

Injury-hit Spurs were on track to end a torrid month of December on a high after first-half goals by Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson cancelled out Hwang Hee-chan's brilliant opener for Wolves.

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min also squandered a 43rd-minute penalty, but it did not appear to be too costly until visiting substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen smashed home with three minutes left.

Spurs will start 2025 in the bottom half after one win from their last seven Premier League fixtures, yet Postecoglou rallied around his depleted squad, with Destiny Udogie the latest to limp off to become their ninth unavailable player.

"I'm the person in charge, so of course it hurts," Postecoglou reflected.

"When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts.

"Even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don't even know where they got from, I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts.

"It hurts immensely. At the same time it's my responsibility for where we're at right now and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it.

"It's fair to say we're dealing with a fair bit and it doesn't feel we're getting a smooth run at anything in terms of getting players back and allowing us to freshen up the team.

"As soon as we get one back, we lose one. We've just got to get through it. There's still a hell of a lot for us to play for."

Tottenham were sixth and only three points off Chelsea after a 4-0 win at Manchester City on November 23, but are now closer to the relegation zone than top-four.

Postecoglou refused to be too hard on his players, who will get two days off with Spurs set to have a rare clear midweek ahead of Saturday's visit of Newcastle where Bentancur will also be suspended.

He added: "We have to try to get some support for the players. Both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best.

"They're very disappointed, but it's not through the want of trying."

It was another afternoon to savour for new Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who has claimed seven points out of nine since he replaced Gary O'Neil.

The visitors also suffered injury problems with talisman Matheus Cunha forced off, but Strand Larsen came up trumps with his seventh effort of the campaign to move them two points clear of the relegation zone.

"I think it is a good result for us," Pereira said.

"A difficult week because we lost Toti, we lost Cunha at half-time and this is not a big squad.

"We showed we must find solutions and the speed I saw in the second half, the team tries to play more with the ball, the team tries to create situations to score and because of this period and the personality, I am very happy."

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie (Reguilon 50); Bentancur, Bissouma (Sarr 64), Kulusevski; Johnson (Maddison 64), Solanke, Son (Werner 63).

WOLVES (3-4-3): Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Dawson (R.Gomes 78); Semedo, Andre (Doyle 69), J.Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Bellagarde (Guedes 46), Hwang (Forbs 78), Cunha (Strand Larsen 46).

Ref: Chris Kavanagh

Anthony Elanga’s first-half goal was enough for Forest to consolidate their position in the top four as the mist gathered at City Ground and the outlook keeps getting gloomier for under-pressure Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

The embattled Australian watched his side lose for a fifth time in eight Premier League games and the pressure is growing as they languish in the bottom half of the table after a first Boxing Day defeat since 2003.

While Spurs, who had Djed Spence sent off at the death, ponder a season of mediocrity, Forest are daring to dream after posting a fourth successive Premier League win for the first time since 1995.

They have already surpassed their points total from last season and are looking like genuine contenders for European qualification, which outlines the impressive job Nuno Espirito Santo has done at the City Ground.

Given Postecoglou’s stubborn refusal to alter from his attacking approach, it was no surprise that chances at both ends came quickly.

Son Heung-min shot straight at Matz Sels after Murillo had given the ball away and then Callum Hudson-Odoi fired over with a trademark effort cutting in from the right soon after.

Brennan Johnson could have scored on his return to the City Ground after being played in by returning Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, but Sels did well.

Just as it looked like Spurs were taking control, Forest went in front in the 29th minute after a quick break.

Morgan Gibbs-White galloped into space and played in Elanga, who beat the offside trap and coolly clipped home for his third goal in three games.

The visitors’ response was good and Forest needed another big save from Sels to keep their lead intact, again denying Johnson with a flying stop.

Son then whipped a 20-yard free-kick inches wide as Spurs pressed, but Forest got into half-time unscathed.

They had a chance to double their lead early in the second half when Fraser Forster flapped at a cross and it fell kindly to Gibbs-White, but the goalkeeper recovered well to block the shot.

Spurs kept on creating chances as Johnson cleverly made space for himself, but Sels again came to the rescue with a brave block.

Forest needed a second goal to give themselves some breathing space and Nikola Milenkovic headed over before Ola Aina failed to make proper contact when the ball fell kindly to him on the penalty area.

Spurs pushed for an equaliser, but Forest put in a defensive performance Spurs could only dream of as central pairing Murillo and Milenkovic won all of their headers and made all of their tackles.

The visitors ended with 10 men as former Forest right-back Spence was dismissed deep into injury time for two yellow cards.