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Tottenham Hotspur are making waves in the January transfer market as they set their sights on Lens' promising centre-back, Abdukodir Khusanov. With the team’s backline suffering from a string of injuries in the early part of the 2024/25 season, manager Ange Postecoglou is eager to reinforce his defensive options, and Khusanov could be the ideal candidate.

The 20-year-old has emerged as a player of interest for Spurs, especially in the wake of the absences of key defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Their sidelining has significantly contributed to a downturn in form for the North London side, making January reinforcements all the more crucial.

Reports suggest that Lens have placed a valuation of around €15 million to €20 million on Khusanov, a figure that has sparked interest from multiple clubs across the Premier League. Among these, Manchester City have reportedly made inquiries and are keen to resume discussions in the near future. Pep Guardiola is looking to inject fresh talent into his squad and could kick off negotiations with a bid of €10 million, aiming to rejuvenate his team ahead of the 2025 challenges.

However, Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit. Ligue 1 giants Marseille, PSG, and Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also in the mix, with Newcastle reportedly keen to bring Khusanov to St James' Park to bolster their Champions League aspirations.

Interestingly, Wolverhampton Wanderers currently appear to be front-runners in the race for Khusanov's signature. The Midlands club has initiated talks with Lens as they look to tighten their defensive line under the management of Vitor Pereira, demonstrating a serious commitment with plans to meet the club’s asking price.

Khusanov has made quite the impression since his move to Lens from Football Club Energetik-BGU last summer. Establishing himself as a vital component of the team, he has clocked up 31 appearances, 16 of which have come this season alone. His reputation as a top talent has drawn interest not just from England, but across Europe.

Contracted to Lens until 2027, Khusanov's future is the subject of much speculation. Whether Spurs or any of his other suitors can meet the asking price and persuade the young defender to make the switch remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Abdukodir Khusanov is a name to watch in the upcoming transfer window.

As Tottenham Hotspur gears up to face a rejuvenated Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League clash this weekend, the North Londoners are grappling with significant defensive woes. The alarming news of left-back Destiny Udogie being sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury has left manager Ange Postecoglou in a precarious position.

"It's disappointing news about Destiny," Postecoglou lamented. "He has been pivotal in our plans, and his absence will be keenly felt, particularly with his dynamic play down the left side."

Udogie's injury only compounds Tottenham's difficulties, as they already navigate a swathe of injuries affecting key defensive players. However, there is a silver lining for Spurs fans, as right-back Djed Spence makes his return from a suspension, adding depth to the squad.

In contrast, Tottenham will also be missing Rodrigo Bentancur, who is banned for this fixture after accumulating five yellow cards this season, further limiting Postecoglou's tactical options.

Across the pitch, Newcastle United also faces challenges, losing defender Fabian Schar to suspension. Manager Eddie Howe remains optimistic, hoping that center-back Sven Botman could be fit enough to rejoin the squad for the first time since March, potentially bolstering their backline.

Adding intrigue to the match is the reunion of Kieran Trippier with his former club Tottenham. The Newcastle right-back is fully fit and eager to leave a mark against his old team. "Kieran's looking forward to the game," Howe confirmed. "He’s a consummate professional and will approach the match with focus and determination to achieve a positive result for our team."

However, Newcastle will also need to contend with the absences of Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, and Nick Pope, which could test the depth of their squad.

This impending clash is poised to be not only critical for points but also pivotal in both teams' quests for European qualification. With both clubs hungry for a victory, it's sure to be a fiercely contested encounter.

January 4. 14:30. London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

English Premier League. Matchday 20

Tottenham (London) – Newcastle

Suspended: Rodrigo Bentancur – Fabian Schar

Injured: Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario - Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier (both doubtful), Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth

Tottenham vs Newcastle: Betting Odds

The clash between Tottenham and Newcastle has gained a reputation in recent years as one of the most entertaining fixtures in the Premier League. The teams exchanged goals in nine of their last ten encounters, collectively netting 43 goals (an average of 4.3 per game). Ahead of their next meeting, all signs suggest that the "Spurs" and "Magpies" will once again delight fans (especially neutrals) with a high-scoring match.

