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Ange Postecoglou is not ready to write off Tottenham's Premier League campaign just yet despite more dropped points on Sunday.

Spurs were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Wolves after they conceded with three minutes left on another difficult afternoon that saw Destiny Udogie become the latest player to limp off.

With Rodrigo Bentancur also booked late on and set to serve a one-match ban when Newcastle visit on Saturday, Tottenham could be without 10 players.

But Postecoglou will not give up hope of being able to climb the table amid some crucial cup fixtures in January.

"It's still fairly tight. I just feel that at some point we'll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that, we'll be able to perform at a high level consistently," Postecoglou insisted.

"We've already shown this year we can beat anyone. There's a chance there you can go on a run, but at the moment that's secondary to the first bit.

"I can see how hard they're trying and if we were at our sharpest, we would have got that third goal and maybe a fourth.

"I mean we were inches away at times from getting the goal we needed and I think we're just lacking a little bit of that dynamic movement that we need.

"A lot of these guys, they're finding some form of energy to still be out there trying, but you know we're certainly not as sharp as we can be."

Given the efforts of his players across a hectic December, Postecoglou has given the squad Monday and Tuesday off ahead of this weekend's fixture with Newcastle, but again suggested they need reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Postecoglou added: "Yeah, it was always planned. We kind of knew this is the first week where we don't have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.

"It's been fairly intense for a real small core group of players, particularly over the last four or five weeks and I think it'll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves, with their families, and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.

"I'll just keep going. We've got work to do and try to get some help for these players. Our role is to try and give them everything we can, the support we can to perform at their best."

Wolves' fightback to earn a point occurred without talisman Matheus Cunha, who was replaced during the interval after he reported muscle soreness.

New Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said: "Cunha at half-time spoke with me. It's better to stay out of the game, he told me, and I respect that.

"Maybe it's not serious I hope, but I don't know.

"What we do know is Cunha is a very important player for us but I must find in the squad players with other skills and qualities. They can do it."

James Maddison has hit back at the backlash he and Brennan Johnson have received after they were spotted at Alexandra Palace watching the World Darts Championship, hours after drawing 2-2 with Wolves.

Maddison came off the bench for Tottenham against Wolves while Ange Postecoglou’s side were leading, only for a late Jorgen Strand Larsen finish to stop Spurs from ending a disappointing run of form in December.

Having played nine matches in the month, Spurs have won just two of those in all competitions, with the pressure piling on Postecoglou’s position as a result.

They lost more points from a winning position, having taken a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Rodrigo Bentancur and Johnson, and hours after being pegged back the Welshman and Maddison were seen enjoying the festivities at Ally Pally.

They watched an evening session that saw Robert Owen defeat Ricky Evans, Gerwyn Price overcome Jonny Clayton and defending world champion Luke Humphries go out to Peter Wright.

And some Spurs supporters were unhappy that two of their players were seen out and smiling after their disappointing result, with the PDC posting a photo of Maddison on their Instagram page.

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Several comments expressed their disappointment at the England football team man, with @spursynews among them, writing: “U taking the p***? The form were(sic) in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable.”

Only for Maddison to immediately fire back, replying: “Shut up u wally”, accompanied by a laughing emoji.

There were several comments in support of Maddison, insisting that there was no reason for he and Johnson to cancel their planned trip to Ally Pally solely because Spurs’ form had slipped.

Neither player had training in the morning, with Postecoglou confirming that he had given the entire squad two days off in order to help rest and recuperate following a busy fixture schedule.

"It was always planned,” Postecoglou explained. “We knew this is the first week where we don't have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.

"It'll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically."

Postecoglou will be hoping that his stretched squad will be able to find another gear after some time off before they return for the visit of Newcastle to north London on Saturday.

"It hurts me because I'm responsible ultimately,” Postecoglou added after winning just one in seven Premier League games. “I'm the person in charge. So of course it hurts.

"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.”

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou insists his players need a break despite their poor form extending with a 2-2 home draw with Wolves. Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late goal denied Spurs a first victory in three Premier League games.

Spurs had valiantly fought back from a goal down thanks to goals by Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson. Johnson's strike on the stroke of half-time came after Son Heung-min saw a first-half penalty saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.

