![Tottenham descend again into small-club mentality Home supporters who did the Poznan after Haaland’s first goal underline problems swirling around Postecoglou The Daily Telegraph15 May 2024By Jason Burt CHIEF FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium We saw the Poznan. Except it was coming from Tottenham Hotspur fans inside the stadium; not from Manchester City. Those Spurs supporters turned their backs on the pitch and bounced up and down in unison celebrating. It was a City goal that led to that reaction and so we had our answer. The acid test would always be what happened when City scored. Or Spurs. And so when the first goal arrived, early in the second half, the extraordinary response said it all. It angered manager Ange Postecoglou and what he said spoke to the heart of just what Spurs are and what they want to achieve and maybe what is holding them back. It was almost an existential dissection and it was anchored in fury. Asked whether he wanted to give a positive spin, with foundations being in place Postecoglou angrily shot that down. “No, I think the last 48 hours has revealed to me that the foundations are fairly fragile, mate,” he said. “That’s just what I think. I just think the last 48 hours have revealed a fair bit to me. That’s all right. It just means I’ve got to go back to the drawing board with some things.” What did he think of the fans chanting ‘Are you watching Arsenal?’ after Erling Haaland’s first goal? “I’m not interested, mate. I just don’t care,” Postecoglou said before adding, somewhat ominously: “It’s been an interesting exercise.” It was about “outside [the club], inside, everywhere”. “Maybe I am just out of step,” Postecoglou continued before stating he just wanted to win and “so what other people, how they want to feel, and what their priorities are, are of zero interest to me”. Who was he criticising? The fans? The club? The media? It felt like it was everyone. Pre-match and Postecoglou could not have been clearer. He had spoken of his disbelief that Spurs fans might actually want their team to lose this game, to spite Arsenal and damage their title hopes, and here it was happening in front of his eyes. He looked absolutely furious and disbelieving. He had a point. What happened when Haaland tapped home – some Tottenham fans even clapped – felt like a small-club mentality. It might be argued it was belligerence but it signalled defeat and it ended Spurs’s dwindling hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Surely that is what should have been pre-occupying them? Catching Aston Villa and finishing fourth – possible with a win as Villa had a trickier final day fixture away to Crystal Palace with Spurs at Sheffield United – had to be the priority in furthering their own ambitions. Yes, it may have effectively handed Arsenal the title. Yes, it may have led to more songs and goading with them having last been champions 20 years ago when they gained a result at White Hart Lane. But, so what? Football is about winning. Not about worrying about rivals and Spurs have diminished themselves and Postecoglou’s reaction showed how he felt. When that chant of “Are you watching Arsenal” rang around the South Stand it felt like a weight had been lifted. Instead it was a yoke being applied and an inferiority complex being confirmed. Before that those fans did not know whether to laugh or cry; whether to be angry or militant or enjoy the painful absurdity of it all. And, so, instead they were subdued until City scored. This was as muted as it has ever been here. It was surreal with Spurs and City half-and-half scarves being touted outside before kick-off and middle-aged men staring earnestly into the TV cameras up and down the Tottenham High Road declaring they would rather “sell their mother” than see their team help Arsenal win the Premier League. “We’re not really here,” chanted the City supporters and it seemed like many of those home fans would have nodded in agreement. It did not look like they really wanted to be here. Or, once here, they did not know what to do. Inside two minutes a loud rendition of “stand up if you hate Arsenal” rang around but it was not particularly intense. It was heard again after half an hour but by then the muscle memory of backing their team had slowly begun to kick in, a little. Did they want their team to score? Did they want their team to win even if it switched the advantage to Arsenal in the title race? Certainly it felt, when they attacked, like they did even if they may have been responding by instinct rather than rationale. But it did not feel natural. The City goal shifted the dynamic a little on the pitch and Spurs had chances even if a draw would not have been enough. If anything it was the worst result of all – it would still have meant they could not overtake Villa while it would have installed Arsenal as title favourites. No doubt they would have said it was, well, the most “Spursy” thing to do especially as it would mean little for them and everything to their neighbours. Instead it was Haaland who ended it from the penalty spot. This time both sets of fans sang “Are you watching Arsenal?” while there was a loud and prolonged chorus of “When the Spurs go marching on”. It riled Postecoglou even more. His interpretation? That was just defeatism not defiance. He had it right. Article Name:Tottenham descend again into small-club mentality Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Jason Burt CHIEF FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Start Page:4 End Page:4](https://dailycannon.com/static/uploads/2024/05/240515-telegraph-tottenham-small-club-265x198.png "Tottenham labelled a ‘small club’ for their Arsenal obsession")
3 Arsenal youngsters travel to Eindhoven for PSV clash
Three Arsenal youngsters have travelled to Eindhoven for the Gunners' clash with PSV on Tuesday night, according to reports.
