Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham struggling to build momentum

The 4-3 loss, described by Postecoglou as "painful" and "self-inflicted," unfolded in front of chairman Daniel Levy, adding to the pressure on the team.

Spurs had taken a commanding 2-0 lead, but the injury to key defender Cristian Romero proved to be a turning point, with Postecoglou identifying it as a catalyst for their undoing.

The manager emphasised that the team must stop being derailed by "uncontrollables" if they are to improve.

Despite the setback, Postecoglou remains optimistic about the club's trajectory.

"Every time we have seemed like we are on solid footing, something has come along which will become an impediment for us. It's just the way our season has gone," said Postecoglou.

"It went like that last year. It's not like since I have been here this is unusual territory.

"Ultimately, my role now is to focus on the things I can control and keep preparing the team the best we can to keep progressing as a football team and turn our season around.

"We don't seem to get that ability to just gain some traction. Every time we've seemed to, something comes along and disrupts us.

"People keep referring to the (Manchester) City game (which Tottenham won 4-0), and we lost Vic (goalkeeper Vicario) straight afterwards for three months, so it seems like we're just not able to do that. They're uncontrollables." 

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