Tottenham

For the first time since the 2008-2009 season, Tottenham ended the calendar year positioned in the lower half of the table. A last-minute equalizer from Wolverhampton (2-2 draw) not only cost Ange Postecoglou’s side two points but also extended their winless run to five consecutive home games in the Premier League. Such a prolonged streak without a victory at home hasn’t occurred since the 2008-2009 season, when it culminated in eight games and resulted in the sacking of Juande Ramos.

Ange Postecoglou's position at the club appeared quite secure not long ago. However, given the regular failures of the "Spurs", it would come as no surprise if the current head coach were to follow in Juande Ramos's footsteps. The upcoming two matches are sure to be crucial for the Australian, as they will greatly influence Tottenham's season success. In the first of these encounters, the "Spurs" will face a fellow contender for a Champions League spot (Newcastle), followed by the first semifinal clash of the League Cup just days later.

Unlike his predecessors, Postecoglou cannot rely on the individual brilliance of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, who have previously single-handedly rescued matches for the "Spurs". The club's all-time leading scorer moved to Bayern Munich a year and a half ago, while Son seems to be experiencing a dip in form, attributed to age. In the last seven Premier League games, Son Heung-Min has only contributed four goal involvements, three of which came against a demoralized Southampton. In the previous round, the Korean missed a penalty, losing a duel to Wolverhampton goalkeeper Jose Sa.

The situation faced by Ange Postecoglou is further complicated by injury concerns. Almost all key defensive players, as well as first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, are sidelined. Even "first substitute" defender Ben Davies is ruled out due to injury.

Newcastle

The "Magpies", on the other hand, have found excellent form towards the end of the year. An impressive victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford (2-0) marked Eddie Howe’s men’s fifth consecutive win in the Premier League, propelling them to fifth place. Notably, in four of these matches, Newcastle managed to keep clean sheets – despite losing first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Alexander Isak is widely regarded as the symbol of Newcastle's December resurgence. The Swedish forward scored in each of the six Premier League matches the "Magpies" played during the first month of winter, finishing the year with 25 league goals – the second-highest total in the club's history behind the legendary Alan Shearer’s 27 goals. However, amidst Isak's prolific scoring, Sandro Tonali's contributions have been somewhat underrated. Newcastle started to thrive when Eddie Howe deployed the Italian in the "six" role. The "Magpies" have won five of seven matches where Tonali played from the outset, while the other two ended in draws. Introducing the Italian in the starting lineup has allowed Newcastle to mitigate the impact of Nick Pope's absence.

Tottenham vs Newcastle: Predicted Lineups

Tottenham vs Newcastle: Author's Prediction

Newcastle has won four of the last five encounters against Tottenham in the Premier League and has ample reasons to expect the continuation of this successful streak. The better form of Eddie Howe’s side, regular failures of the "Spurs", and the challenging injury situation for the hosts all contribute to the conclusion that the "Magpies" are favored in this matchup. My prediction is that "Newcastle" will not lose + total over (2.5).

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves embroiled in a fierce scramble to land former Chelsea standout and current AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori as the club navigates an escalating defensive crisis.

Manager Ange Postecoglou is feeling the heat to bolster his backline following a string of injuries that have left Spurs struggling to maintain their competitive edge.

The defensive woes for Tottenham began in December, when key players Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both succumbed to hamstring injuries during a tumultuous 4-3 setback against Chelsea.

Ben Davies, expected to make a swift return, has also encountered a setback, further depleting the squad of their first-choice defenders.

These circumstances have forced Postecoglou to lean on emerging talents such as Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin, with Alfie Dorrington also in the fray.

Fans are urging chairman Daniel Levy to take decisive action in the upcoming January transfer window to salvage the team's season, and a move for Tomori could be just the ticket.