But Wolves, who remain unbeaten under new boss Vitor Pereira, struck late on through Strand Larsen's excellent finish. Spurs are depleted and all four of their senior centre-backs were carrying injuries in the build-up to the game. They might now be set to lose Destiny Udogie to a suspected hamstring injury.

Postecoglou says his players need a break ahead of their crunch clash with Newcastle on January 4.

"We’re asking a lot of a small core group of players. The whole group probably needs a couple of days to get away and recover,” Postecoglou said.

"It has been really intense for a core group of players. It will do them good to go away with their families to recover with their families mentally as much as physically. I will keep going and look for help to get these players to perform at their best."

Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day and were thumped 6-3 by Liverpool prior to Christmas. Those results came just as Postecoglou's side appeared to be back on track after thrashing Southampton 5-0 and cruising past Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both absent with hamstring injuries. The experienced Ben Davies has a similar issue and he recently suffered a setback in his recovery. Radu Dragusin overcame pre-match doubts over a twisted ankle to start against Wolves.

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The Romanian played alongside teenager Archie Gray, who has been forced to play in the heart of defence despite being more comfortable at right-back and in midfield. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are long-term absentees.

“It doesn't feel like we're getting a smooth run at anything. As soon as we get one back we lose one,” Postecoglou continued.

“But we have to get through it. We still have a lot to play for. With what's on the horizon we have to give them all the support we can to perform at their best.”

Tottenham missed the chance to reduce the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou after conceding late on in a 2-2 draw with Wolves . Spurs fans would have feared the worst when Hee-Chan Hwang put Wolves ahead after seven minutes with a crisp finish.

The hosts hit back immediately as Rodrigo Bentancur headed in from Pedro Porro’s corner, before Son Heung-min was denied from the penalty spot. Then in first-half injury time Dejan Kulusevski superbly set up Brennan Johnson to score.

The final stages were nervy though as the hosts sat deep. And with three minutes left, Jorgen Strand Larsen blasted past Fraser Forster to earn the visitors a point.

Express Sport brings you the Spurs player ratings below...

Tottenham player ratings vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)

Fraser Forster 6

Worryingly went down with an injury in the first half, but duly recovered. Could do little about the first goal but seemed to simply wave his hand at Strand Larsen's powerful late effort.

Pedro Porro 8

Excelled in attack. Got forward regularly, created the first goal, and his crosses and corners caused constant problems. A brilliant block in the second half too to deny Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Radu Dragusin 6

Still doesn't convince in Ange Postecoglou's system. Should have scored in the first half from one Porro corner but headed wide from point blank range.

Archie Gray 7

It will never be his favoured position but he's growing into it. Looked solid and assured on the ball.

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Destiny Udogie 6

Limped off after 50 minutes with a hamstring injury as Postecoglou's injury crisis deepens.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

How Spurs have missed him. Headed home for the equaliser and was back in the box to crucially cut out one ball in the second half. Work rate impressive given his recent lack of action.

Yves Bissouma 6

Blasted one chance high and wide in the first half and struggled to impose himself. Taken off after the hour mark.

Brennan Johnson 7

Won the penalty and took his goal well. Movement again impressive and was unlucky to be taken off early.

Dejan Kulusevski 9

How Postecoglou needs him right now. His side's most threatening player by far, teeing up Johnson for his goal and created a late chance for Pape Sarr to win it.

Son Heung-min 5

Are his days in the Premier League numbered? Again off the pace and another poor display was compounded by seeing his tame penalty saved.

Dominic Solanke5

Not his day. Comically collided with Bissouma in the first half and would have been relieved when the offside flag went up anyway.

Subs:

Sergio Reguilon (for Udogie, 50) 6

Tried to get forward and add impetus after coming on.

James Maddison (for Johnson, 64) 7

Baffling why he didn't start. Good on the ball although Spurs sitting deep late on didn't suit him.

Pape Sarr (for Bissouma, 64) 6

One brilliant run forward came to nothing but looked too frantic in the closing stages.

Timo Werner (for Son, 64) 6

Showed energy and a brilliant run and cross on the left so nearly set up Solanke to score. But then wasted one last-ditch attack with a poor ball.

