Spurs’ 2-0 lead crumbled as Brighton scored three second-half goals, leaving Postecoglou furious with his team’s mentality.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou was left fuming after his side threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton in the Premier League. Spurs were in control with goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, but a lacklustre second half saw Brighton storm back with three goals to take all three points. Postecoglou called the defeat “probably the worst” since he joined Spurs, criticising the team’s mentality for giving in too easily. He admitted that his side “accepted their fate,” something they hadn’t done before. Maddison echoed his manager’s frustrations, noting that the team failed to handle Brighton’s momentum after the first goal went in.
Tottenham had won five consecutive matches across all competitions but failed to capitalise on their form, missing the opportunity to climb to sixth in the Premier League. Now sitting ninth, with three wins, one draw, and three losses, the team must regroup quickly. Postecoglou placed the responsibility squarely on himself, saying it was down to him to ensure they correct their lack of competitiveness. “We lost all our duels,” he stated, “and if you’re not competitive, irrespective of what you do tactically, it is not going to work.”
Despite Maddison’s second goal of the season, coming just days after being left out of the England squad, the midfielder was candid in his post-match comments. He expressed frustration that Spurs had taken “a couple of steps back” following their recent run of good form, which included victories over Brentford, and Manchester United, and success in the Europa League. Maddison said the team had discussed not being complacent but failed to back it up on the pitch, saying Spurs didn’t handle Brighton’s onslaught.
Brighton’s win was a huge momentum shift, particularly after Tottenham dominated the first 45 minutes. Postecoglou’s men seemed shell-shocked once Brighton pulled one goal back, and the energy of the game completely changed. Maddison admitted they lost control after Brighton’s first goal, describing it as a relentless “attack after attack,” which Spurs couldn’t handle.
Now, Tottenham must reflect on this damaging loss and find a way to bounce back as they continue their Premier League campaign. Postecoglou insists they must rediscover their fighting spirit quickly if they hope to avoid further slip-ups.