The 27-year-old, once a linchpin in AC Milan's defense, has seen his standing wane this season, prompting renewed interest from clubs in England.

Tottenham's selling point may be their Europa League campaign, yet Newcastle’s ambitions for a Champions League spot could pose a challenge for the defender.

Brentford and West Ham also loom as tempting prospects for Tomori, who remains contracted to Milan until 2027.

Milan is rumored to value Tomori at around £31.5 million but may entertain offers that fall slightly below that figure. For Tottenham, this fee resonates well with their financial capabilities, particularly in light of the pressing need to fortify the squad.

With Tottenham slipping into the nether regions of the Premier League table, the stakes are higher than ever.

Securing Tomori could prove pivotal in reversing their fortunes as they gear up to face Newcastle this weekend in what shapes up to be a defining clash for the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the hunt for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to tackle a pressing defensive crisis. The Lilywhites have meticulously scoured the market in search of reinforcements, particularly following injury setbacks to key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, both of whom have been sidelined since suffering hamstring injuries during a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Chelsea back in December.

Furthermore, Ben Davies has encountered his own hamstring troubles, resulting in an extended absence that has left Spurs vulnerable at the back. With the team faltering and currently languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table, the urgency for a robust defensive solution has never been greater.

As it stands, Postecoglou has had to make do with 18-year-old Archie Gray stepping in as an improvised centre-back, partnered with Radu Dragusin, while fellow youth prospect Alfie Dorrington looms as another potential option. Although the return of Davies, Van de Ven, and Romero is expected within the month, calls from the fanbase for chairman Daniel Levy to dip into the transfer market for defensive talent are growing louder.

According to reports from talkSPORT, Tottenham are now embroiled in a competitive race involving four Premier League clubs vying for Tomori's signature during the upcoming January transfer window. The 27-year-old centre-back, once a key figure in the Rossoneri's backline, has found himself on the sidelines this season, logging a mere 13 minutes of Serie A action since the November international break.

Tomori's predicament has sparked intrigue from both Tottenham and Newcastle United, alongside interest from Brentford and West Ham, all eager to lure him back to the Premier League. Spurs could instantly provide Tomori with Europa League football, while Newcastle has aspirations for a Champions League spot, residing just three points outside the coveted top four.

Having made only 17 top-flight appearances with Chelsea prior to his transfer to Milan, Tomori is still under contract until the summer of 2027. Milan, meanwhile, hope to negotiate a minor profit on the €35.3m (£29.3m) they forked over to Chelsea in 2021, with whispers circulating that they may hold out for a fee around €38m (£31.5m) this January.

Yet, should this price prove to be a stumbling block for prospective suitors, it’s suggested that the Italian giants may be open to offers closer to €35m (£29m), a sum that isn’t out of reach for an ambitious club like Spurs.

In addition to Tomori, Tottenham is also reportedly keeping an eye on Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, although another target, Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar, seems to be on the verge of a move to another European heavyweight.

As Spurs gear up for their first Premier League fixture of 2025 at home against Newcastle this Saturday, a victory would propel them into the top half of the table, providing a much-needed boost to morale.

This Saturday, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Spurs will host a confident Newcastle team for the 20th round of the Premier League. A thrilling duel is expected between two teams with contrasting dynamics.

Eddie Howe's men, impressive victors over Manchester United at Old Trafford (0-2) on December 30, continue to confirm their excellent form. Currently fifth in the standings with thirty-two points, the Magpies are on a convincing run, heavily influenced by the decisive Alexander Isak. This victory against the Red Devils, achieved through total domination in the first half, perfectly illustrates the renewed solidity of the Toons.

Conversely, Tottenham is experiencing a more challenging period. Ange Postecoglou's Spurs, stuck in 11th place with twenty-four points, are struggling to recapture their early-season flair. Recent performances reflect the current limitations of a team that is having difficulty converting its strong periods, as demonstrated by their recent draw against Wolves, who are battling relegation. The three-point gap to Brighton in 10th remains within reach with a victory, although the 4th place is already eleven points away...

