Ange Postecoglou believes that Tottenham will eventually see results if they continue to dominate possession and create chances, despite their frustrating 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St. James’ Park. Spurs controlled much of the match but were undone by clinical finishing from the hosts, with Harvey Barnes opening the scoring and Alexander Isak sealing the win with a breakaway goal late in the game.
Tottenham’s equalizer came from an own goal by Dan Burn, forced by Brennan Johnson’s pressure, but despite registering 20 shots and numerous opportunities, they were unable to find a second goal. Postecoglou expressed his frustration, acknowledging that the game was another missed opportunity for his side. “Another one that got away from us. We played well enough, certainly had the chances to win the game comfortably but you walk away with nothing, so [it’s a] bitter pill to swallow but it is what it is,” he said.
The Spurs head coach emphasized that his team was in control for much of the match, playing in Newcastle’s half and creating numerous chances. However, a combination of missed opportunities and some excellent saves from Newcastle’s goalkeeper meant that Tottenham couldn’t capitalize on their dominance. “The amount of chances we have, we really should be getting more than what we’re getting as a return at the moment,” Postecoglou admitted.
Despite the disappointing result, Postecoglou remains optimistic. Spurs enter the international break with four points from a possible nine, following a 1-1 draw at Leicester and a 4-0 win over Everton. With Arsenal up next at home, Postecoglou is focusing on the positives from his team’s performances. “The positives are our football was good and has been good in all three games. We have to get the rewards for our football and what I do know is that if we continue to play like that we will get our rewards,” he added.
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was pleased with his team’s resilience and looked forward to concentrating on football now that the transfer window has closed. “I think it’s always important to try to build momentum in your season and it’s been a turbulent time for the club off the pitch throughout this last transfer window,” Howe said. “But that’s shut now, so hopefully we can just concentrate on the football and get the players playing as well as they can.”
Newcastle remains unbeaten in their first three games of the season, with two wins at St. James’ Park, and Howe is eager to build on this strong start as the season progresses.
