‘Effort, desire, and determination’: Spurs fight until the end
![LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur, acknowledges the fans following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur, acknowledges the fans following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7e76d7eb6f4e2eae147a6ff11e88b68b24f694cc3702d09126c4bf84f8ebccc2.jpg)
No Tottenham fan is happy with the outcome of our 4-1 loss to Chelsea. Adding the injuries and player suspensions to the mix, it made for one of the most frustrating and upsetting matches to watch since last season.
However, it wasn’t for a lack of effort. Despite playing with nine men, and with players who have rarely been given minutes this year like Eric Dier and Oliver Skipp, it was surprising to see any energy on the pitch. Nevertheless, Spurs fought hard until the very end.
Sonny could be seen running all over the pitch for well over 100 minutes, pressing the keeper relentlessly. Eric Dier was strong in the back despite getting caught off guard on a few runs in behind as a result of the extremely high line Ange had in place. He even got a ball in the back of the net before it was ruled offside by VAR.
Postecoglou delivered a great message to the players in his post-match press conference, making sure to mention their hard work before anything else that happened in the game:
“I’m super proud of the players’ efforts, will, desire, and determination to still get something out of the game.
The culture at Tottenham has certainly shifted in a number of ways, and it seems that Ange is largely to thank for that.
Just a few days ago, Spurs winger Dejan Kulusevski spoke about the manager’s impact…
🎙️| Dejan Kulusevski on Ange Postecoglou and how he differs from Antonio Conte:
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) November 3, 2023
“He's just brought a lot of happiness, a lot of joy. He has us believing in ourselves again. He's a fantastic man, an unbelievable coach and we're very happy we can work with a guy like that.”… pic.twitter.com/hW4Igaus41
Ange has been phenomenal, and Tottenham are going to need him now more than ever. With limited squad depth amidst numerous injuries and player suspensions, the team will be facing a tough few matches ahead.
It’s looking likely that some of the less involved players this season such as Eric Dier, Pierre Hojbjerg, and Oliver Skipp may be getting more playing time in the coming weeks. Rodrigo Bentancur could also be getting substantial time, after being subbed on at the 61st minute mark against Chelsea and considering the questionable fitness of James Maddison.
The next fixture is away at Wolves and Ange will be looking to continue in his attacking style of football with a determined group of players, no matter the regularity in game time the personnel have under their belt.