Recent statistics for both teams suggest an open match: Newcastle consistently finds the back of the net in their recent outings, while Tottenham regularly sees their matches exceed three goals. A new offensive festival could be on the cards.

For the predictions on the Tottenham vs Newcastle match, Newcastle appears to be the favorite with odds of 2.20.

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Tottenham's current period reflects a concerning instability, with erratic results illustrating the limitations of the offensive approach promoted by Ange Postecoglou. The recent 2-2 draw against 17th-placed Wolves is symptomatic of the Spurs' defensive difficulties, struggling to manage their strong periods.

Despite goals from Bentancur and Johnson, the team was leveled in the final minutes, confirming a worrying trend of yielding under pressure. Without a clean sheet in the last four matches, conceding twelve goals during this period, Tottenham is indeed having defensive woes.

A 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest and a spectacular 3-6 defeat against Liverpool also highlight this defensive fragility, even though the team maintains its ability to score, as shown by the 4-3 victory against Manchester United in the League Cup.

Currently sitting in 11th place with just 24 points reflects this inconsistency, especially as the gap with Brighton (3 points) and chasing Brentford illustrates an uncomfortable position in mid-table. The statistics are revealing: in their last five matches, the Spurs have scored in 80% of cases but have also conceded in the same proportions, highlighting a structural imbalance that Postecoglou struggles to correct.

The prolonged absence of James Maddison does not help the situation for a team still searching for balance between offensive ambitions and defensive solidity. Ahead of the League Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool and the major derby against Arsenal (not to mention the FA Cup match), the Spurs must quickly get their heads straight in early January if they don't want to start 2024 like they finished it!

For the match against Newcastle, Tottenham is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a preferred system by Ange Postecoglou this season. In the absence of significant last-minute upheavals, here is the likely composition of the Spurs.

This lineup relies on the team's recent performances, especially against Wolves. The Bissouma-Bentancur duo should provide the necessary balance in midfield, allowing the attacking trio of Johnson, Kulusevski, and Son to support Solanke up front. Johnson's return to form could be decisive on the right side of the attack. Forster will be between the sticks.

Newcastle has displayed impressive form towards the end of 2024, with a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions. The Magpies particularly made a statement in their last outing at Old Trafford, winning 2-0 against Manchester United with early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.

This victory follows convincing wins against Aston Villa (3-0) and Ipswich (4-0), demonstrating remarkable offensive efficiency with 16 goals scored in their last five matches. Newcastle has been consistent and has not gone scoreless in their last eight matches. There is much hope for the future, as they gear up to face Arsenal in the League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, January 7!

Eddie Howe's team stands out for their ability to take the lead in the first half, a trend confirmed throughout this winning streak. Alexander Isak continues to impress in attack, while the defense has shown considerable resilience with several consecutive clean sheets: three in a row and four in their last five matches. This defensive solidity, coupled with high pressing and effective offensive transitions, sees Newcastle sitting in 5th place in the league, just three points behind Chelsea in 4th: the race for Europe is on!

This positive dynamic contrasts with the struggles encountered at the start of the season, and the team appears to have found their rhythm, particularly in managing the ongoing sequence of matches despite a squad sometimes limited by injuries. The progression is even more notable as the Magpies manage to maintain a high level of performance against a variety of opponents, whether in the Premier League or the League Cup.

Newcastle fields a balanced and formidable team, reflecting their current momentum. Martin Dúbravka guards the goal, offering his customary assurance. The defense relies on the experience of Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär, while Dan Burn and young Lewis Hall complete a solid backline. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton provide creativity and physical power, supported by Zac Miley. In attack, the trio of Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Gordon promises speed, technique, and finishing ability; an ideal combination to break through opposing defenses. A lineup befitting the ambitions of the Magpies!

