Ange Postecoglou took on Tottenham fans and lost … this looks like the end
Postecoglou was right to complain that the check for the foul on Caicedo took so long, as it should have been easy for the referee Craig Pawson to be identified at first sight after being sent on the screen by Var Jarred Gillett.
Unlike Bournemouth, when Postecoglou had faced the supporters of travel during the final whistle, this time he remained near the central circle while his players made their way to applaud the fans.
Pape Mata Sarr seems to be hit after the final whistle.Credit: Getty images
He lingered and seemed that he thought he was going to supporters in whom he had an ear in the cup, but instead he offered a short and embarrassed applause from a safety distance and disappeared along the tunnel.
There were also some statements on social media that his son Heung-Min had silenced the spurs fans when Sarr’s shot hit the back of the net, but the captain faced the supporters before heading in the locker room.
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Unless Tottenham can somehow win the Europa League and consequently qualify for the Champions League, then it seems inconceivable that Postecoglou can now survive a season that could still become toxic to the tests at Stamford Bridge.
Posticoglou was missing only Dejan Kulusevski from his first choice range against Chelsea and yet his Tottenham team was without teeth and disorganized. Apart from the not allowed goal and a late event, when Robert Sanchez spared his son well, visitors have practically not threatened.
While the pressure on Postecoglou will now be even greater, this has been a result that was a huge impulse for the head of Chelsea Enzo Maresca coach and the hopes of his team to qualify for the Champions League.
Maresca could easily have faced the wrath of her fans that Chelsea did not win, but her refreshing team, enhanced by the return of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, produced a lively performance with some moments of quality.
It remains to be seen if the supporters will buy the explanation of Postecoglou that they have the ear for the cup to ask for greater support or if this is really the beginning of the end for him.
The Telegraph, London
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