Odegaard highlights Arsenal’s need for ruthlessness
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard calls for improved finishing after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, highlighting the need for ruthlessness in Premier League.
Another Liverpool player ruled out of Arsenal clash
Joel Matip is the latest player to be ruled out of Liverpool's upcoming matches against Arsenal, after suffering an ACL injury.
Aston Villa coy on injuries ahead of Arsenal clash
Ahead of Arsenal's Premier League match against Aston Villa, Unai Emery prepares to assess his squad, while Mikel Arteta updates on Arsenal's team condition.
Arsenal FA Cup date with Liverpool set
Arsenal's FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool is set for January 7 at Emirates Stadium
Arteta on his touchline ban, Aston Villa, and admiration for Unai Emery
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are preparing for what is set to be a challenging clash against Aston Villa this weekend.
Arsenal injury updates pre-Aston Villa
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides updates on Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey's conditions ahead of the weekend fixture, with optimism and caution.
Arsenal players sing Declan Rice song in dressing room
Arsenal's thrilling win over Luton, featuring Rice's last-gasp goal and "Ice Ice Baby" celebration, highlights their Premier League lead and team spirit
Why are calf problems causing Takehiro Tomiyasu so much trouble?
Exploring the complexities of calf injuries in football, this article delves into why players like Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu face challenges in recovering from these common yet troublesome issues.
“We had patience” Edu on Odegaard’s Arsenal success after poor Real Madrid stint
Edu Gaspar discusses Martin Odegaard's successful transition from Real Madrid to Arsenal, his role in nurturing young talent, and Arsenal's growth under his direction.
Arsenal’s late win a testament to squad’s spirit
Arsenal's exhilarating late victory over Luton Town highlights their never-say-die attitude, showcasing Arteta's impact on the team's spirit
Mikel Arteta banned for Aston Villa after Rice goal celebrations
Mikel Arteta faces a touchline ban following his celebration of Arsenal's dramatic late winner against Luton Town in a thrilling Premier League match.
Bukayo Saka sets more records v Luton
Bukayo Saka continues to set new benchmarks at Arsenal, adding more in the 4-3 win over Luton on Tuesday night.
Gabriel discusses Arsenal’s Premier League prospects and praises Mikel Arteta
Gabriel Magalhães discusses Arsenal's Premier League journey and praises Coach Mikel Arteta's influence on his career.
Positive injury updates on 2 Arsenal players pre-Luton Town clash
Mikel Arteta has given positive fitness updates on Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White ahead of Arsenal's game against Luton Town on Tuesday night.
Arteta managing Arsenal injury problems as players get private sessions
Arteta manages Arsenal's squad amidst injuries, to ensure top performance in the Premier League and addressing key player fitness concerns.
Serious injury to rule Newcastle star out of Arsenal clash
Nick Pope suffered a serious injury for Newcastle United at the weekend, and the early suggestions are that he'll be out for long enough to miss their game against Arsenal.
Arsenal injury updates pre-Luton Town
Get the latest team news as Arsenal gear up for a historic Premier League match against Luton Town, their first in 32 years, as they aim to maintain their league lead.
