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The boos inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were not overpowering but they were clearly audible. Following a stuttering start to the season, a third consecutive home defeat to north London rivals Arsenal was difficult to stomach for watching fans.

Ange Postecoglou came out fighting afterwards, pointing out in his interview with Sky Sports that he "always" wins things in his second seasons. "I don't say things I don't believe in," added the former Celtic boss. But the optimism of fans is being tested.

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Mid-table form a major worry

Postecoglou argued, with some justification, that Tottenham's displays across their first four games of the season merit more than four points. But Spurs were poor on Sunday and, even when they do perform, their inability to capitalise is a long-standing issue.

Take away the first 10 games of last season, when they won eight games under their new head coach, taking 26 points from a possible 30, and their record is alarmingly poor, with a total of only 44 points taken from 32 Premier League fixtures subsequently.

That points total has them ninth among Premier League clubs, sandwiched between Bournemouth and West Ham, over the course of almost an entire calendar year. They are 14 points off the team in fourth, Chelsea, and 35 points off leaders Manchester City.

Spurs have lost more games than they have won and conceded nearly two goals per game in that timeframe. Of the 17 ever-present teams, only West Ham, Wolves and Brentford have let in more. Only the latter two sides and Nottingham Forest have more losses.

This is no blip, in other words, rather an extended period of results akin to a mid-table team rather than a European challenger. And the worry is that they are worsening rather than improving. Spurs having only won three of their last 11 Premier League games.

Son among key players underperforming

Senior players are struggling, including Heung-Min Son. Leaving the stadium on Sunday, after a game in which the captain did not register a shot on target, fans could be heard questioning Postecoglou's reluctance to take him off.

Son scored twice in the 4-0 win over Everton in the previous game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But that fixture was one of only three out of the last 13 in the Premier League, dating back to the end of March, in which he has managed to find the net.

Cristian Romero is another example. The Argentina international had the home fans on their feet at one point in the second half when he produced two typically full-blooded defensive interventions in the space of a minute. But he continues to falter at key moments.

The lapse which gave Gabriel Magalhaes a free run at Bukayo Saka's corner for Arsenal's winning goal followed similarly costly errors in Tottenham's games against Leicester, when he allowed Jamie Vardy to equalise, and Newcastle, when he failed to track Alexander Isak.

Postecoglou talked about Romero setting an example for his team-mates to follow after Tottenham's 3-2 loss in Arsenal's last visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. But more recent evidence raises questions of his leadership and reliability.

Set-pieces woes continue

Postecoglou insisted Spurs dealt well with Arsenal's set-pieces before Gabriel headed the winner from Saka's inswinging delivery. But balls into the box had been causing unease all game. "We knew we could hurt them on set-plays," said Mikel Arteta afterwards.

It is not just Arsenal who have exploited Spurs' ongoing weakness from dead-ball situations. Gabriel's goal was the 18th they have conceded from set-pieces since the start of last season - the second-highest total among ever-present Premier League teams.

Again, the worry is that the situation has only worsened during Postecoglou's tenure. Spurs have now conceded a staggering 13 goals from corners in 22 games since the turn of the year.

It is partly down to personnel. Gary Neville bemoaned Guglielmo Vicario's inability to "dominate" his box. Romero's failure to properly challenge Gabriel was even more costly. But Arsenal's success with set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover shows coaching is key.

It does at least seem that Postecoglou is taking the issue seriously. Last season, he sparked outcry when he appeared to dismiss the importance of set-pieces. On Sunday, he was eager to change the narrative. "We work on them all the time," he said.

More work is required.

Signings under scrutiny

Tottenham's slow start to the season comes after a summer in which they were the fourth-highest spenders in the division, their outlay totalling £133.5m on four permanent signings.

The most expensive of them, Dominic Solanke, a £65m recruit from Bournemouth following an excellent 18-goal season last term, is still waiting for his first in Spurs colours.

Against Arsenal, he worked tirelessly off the ball but dithered when presented with a golden opportunity following Ben White's poor pass in the first half, allowing William Saliba to get across and block his effort. It was one of only two efforts on goal from him all game.

Solanke still has time to prove he can be the No 9 Spurs crave, of course. He is only three games into his career at the club. But he is not the only recent signing under scrutiny.

Pedro Porro, for example, offers immense attacking value but his struggles against Gabriel Martinelli on Sunday were a reminder of his defensive shortcomings. James Maddison is still struggling for consistency. Brennan Johnson's blunt display was not his first. Vicario remains vulnerable from crosses and set-pieces.