Ange Postecoglou shook his head in disbelief as Tottenham’s injury crisis became worse in their Premier League draw with Wolves. Destiny Udogie was forced off early in the second half of the 2-2 stalemate.

The left-back sat on the turf five minutes into the second period. As his team-mates walked over to ask if he was okay, Udogie appeared to say: "It's my hamstring."

If so, that issue could leave the Italian on the sidelines for several weeks depending on the severity. Postecoglou was forced into an early change as Sergio Reguilon replaced Udogie for the remainder of the match.

The Spurs boss was clearly frustrated over yet another injury problem as he shook his head as Udogie was made his way down the tunnel. Like many Premier League managers this season, Postecoglou has navigated mounting injury issues this season and his small squad has been depleted by absences.

All four of Spurs' senior centre-backs are carrying injuries. Radu Dragusin was deemed fit to start the visit of Wolves despite twisting his ankle in the Boxing Day defeat against Nottingham Forest.

First-choice defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both have hamstring injuries. Spurs have also lost the experienced Ben Davies to a further few weeks after the Welshman suffered a setback in his quest to return from a similar problem.

Asked ahead of the clash with Wolves which defenders he would have available, Postecoglou said: "Not many. We are in a tough spot. We have been for a while.

"We have been kind of getting through it for quite a while now and keeping our fingers crossed we don't get any more issues.

"It is the nature of football and the fixture scheduling we have had, which means we have always been on a fine line of trying to get through. It is another test for us, but it is what it is. Whatever we need to deal with, we will deal with and be ready for Sunday."

Concerningly for Spurs, their only fit senior goalkeeper Fraser Forster received treatment against Wolves but was able to continue.

Things hardly got better for Spurs and Postecoglou as they were held to a 2-2 draw due to Jorgen Strand Larsen's late goal. Wolves had gone ahead through Hwang Hee-chan before Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson put Spurs in front. Son Heung-min missed a penalty for Spurs.

Tottenham are reportedly content with Ange Postecoglou as manager but will pull the trigger if results continue to spiral.

Spurs slumped to their fourth defeat in seven matches against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, meaning the capital club are now 11 points adrift of the top four.

It’s the ninth match in 12 outings across all competitions Spurs have failed to win, with the pressure continuing to mount on Postecoglou’s shoulders.

But according to The Times, the Tottenham hierarchy aren’t actively looking to sack the Australian coach and would rather keep him in charge.

However, it is suggested that Spurs will have no qualms in sacking the ex-Celtic chief if their on-pitch results don’t improve sharpish.

Postecoglou has admitted he isn’t willing to renegade on his principles in order to achieve those results though, claiming he will look like a ‘genius’ if it eventually pays off.

Speaking over the festive period, the 59-year-old stated: “There’s always people in life [who are] looked at a bit curiously because they do things a bit differently and they’re a bit of a joke until they get it right, then all of a sudden they’re a genius. That’s probably relevant to us right now.

“The first thing you look at as a manager is, are the players still responding to this, are they looking to an alternative out there? I haven’t sensed that at all.

Read more... Tottenham ratings vs Nottingham Forest as quartet let Postecoglou down in defeat [LATEST]

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“It’s very easy to, because it’s human nature to think we need to do something different or we’re obviously undermanned, let’s change something.

“The players still want to tackle this the way that we are tackling it. But it’s up to me to guide them through that and show them all these things are temporary.

“If we do get through in a positive way, the bonus and the benefit for us is that it makes you stronger. Because you know whatever you face in the future, you’ve been through worse and overcome it.”

Things are unlikely to get much easier for Spurs, as their next match is against a Wolves side that recently downed Manchester United.

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After that, they face an in-form Newcastle United, before welcoming Liverpool for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.

An FA Cup third-round tie versus Tamworth provides some respite from the arduous fixture schedule, only to be thrown straight back into things with a north London derby against Arsenal.

A bleak midwinter could await Postecoglou and his sorry Spurs side.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that the club are investigating the root cause of the frequent injury concerns that have plagued them this season.

Ben Davies was poised for a return in the anticipated encounter against Wolves on Sunday but has now been sidelined following an unfortunate training setback, adding to Tottenham's defensive woes.