Stay tuned for all our predictions and odds comparisons:

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Tottenham Hotspur's unfortunate injury saga rumbles on as they gear up for their crucial home encounter against Newcastle United, with two fresh absentees in Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence, alongside a setback for Ben Davies.

The match is set to kick off on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 12:30 PM at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK.

Manager Ange Postecoglou provided the latest update, revealing that Udogie will be sidelined indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. "I think it's a hamstring," Postecoglou stated during a recent press conference. "Once again, we've been heavily dependent on a select group of players, which ultimately took its toll. Unfortunately, Destiny is now feeling the effects of that reliance."

As for Davies, who has been on the mend from a thigh muscle injury, his recovery has faced a hurdle, keeping him out of action until mid-January. "No, he's ruled out," Postecoglou confirmed. "He experienced a setback during training, meaning we likely won't see him for another couple of weeks."

In other news concerning Newcastle, their roster remains unchanged in terms of injuries and fitness levels since the weekend, giving them a consistent squad to draw from as they look to capitalize on Tottenham's misfortunes.

Fans will be keen to see if Spurs can navigate these challenging circumstances and secure a much-needed victory against a resilient Newcastle side.

Liverpool fans can rejoice as the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur is set to air free-to-air on ITV next month. Following an impressive campaign that saw Arne Slot's troops dispatch West Ham, Brighton, and Southampton, the Reds are ready to face Spurs for the chance to appear at Wembley Stadium in March.

Having clinched the trophy in the previous season by overcoming Chelsea, Liverpool will be aiming to add to their illustrious history of ten title wins, with their inaugural triumph occurring under the legendary Bob Paisley in the 1980/81 campaign. Slot will be eager to claim his first silverware since making the switch from Feyenoord last summer.

For supporters unable to access the home fixture against Tottenham, ITV will provide the opportunity to catch the action live. The EFL announced that while all matches will be shown on Sky Sports, two of the four semi-final contests will also be available on ITV channels, broadening the reach for all UK football fans eager to enjoy some thrilling Carabao Cup and EFL action.

The EFL's statement read: "All ties will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The first leg of Arsenal vs. Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur will also feature on ITV1 and ITVX as part of an initiative to offer free coverage of select fixtures."

Liverpool will embark on their journey to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first leg on Wednesday, January 8, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm (UK time). The return leg at Anfield is slated for Thursday, February 6, also at 8pm. In the other semi-final encounter, Arsenal will host Newcastle in the first leg on Tuesday, January 7, at 8pm, with the second leg at St. James' Park on Wednesday, February 5, also at 8pm.

Exciting news for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fans in the UK, as the first and second legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final encounters will be available to watch for free in the coming month. The Gunners secured their spot in the last four of the League Cup back in December, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus that turned the tide in their favour against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's men are now set to face Newcastle United in a two-legged clash that will determine who will advance to March's final. On the other hand, Tottenham reached the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, overcoming Manchester United in a thrilling 4-3 encounter. This sets the stage for a captivating duel against Liverpool, who are currently leading the league under manager Arne Slot. The action kicks off on Tuesday, January 7, when Arsenal hosts Newcastle in the first leg, followed by the return fixture at St. James' Park on Wednesday, February 5. Tottenham will take to the pitch to face Liverpool at home on Wednesday, January 8, with the second leg taking place at Anfield on Thursday, February 6. In a recent announcement, the English Football League (EFL) confirmed that both the first leg between Arsenal and Newcastle, and the second leg between Liverpool and Tottenham will be broadcast for free on ITV1, in addition to coverage on Sky Sports. In their statement, the EFL explained, "All ties will still be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The first legs of Arsenal vs Newcastle and Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur will also air on ITV1 and ITVX, showcasing our commitment to providing UK football enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy select Carabao Cup and EFL fixtures free of charge." This partnership was first unveiled in May last year, promising that the final of the 2024/2025 Carabao Cup will also be available on ITV1 for fans to tune in without a subscription.