Mikel Arteta gives Takehiro Tomiyasu injury update
Mikel Arteta updates on Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury after Arsenal's win over Wolves, as the team prepares for their upcoming match against Luton Town.
Arsenal draw Liverpool in FA Cup third round
Arsenal to face Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup third round at Emirates Stadium, reigniting a historic rivalry with high stakes for the prestigious trophy.
Gabriel Martinelli discusses Arsenal’s tight win over Wolves
Gabriel Martinelli reflects on Arsenal's resilience in their 2-1 win over Wolves, highlighting the unpredictability of the Premier League.
VAR change that would disallow Newcastle goal vs Arsenal coming next season
Confidence is growing that semi-automated offsides will be introduced in the Premier League next season, following various failures of the current system this campaign.
Arsenal accused of time wasting by Wolves manager
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil criticises Arsenal for time-wasting in their narrow 2-1 victory, despite acknowledging he'd employ similar tactics.
Arsenal’s win over Wolves marked by Saka’s milestone goal
Arsenal secure a 2-1 victory over Wolves with Bukayo Saka's landmark goal, consolidating their top spot in the Premier League amid a tense finish.
Jesus wants to win Champions League & Premier League with Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus doesn't just want to score goals in the Champions League, he wants to win the entire competition.
Bukayo Saka sets new Champions League record
Bukayo Saka has set a new record in the Champions League, as well as becoming the top player for goal contributions in this season's competition.
Arsenal nominated for Goal of the Week after Lens 6-0
Arsenal's top performers have been recognised by various media outlets following the 6-0 thrashing of RC Lens on Wednesday night.
Manchester City & Premier League agree trial date
Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed a date for their trial on 115 financial charges, giving us a hint at the potential timing for a verdict.
Arsenal youth duo set for senior call-ups vs RC Lens
A few Arsenal youth players took part in first-team training this week and appear set to make the first-team squad against RC Lens on Wednesday night.
Arsenal look to clinch round of 16 spot v Lens
In a decisive Champions League fixture, Arsenal aim to secure progression against Lens at the Emirates.
Former Arsenal coach assesses their title chances this year
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg thinks his former team are ready to challenge for the title as the closest side to Manchester City, but they could still fall short.
Pundits discuss Arsenal’s need for attacking improvement despite defensive solidity
Explore insights from Steve Sidwell, Ian Wright, and Alan Shearer on Arsenal's need to enhance their attack, despite a strong defensive record in the Premier League.
BBC pundits praise Arsenal’s ‘quiet’ & ‘amazing start’
Discover how Arsenal's solid defence has become a key factor in their Premier League success, with insights from Conor Coady, Chris Sutton, and Rory Smith.
Arsenal midfielder undergoes operation on groin
Arsenal brace for vital Champions League clash with player updates: Vieira undergoes surgery, White likely to return. Get all the latest Arsenal injury news
1 back, 4 out: Arsenal team news for RC Lens clash
Arsenal are set to welcome two players back into the fold when they take on RC Lens on Wednesday night, but three more will remain absent.
Trossard on Arsenal team dynamics and settling in
Leandro Trossard discusses his on-field chemistry with Bukayo Saka, his adaptability in Arsenal's front line, and his smooth integration into the team.
Premier League appoint officials for Arsenal-Wolves ‘PGMOL derby’
Amid the current refereeing controversy surrounding both clubs, the Premier League have appointed their officials for Arsenal's game against Wolves on Saturday.
PSV vs Arsenal preview, team news, tickets & prediction
PSV and Arsenal have made decent starts to the respective league campaigns on the home front, and the two teams could be challenging for...
Arsenal ‘genius’ makes Team of the Week for Brentford win
Arsenal have one entrant in the BBC's Premier League Team of the Week after the weekend win away to Brentford.
October media coverage of Spurs is embarrassing in hindsight
Tottenham Hotspur's recent run of form has cast a new light on some of the media coverage of the club just a month ago, when they were seemingly champions-elect.