Spurs have succeeded in lowering the age of the squad since Postecoglou's appointment. Sustainability and long-term success are the aims. But, with £385.5m spent across three windows, supporters are entitled to expect more in the here and now.

Style questions remain

Overhauling Tottenham's playing style, from the often-dour, reactive football produced under his predecessors, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, was one of Postecoglou's main responsibilities when he arrived at the club last summer and he has delivered.

Spurs are transformed, stylistically. They play higher up the pitch and press more aggressively than any other Premier League side. There is a far greater emphasis on dominating possession. When it all comes together, it can be exhilarating.

The issue is that those instances of 'Angeball' at its most effective are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, an apparent reluctance to adapt his approach has come to feel like a problem.

The Arsenal game was just the latest in which they have struggled to translate possession into goals. Spurs have averaged more than 60 per cent of the ball in 10 of their last 13 Premier League games and yet only actually won four of those games.

Opponents are figuring them out, sitting back and soaking up pressure while knowing that, through their vulnerability from set-pieces and counter-attacks, chances will arise at the other end.

Postecoglou is prioritising the long-term. He talked of progress in his post-match press conference on Sunday, albeit while admitting there are areas which still need attention. But following the latest defeat, he has work to do to prove they are on the right path.

Ange Postecoglou has hit back at criticism over his own claim that he "always wins things" in his second year at clubs, saying it is true and he plans to do it again with Tottenham.

The claims stretch back into pre-season, when Postecoglou said he "usually" wins trophies in his second season.

But after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in Sunday's North London derby, Postecoglou strengthened his statement, telling Sky Sports: "I'll correct myself - I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed. I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them."

It drew criticism from some quarters, with Sky Sports' Paul Merson saying: "I like Ange but I've got more chance of winning Strictly! That's what chance they have got. I don't see it at the moment."

Merson on Postecoglou's trophy claims: 'I've got more chance of winning Strictly!'

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Tottenham are back in action on Wednesday when they visit Championship side Coventry in the Carabao Cup third round, live on Sky Sports.

With the cup competition one of four trophies Tottenham can win this season, Postecoglou was questioned a few times over his comments, which drew an exasperated response from the Spurs boss.

He said: "I just stated a fact and am I supposed to lie and say it never happens? It's confusing to me that people are making a big deal out of it. It's upset a lot of people for some reason.

"Do you really think I'm boasting? How am I supposed to answer something that's true? Is it to say, 'well actually, it wasn't that important, they were easy competitions and it doesn't mean anything'. If you've achieved something, aren't you supposed to say, 'yes I have and that's what I hope to do again'.

"I don't understand why people misconstrued it as me trying to boast about something, I've answered a question, which is true. That's all that's happened.

"My plan is for it to happen again this year and if it doesn't, I can't answer that question in the same way again. I can say 'mostly' and now 'always'."

Are Postecoglou's 'second season' claims true?

In terms of clubs, Postecoglou is correct when he is talking about his second season or second full season in charge of his clubs.

He did so when winning league titles with South Melbourne (1997/98) and Brisbane Roar (2010/11) and the Japanese league with Yokohama F Marinos (2019). He also won additional cup competitions at each club.

At Celtic, Postecoglou won the Scottish Premiership title in both of his campaigns, doing so earlier than at other points in his career. He won the Scottish League Cup in each season too, and the 2022/23 Scottish Cup.

When managing Australia, Postecoglou also won the Asian Cup in 2015, two years after he took over. He also had success as boss of Australia's U17 and U20 teams.

There are three clubs he failed to win any trophies with, but he did not see out two seasons in charge of them - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras, and Melbourne Victory.

The boos inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were not overpowering but they were clearly audible. Following a stuttering start to the season, a third consecutive home defeat to north London rivals Arsenal was difficult to stomach for watching fans.

Ange Postecoglou came out fighting afterwards, pointing out in his interview with Sky Sports that he "always" wins things in his second seasons. "I don't say things I don't believe in," added the former Celtic boss. But the optimism of fans is being tested.

Jamie Redknapp: Spurs look scared when defending set-pieces

Hits and misses: Arsenal's big strength still a Spurs weakness

Ref Watch: Should Arsenal's Jurrien Timber have been sent off?

Mid-table form a major worry

Postecoglou argued, with some justification, that Tottenham's displays across their first four games of the season merit more than four points. But Spurs were poor on Sunday and, when even they do perform, their inability to capitalise is a long-standing issue.

Take away the first 10 games of last season, when they won eight games under their new head coach, taking 26 points from a possible 30, and their record is alarmingly poor, with a total of only 44 points taken from 32 Premier League fixtures subsequently.

