Ange Postecoglou defends Tottenham players despite disappointing Nottingham Forest defeat

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Nottingham Forest beat Tottenham

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 26/12/2024

- 17:42

Updated: 26/12/2024

- 17:50

The Australian's side lost 1-0 at the City Ground on Thursday

Ange Postecoglou has spoken out after Tottenham crashed to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Boxing Day.

Spurs had gone into the showdown hoping to bounce back after their nightmare 6-3 loss to Liverpool last time out.


But that didn't happen on Thursday, with Forest winning 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Anthony Elanga in the 28th minute.

The result is a hugely disappointing one for Tottenham, who have won just seven of their 18 Premier League matches this term.

Tottenham news Ange Postecoglou Nottingham Forest

Tottenham news: Ange Postecoglou's side crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day

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And Postecoglou has now reacted to the defeat, with the former Celtic boss admitting he found the result 'disappointing'.

"It's obviously disappointing the defeat, tight game, it was never going to be the kind of game where there would be too many chances," he said in his post-match press conference.

"I still thought we had a fair chunk of it where we could have got something out of the game, but it was always going to be a tight game here.

"It was a disappointing goal we conceded, but aside from that the boys worked hard and we tried to generate as many opportunities as we could considering the context of the game and how Forest play, but we just couldn't get over the top of them.

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"We're asking a lot of this group of players, a lot of these guys are playing every three days.

"It's only logical they are not going to be at their sharpest but they are trying and that's all I can ask if them."

Tottenham have had to contend with multiple injury issues this term.

They are already without Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who are usually their first-choice centre-back pairing.

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To make matters worse, Radu Dragusin was forced out of the proceedings with injury.

And Postecoglou is unsure when the Romania international will be fit to play again.

"He was a bit sore," added the 59-year-old.

"He hurt his ankle and said he couldn’t continue so we'll just have to wait and see."

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Tottenham news Ange Postecoglou Nottingham Forest

Tottenham news: Anthony Elanga scored the winner for Nottingham Forest in Thursday's Boxing Day clash

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While it was a poor day for Tottenham, it was another brilliant afternoon for Forest - who are now up to third in the Premier League table.

And midfielder Elliot Anderson was delighted with the result.

He said: "I think we're doing really well at the minute.

"The lads are buzzing in there, as you can hear, it's a great win."

Tottenham news Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham news: Pressure is mounting on Ange Postecoglou after his side's defeat to Nottingham Forest

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On Elanga, he added: "I think everyone knew he is always at it. You've just got to believe in him and know that he can bring these moments.

"He's flying at the minute and hopefully, it continues."

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