Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham inconsistency ‘unacceptable’ after shock defeat to Ipswich

Ange Postecoglou’s rollercoaster second season continued with a devastating defeat, while Pedro Neto dealt a fresh blow to Arsenal and Manchester United won again. PREMIER LEAGUE WRAP

Ange Postecoglou reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Ipswich Town. Picture: Getty Images

Ange Postecoglou said it was his responsibility to solve Tottenham’s inconsistency after slumping to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich.

Victory would have taken Spurs into the top four but instead they slipped to 10th after failing to recover from another slow start at home.

Ipswich celebrated their first Premier League win in 22 years thanks to first-half goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap.

Rodrigo Bentancur pulled a goal back in a second-half rally from Spurs, but it was too little, too late.

Tottenham have now fallen behind in 13 of their 15 Premier League games at home in 2024.

“It was hugely disappointing and, from my perspective, unacceptable, because we started the game nowhere near the levels we needed to be,” said Postecoglou.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. In the second half, we had the ascendancy and enough opportunities to get the job done, but we didn’t do enough with it.”

Ange Postecoglou said Tottenham’s performance was “unacceptable”. Picture: Getty Images

Defeat continued a rollercoaster second season in charge for the former Australia manager.

A run of one win from their opening four games was followed by five consecutive victories, including an impressive 3-0 win at Manchester United.

Postecoglou’s men have since scored impressive home wins over West Ham, Manchester City and Aston Villa, but have also lost their past three away games.

“It’s my responsibility, I’ve got to fix it,” added Postecoglou.

“We’ve been inconsistent this year, fair to say, we shouldn’t be that inconsistent, and when you are, that responsibility lies with me to try to help the players overcome that.”

Liam Delap celebrates scoring his Ipswich's second goal. Picture: Getty Images

By contrast, it was an afternoon to remember for Ipswich as they finally got their first win back in the top flight at the 11th time of asking.

Victory lifts Kieran McKenna’s men, who had drawn five of their opening 10 matches, out of the relegation zone.

“So proud. It’s been a long time for the club, 22 years since the supporters saw a win in the Premier League,” said McKenna.

“The journey to get to here has been a big one. It feels a bit special today.

“We believe we’ve been improving. We’ve picked up five out of 10 results but were waiting for the first win to validate the work and improvements. It’s a massive moment, one to cherish.”

NETO RESCUES CHELSEA AS ARSENAL TITLE BID SUFFERS FRESH BLOW

Pedro Neto dealt a fresh blow to spluttering Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge as the Chelsea winger’s superb strike rescued a 1-1 draw in the London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side had taken the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half goal at Stamford Bridge.

But Neto’s equaliser 10 minutes later earned Chelsea a deserved point and left the Gunners without a win in their last four league games.

Neto’s first Premier League goal since his move from Wolves in August kept third-placed Chelsea above fourth-placed Arsenal on goal difference.

Pedro Neto’s superb strike rescued a 1-1 draw for Chelsea. Picture: AFP

Both teams are nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but while Chelsea will be encouraged by their position after exceeding expectations in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge, Arsenal head into the international break assailed by questions about their malaise.

Beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, hot on the heels of last weekend’s loss at Newcastle, Arsenal have won just three of their last nine league games.

Chasing a first title since 2004 after finishing second to Manchester City in each of the past two seasons, Arsenal lack the fluency that carried them so close to the trophy last term.

The north Londoners’ only wins in their last seven matches in all competitions came against Shakhtar Donetsk in Europe and second-tier Preston in the League Cup.

Maresca has repeatedly claimed he does not believe Chelsea are ready to challenge for the title, but the Italian has laid impressive foundations since arriving at the underachieving club in the close season.

Pedro Neto celebrates his goal for Chelsea. Picture: Getty Images

VAN NISTELROOY THANKFUL FOR ‘SPECIAL’ PERIOD AS MAN UTD BOSS

Ruud van Nistelrooy said his four games as interim manager of Manchester United was a “short but amazing period” after ending his run unbeaten with a 3-0 victory over Leicester.

The Dutchman, who remains a legend at Old Trafford for his goal return during a glorious playing career, also oversaw victories over Leicester in the League Cup and PAOK in the Europa League either side of a 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea last weekend.

Ruben Amorim will be in charge when the Red Devils next take the field away to Ipswich in two weeks’ time with Van Nistelrooy’s own future still unclear.

“We said ‘let’s make the most of these four games’, get the maximum out of it and I think we did an OK job,” said Van Nistelrooy.

Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrates Manchester United's first goal. Picture: Getty Images

“I really enjoyed it, it’s been a short but amazing period. We are in an uncertain position but we tried to do our jobs and help the club which is important.

“There are a lot of feelings there, the way the fans supported me and the team always in difficult moments it was a special moment. To close down this block of games with good results and a good connection I can’t thank them enough.”

Bruno Fernandes continued his scoring streak under Van Nistelrooy with a powerful effort for his fourth goal in as many games.

On his 250th appearance for the club, Fernandes also had a hand in the second goal as his header was deflected into his own net by Leicester defender Victor Kristiansen.

Alejandro Garnacho then came off the bench to rifle in a brilliant third goal as United shrugged off their problems in front of goal so far this season.

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham inconsistency ‘unacceptable’ after shock defeat to Ipswich