Radu Dragusin is also in doubt after limping off with an ankle injury during Thursday's disappointing 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

With first-choice central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven out since their failed return against Chelsea on December 7, Spurs are facing a serious defensive crunch.

Postecoglou said: "Yeah, that’s been our major problem this year. Guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such.

"We’re looking at those things and why they’re happening. It’s certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they’re the ones who are missing.

"I think just about all of them, apart from Vic (Guglielmo Vicario), are recurrences of an injury."

Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou hinted at potential positive developments, revealing plans for attackers Mikey Moore and Richarlison to resume training next week, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the injury gloom.

Richarlison, in particular, is on the comeback trail following his own November mishap when a calf problem re-emerged in the game against Aston Villa right after making his initial return.

Moore has been out of action due to illness for nearly two months, yet the 17-year-old is expected to inject some much-needed vitality into the team come the new year when Newcastle await on January 4.

Postecoglou revealed: "Him and Richy are in the final phases. Next week they can start training. We’ve got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week."

However, the anticipated return of Moore and Richarlison won't be of any assistance to Postecoglou for the upcoming match against Wolves, as makeshift centre-back Archie Gray may have to join forces with fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma if Dragusin isn't fit in time.

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Addressing the contentious issue of fixture congestion, with Spurs confirmed to be without eight players for Sunday's game, Postecoglou remarked: "It is challenging.

"All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it.

"One of two things need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn’t seem feasible, or you allow clubs bigger squads. Then you have other issues with that, as well.

"The attrition rate you’re seeing and it’s not just us. We’re going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly. They were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn’t have the squad to cope with it.

"It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent, and for all of us it’s a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy.

"It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. For us it’s been constant since August and we’re not even halfway through the year. And they’re not going to get a break now, so these things we’re constantly assessing."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has seemingly already lined up a replacement for one of his first-team players axed from the defeat to Fulham on Saturday. The Blues went down to a damaging 2-1 derby loss at the hands of their London rivals at Stamford Bridge, leaving them seven points off leaders Liverpool.

But afterwards, the talk was as much about Maresca’s selection as it was the surprise defeat.

The Italian didn’t name Noni Madueke or Renato Veiga in his match-day squad, and was pressed afterwards on the reasons why.

"For sure, the competition has to be higher but not only for Noni Madueke but also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them,” he said. “There is not any different reason, it’s just a technical decision."

Veiga, 21, has made 17 club appearances this season, but only seven of them have come in the Premier League. And it appears that his manager may have seen enough, given the club are now being linked with a star who could essentially replace him.

Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, continues to impress in Serie A with Lecce. Like Veiga, he’s capable of playing defensively or in a midfield role, and is reportedly being watched by Chelsea personnel.

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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano though, the Blues face competition. Tottenham are also said to be lining up a move, having been interested in the four-cap international since last summer.

Dorgu’s current contract runs until 2029, so Lecce are likely to try and hold out for a sizeable fee. But Maresca has proved he’s not afraid to be ruthless when it comes to getting rid of players, or pinpointing targets in the transfer market.

Veiga signed for a £12m fee from Basel in the summer, penning a seven-year deal. But he’s been most confined to Europa Conference League games this season, with Maresca clearly not considering him worthy of his strongest XI.

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In November, Veiga publicly vowed to keep working hard at the club despite his lack of regular game time. “I always want top be the best version of myself I can be,” he said.

“There is no better place to do great things than at Chelsea. I'm just proud. I want to give my best for this huge club, and win a lot of trophies. That's what we all want”.

Ange Postecoglou has addressed concerns surrounding Radu Dragusin after the defender was forced off before the end of Tottenham's 1-0 Boxing Day defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Anthony Elanga poked past Fraser Forster in the 28th minute to secure another impressive win for the Tricky Trees, which consigned Spurs to the bottom-half of the Premier League table.

Postecoglou has been grappling with a host of injury issues in recent weeks, with his starting central-defensive pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both on the sidelines. Teenage prospect Archie Gray started alongside Dragusin at The City Ground, and the north Londoners could be stretched even thinner when they host Wolves on December 29.