That points total has them ninth among Premier League clubs, sandwiched between Bournemouth and West Ham, over the course of almost an entire calendar year. They are 14 points off the team in fourth, Chelsea, and 35 points off leaders Manchester City.

Spurs have lost more games than they have won and conceded nearly two goals per game in that timeframe. Of the 17 ever-present teams, only West Ham, Wolves and Brentford have let in more. Only the latter two sides and Nottingham Forest have more losses.

This is no blip, in other words, rather an extended period of results akin to a mid-table team rather than a European challenger. And the worry is that they are worsening rather than improving. Spurs having only won three of their last 11 Premier League games.

Son among key players underperforming

Senior players are struggling, including Heung-Min Son. Leaving the stadium on Sunday, after a game in which the captain did not register a shot on target, fans could be heard questioning Postecoglou's reluctance to take him off.

Son scored twice in the 4-0 win over Everton in the previous game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But that fixture was one of only three out of the last 13 in the Premier League, dating back to the end of March, in which he has managed to find the net.

Cristian Romero is another example. The Argentina international had the home fans on their feet at one point in the second half when he produced two typically full-blooded defensive interventions in the space of a minute. But he continues to falter at key moments.

The lapse which gave Gabriel Magalhaes a free run at Bukayo Saka's corner for Arsenal's winning goal followed similarly costly errors in Tottenham's games against Leicester, when he allowed Jamie Vardy to equalise, and Newcastle, when he failed to track Alexander Isak.

Postecoglou talked about Romero setting an example for his team-mates to follow after Tottenham's 3-2 loss in Arsenal's last visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. But more recent evidence raises questions of his leadership and reliability.

Set-pieces woes continue

Postecoglou insisted Spurs dealt well with Arsenal's set-pieces before Gabriel headed the winner from Saka's inswinging delivery. But balls into the box had been causing unease all game. "We knew we could hurt them on set-plays," said Mikel Arteta afterwards.

It is not just Arsenal who have exploited Spurs' ongoing weakness from dead-ball situations. Gabriel's goal was the 18th they have conceded from set-pieces since the start of last season - the second-highest total among ever-present Premier League teams.

Again, the worry is that the situation has only worsened during Postecoglou's tenure. Spurs have now conceded a staggering 13 goals from corners in 22 games since the turn of the year.

It is partly down to personnel. Gary Neville bemoaned Guglielmo Vicario's inability to "dominate" his box. Romero's failure to properly challenge Gabriel was even more costly. But Arsenal's success with set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover shows coaching is key.

It does at least seem that Postecoglou is taking the issue seriously. Last season, he sparked outcry when he appeared to dismiss the importance of set-pieces. On Sunday, he was eager to change the narrative. "We work on them all the time," he said.

More work is required.

Signings under scrutiny

Tottenham's slow start to the season comes after a summer in which they were the fourth-highest spenders in the division, their outlay totalling £133.5m on four permanent signings.

The most expensive of them, Dominic Solanke, a £65m recruit from Bournemouth following an excellent 18-goal season last term, is still waiting for his first in Spurs colours.

Against Arsenal, he worked tirelessly off the ball but dithered when presented with a golden opportunity following Ben White's poor pass in the first half, allowing William Saliba to get across and block his effort. It was one of only two efforts on goal from him all game.

Solanke still has time to prove he can be the No 9 Spurs crave, of course. He is only three games into his career at the club. But he is not the only recent signing under scrutiny.

Pedro Porro, for example, offers immense attacking value but his struggles against Gabriel Martinelli on Sunday were a reminder of his defensive shortcomings. James Maddison is still struggling for consistency. Brennan Johnson's blunt display was not his first. Vicario remains vulnerable from crosses and set-pieces.

Spurs have succeeded in lowering the age of the squad since Postecoglou's appointment. Sustainability and long-term success are the aims. But, with £385.5m spent across three windows, supporters are entitled to expect more in the here and now.

Style questions remain

Overhauling Tottenham's playing style, from the often-dour, reactive football produced under his predecessors, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, was one of Postecoglou's main responsibilities when he arrived at the club last summer and he has delivered.

Spurs are transformed, stylistically. They play higher up the pitch and press more aggressively than any other Premier League side. There is a far greater emphasis on dominating possession. When it all comes together, it can be exhilarating.

The issue is that those instances of 'Angeball' at its most effective are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, an apparent reluctance to adapt his approach has come to feel like a problem.

The Arsenal game was just the latest in which they have struggled to translate possession into goals. Spurs have averaged more than 60 per cent of the ball in 10 of their last 13 Premier League games and yet only actually won four of those games.