As the curtain falls on 2024, the statistics tell a disheartening story for Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou and the club as a whole. Despite a season filled with promise, Spurs have managed to accumulate a mere 52 points in the Premier League throughout the year, marking their lowest tally since 2008. Heading into 2025, the team has only secured two victories from their last ten outings, following a frustrating 2-2 stalemate with Wolverhampton on Sunday. Hee-chan Hwang's early goal meant that Postecoglou's squad fell behind for the 15th time in 2024 at home, a record high for any Premier League team within a calendar year. Furthermore, Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late equaliser meant that Spurs have now gone five matches without a win in North London, replicating their worst stretch since 2008. However, it’s crucial to highlight the extenuating circumstances surrounding Spurs' dismal form. Rebuilding a team is never easy, and Postecoglou has faced an extraordinary injury crisis, which he has labelled as the worst in his 28-year coaching career. On Sunday, the manager was without seven key players, leading him to deploy Radu Dragusin for the 14th time in 15 games, despite the defender nursing an ankle injury sustained during the recent loss against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. The match concluded with Spurs fielding a defensive lineup consisting of veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster, alongside Pedro Porro, Dragusin, the young Archie Gray, and Sergio Reguilon—who made his first league appearance for the club since April 2022. Postecoglou has been vocal about the fatigue affecting his squad following another disappointing result, suggesting that had they been sharper, they might have scored four goals. "We’re not firing on all cylinders, which is understandable given that we’re relying heavily on a small core group of players," he commented. With an arduous Thursday-Sunday fixture cycle, the strain is palpable, particularly for a team missing key personnel. Observing Spurs struggle to maintain pace at the City Ground and falter in the second half against Wolves, Postecoglou's concerns are certainly valid. The looming question for the beleaguered Australian manager is whether a rare week off—Spurs' first since August, not counting international breaks—can serve as a much-needed catalyst for change ahead of another crucial home fixture against Newcastle on Saturday. Postecoglou has granted his entire squad Monday and Tuesday off to "step away from everything and recuperate," with hopes of returning a revitalised group ahead of what is undeniably a pivotal week in his managerial career. Following the clash with Newcastle, Tottenham will also host Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, before travelling to non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup third round. Postecoglou's tactics hinge on maintaining fresh legs—especially the vigorous pressing that is instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities. A week off may just provide the spark needed for Spurs to fully embrace 'Ange-ball'. The manager is adamant that with fewer fatigued players and more options at his disposal, Spurs could quickly regain momentum and position themselves more suitably in the league standings. "We’ve demonstrated this year that we can overcome anyone," he asserted. Next week’s encounters against Newcastle and league leaders Liverpool—who are expected to rotate their squad—will put that theory to the ultimate test. While selection dilemmas may escalate, there is optimism that a refreshed core group will emerge, eliminating fatigue as an excuse. Moreover, there is a possibility of forward Richarlison and Mikey Moore returning to the bench next weekend after lengthy absences, which would alleviate some pressure off the front trio, especially captain Heung-min Son, who appears to be lacking confidence and energy after failing to convert a penalty against Wolves. Postecoglou could potentially bolster his squad further, having called for "assistance for these players" during the January transfer window in his post-match press conference. However, it’s worth noting that Rodrigo Bentancur will be suspended for the Newcastle match due to a late warning; James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr are also banned for the Liverpool clash, and Destiny Udogie has become the latest defender facing a spell on the sidelines, following an injury sustained in the second half against Wolves. "We just haven’t had the capacity to rotate our players, and it was inevitable that fatigue would catch up with us," Postecoglou remarked, regrettably acknowledging the toll it has taken on Destiny. There is a case to be made that Postecoglou's choices have played a role in Spurs' injury woes, and he certainly hasn’t maneuvered the challenges of this season with flawless execution. However, considering the nature of his football style and the relentless fixture list, it seems more reasonable to evaluate Postecoglou based on the performances and results of a well-rested squad starting next week, rather than the diminished efforts of a fatigued team that has laboured through the festive season.