Right-back Djed Spence will be handed a one-match ban after getting two second-half bookings against his former club Forest. And Dragusin may also miss out after asking to come off in the game's dying embers.

Spurs are already down to the bare bones in defence and under-pressure Postecoglou would face an even trickier task to turn results around if the Romanian centre-back is ruled out over the coming weeks.

The Tottenham boss has suggested that Dragusin will need assessing after coming down with an ankle problem. "He was a bit sore," explained the Aussie in his post-match press conference. "He hurt his ankle and said he couldn’t continue so we'll just have to wait and see."

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Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to be out until March, while versatile defender Ben Davies is not yet ready to return. Postecoglou will be desperate to welcome Van de Ven and Romero back into the fold as doubts begin to creep in over his managerial future.

Spurs' attacking style of play has seen them ship four goals at home to Chelsea, three at home to Manchester United and six at home to Liverpool since the start of the month. But Postecoglou wants his injury-hit squad to be cut some slack.

"We're asking a lot of this group of players," he said. "A lot of these guys are playing every three days. It's only logical they are not going to be at their sharpest but they are trying and that's all I can ask of them.

"The boys worked hard [against Forest] and we tried to generate as many opportunities as we could considering the context of the game and how Forest play, but we just couldn't get over the top of them."

Tottenham slipped to another defeat and fell further off the European pace thanks to Anthony Elanga's first-half winner at The City Ground.

The result moves Nottingham Forest up to third in the Premier League table - at least temporarily - while Ange Postecoglou's Spurs are way down in the 11th.

Those hoping for a Boxing Day goal-fest were left disappointed, but there was still plenty of action for fans of either side to sink their teeth into.

Here, Express Sport takes you through how each Tottenham player performed on the day, including four 5/10s who Postecoglou undoubtedly wanted more from...

Tottenham player ratings vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Fraser Forster: 5

Passing out from the back doesn't inspire confidence. A bit ragged overall. Guglielmo Vicario will continue to be a big miss if he is out until March, as Spurs fear he will be.

Djed Spence: 5 (sent off)

Gave the ball away high up the pitch for Elanga's winner and received two yellow cards in the second half. A shame, because his general play going both ways was otherwise good. A pair of vital tackles on Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi were particularly eye-catching.

Radu Dragusin: 5 (booked) (Bissouma, 87)

A handful of impressive tackles and bursts forward were offset by him losing the ball one too many times and comitting a silly foul on Hudson-Odoi, which got him booked.

Archie Gray: 6

The teenager backed off too much for Elanga's goal and was partly to blame but otherwise didn't do much wrong on a tricky afternoon.

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Destiny Udogie: 6 (Porro, 81)

Got burned for pace by Elanga for Forest's winner, but not many in the Premier League would have been able to keep up.

Rodrigo Bentancur: 6 (Bergvall, 64)

Brings some much-needed experience to Postecoglou's injury-hit squad. A solid but unspectacular display in his first appearance for over six weeks.

Pape Sarr: 6 (Maddison, 64)

A quiet Boxing Day for the Senegalese, who was sacrificed just after the hour mark.

Brennan Johnson: 8

Tottenham's best player on the day. Tested Matz Sels with a powerful low effort in the first half, saw another strike tipped over before the break, and produced a superb turn in the box to set up another chance in the second period. Unlucky not to come away with a goal against his former club.

Dejan Kulusevski: 7

The Swede's interception set up a good chance for Son Heung-min. Then created an opening for Johnson with great feet and an accurate pass.

Son Heung-min: 5 (Werner, 81)

Produced only a tame effort after Kulusevski set up a decent opportunity, and came up with a handful of uncharacteristic misplaced passes.

Dominic Solanke: 7

Some good hold-up play and was involved in the contest, even though no game-changing chances fell his way in the East Midlands.

SUBS

Lucas Bergvall: 6

A quiet half-hour for the youngster as Forest scrambled to protect their lead.

James Maddison: 6 (booked)

A couple of promising early glimpses but failed to drag Spurs back into the tie.

Pedro Porro: N/A

A late addition.

Timo Werner: N/A

A late addition.

Yves Bissouma: N/A

A late addition.