Opponents are figuring them out, sitting back and soaking up pressure while knowing that, through their vulnerability from set-pieces and counter-attacks, chances will arise at the other end.

Postecoglou is prioritising the long-term. He talked of progress in his post-match press conference on Sunday, albeit while admitting there are areas which still need attention. But following the latest defeat, he has work to do to prove they are on the right path.

Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal's willingness to win ugly as Gabriel Magalhaes's header secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham in a fiery North London derby.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel rose above Cristiano Romero to power home Bukayo Saka's corner midway through the second half as Tottenham's set-piece frailty proved costly again.

The goal came from one of few clear chances in a tense and dogged encounter which featured eight yellow cards, including seven in the first half, equalling a Premier League record.

As it happened: How Arsenal edged to victory

How the teams lined up | Match stats

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Tottenham started the game strongly but couldn't find a breakthrough as David Raya denied Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke sent a looping header just past the post.

Those first-half chances were as close as they came, bar a late, long-range effort from Kulusevski which flew narrowly over, as Arsenal, without the injured Martin Odegaard and the suspended Declan Rice, produced an outstanding defensive display, led by scorer Gabriel and his centre-back partner William Saliba, leaving Arteta to praise his team's fighting spirit.

"The people that we have are harder, they have thick skin, they love the game and they love winning," said Arteta in his press conference.

"In order to love the game and win, you have to do a lot of things - sometimes people call them ugly. Enjoying doing those ugly things is a big compliment of this team right now, and when you're able to normally, you get a good gift."

The victory, Arsenal's third in a row at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ensures Mikel Arteta's side remain within two points of champions Manchester City ahead of next Sunday's blockbuster showdown at the Etihad Stadium, which is live on Sky Sports.

Ange Postecoglou's side, meanwhile, are left with only four points from their first four Premier League games of the season, making it Tottenham's worst start to a campaign since the 2015/16 season under Mauricio Pochettino.

Gabriel's winning moment in pictures

Arteta lauds Arsenal's resilience

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to Sky Sports:

"The resilience that we showed - we knew it would be a tough match and that made it easier. They create an unbelievable atmosphere. We should have done more in the first half, but we knew we were a bit threat on set-plays and knew we could hurt them.

"We weren't our best with the ball today, we did a lot of simple things wrong that didn't allow us to have that continuity. They jump and press every single ball which makes it difficult. The way we defended was so strong.

"It's a real compliment to the team. Any player in any area of the pitch is ready to do what a lot of people call 'the ugly things' and they enjoy to do that part of the game. Then you start to be a complete team to win in any context.

"I'm delighted, because the team over a season has to go over a lot of hurdles. It was difficult because we have lost a lot of important players for us. Those who waited for the chance trained and behaved in the right manner. This is the result."

Ange: We lacked belief and conviction

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou to Sky Sports:

"Very disappointing obviously. It was a big game for us and our supporters but we didn't deliver so you have to take the pain of that. Disappointment all round.

"The story of our season so far. For the most part we controlled it and created chances but we lacked a bit of belief and conviction in the final third. That's up for me to fix. It was always going to be a tight game decided by moments. They got the moment, we didn't.

"It's my directive, so it's me who has to try to give the side the feedback. I don't think it's for a lack of trying from the lads. But we're going through an early part of the season where we're controlling games, dominating but not getting our reward for it."

Analysis: Arsenal's biggest strength is Spurs' biggest weakness

Sky Sports' Nick Wright:

It was probably fitting that the game was decided by a set-piece. One of Arsenal's biggest strengths remains a perplexing weakness for Postecoglou's Spurs.

Gabriel's header, powered home from inside the Spurs six-yard box from Saka's inswinging delivery, was the 24th set-piece goal Arsenal have scored in the Premier League since the start of last season, the most by any side in the division.

From Spurs' perspective, it was the 18th set-piece goal they have conceded in the same timeframe, the second-highest total among ever-present Premier League clubs. Even more damning is that, since the turn of the year, Postecoglou's side have conceded a staggering 13 times from corners - the second-highest total in the division.

The writing had been on the wall, with Arsenal causing repeated problems from corners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, even before Cristian Romero went to sleep and Gabriel rose highest to send his close-range header crashing into the net.

Following on from their 3-2 win in April, three of Arsenal's last four Premier League goals against Tottenham have been from corners. It is the same number of corner goals they scored in the previous 88 North London derbies, underlining the extent of the problem for Spurs - and the scale of Arsenal's dead-ball threat.

Story of the match in stats

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