Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment over Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of goal efficiency in their 2-2 Europa League tie against Roma, but remains optimistic about their standing in the competition.
Postecoglou Criticizes Spurs’ Goal-Scoring Efficiency
“Frustrated with the way the game ended, obviously. We should have killed it off a lot earlier,” Postecoglou vented after the match. The Spurs manager wasn’t holding back his feelings about the missed opportunities that slipped through their fingers.
Tottenham finished the game with 24 shots on goal. Kulusevski, Porro, and Solanke all saw their efforts hit the woodwork. It was a tough night for the forwards who couldn’t find that clinical edge needed to seal the win.
Despite the frustration, Postecoglou remained calm. “Overall, this whole European competition for us, we’ve had some challenges within the first five games,” he added. “We’re in a strong position and that’s the main thing.”
Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster of Goals and Missed Chances
The game was nothing short of dramatic. Early on, Son Heung-Min converted a penalty to give Spurs the lead. But Roma wasn’t backing down. Evan Ndicka’s headed equalizer brought the visitors level.
Brennan Johnson then swept home Dejan Kulusevski’s cross, seemingly putting Spurs ahead again. Just when it looked like Tottenham had the game under control, Mats Hummels scored a stoppage-time goal to secure the draw.
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-Min | 1 | 0 |
| Evan Ndicka | 1 | 0 |
| Brennan Johnson | 1 | 1 |
| Mats Hummels | 1 | 0 |
Roma had 18 shots and three goals disallowed for offside. It was a game of fine margins, with both teams showing resilience.
Ranieri’s Roma Surges Amid Turbulent Season
Claudio Ranieri, Roma’s head coach, couldn’t hide his pride. “Today we pulled off a very good performance,” he said. The Italian side, struggling in Serie A, showed their mettle on the European stage.
Ranieri, coming out of retirement, has faced a rocky season with Roma sitting 12th after 13 games. His decision to take over Roma marks his third head coach role this season. “I really thought that I could travel around the world … because as a coach you only attend hotels, airports, stadiums,” Ranieri reflected.
He mentioned Cagliari as the other team he considered before choosing Roma. “I really hoped that these two teams never called me because it would’ve meant that they needed me,” Ranieri added.
Upcoming Fixtures and What Lies Ahead for Spurs
Looking forward, Spurs are set to face Rangers on December 12 in their next Europa League fixture. Meanwhile, Roma will host Braga at the Stadio Olimpico.
Postecoglou remains steadfast in his approach. “No. Why can’t it just be entertaining? Isn’t that why we all come?” he questioned. His commitment to an attacking style keeps fans on the edge of their seats, even if it sometimes leads to unexpected results.
- Tottenham aims to improve their finishing in upcoming matches.
- Roma seeks to build on their strong defensive performance.
With the competition heating up, both teams have crucial games ahead. Spurs need to capitalize on their chances to secure a top spot, while Roma looks to maintain their surprising form under Ranieri.
