Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou called his players “wasteful” after dropping two points from a winning position in their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season at Leicester City.
Spurs went ahead via defender Pedro Porro’s shoulder in the 29th minute and looked comfortable in the first half, only for Jamie Vardy’s 57th-minute strike to earn the newly-promoted Foxes a 1-1 draw.
“The first half was excellent and we controlled the game,” said Postecoglou, reflecting on the start of his second season in charge while speaking to Sky Sports.
“But we were wasteful in front of goal. The second half was the same. We started off well and once Leicester scored, the crowd lifted and we lost our composure.”
The points are shared. pic.twitter.com/sBrMq781hz
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 19, 2024
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Leicester vs Tottenham
Spurs have won one of their seven away games since March 10, beating relegated Sheffield United on the final day of last season.
New £65 million signing Dominic Solanke failed to capitalise on two presentable early chances, while Rodrigo Bentancur saw an effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Wilfred Ndidi.
Richarlison also made his return from injury as a late substitute, only to head Lucas Bergvall’s inviting free-kick wide when well-placed.
“It was an issue we had last year as well,” rued Postecoglou. “We need to keep working hard and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal.
“At times, we made poor decisions. When we are that dominant, we should be out of sight. We do everything to score goals and we didn’t score.”
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 19, 2024
Spurs ‘weren’t clinical’
“The dominance is great but if you don’t score it is meaningless,” added Postecoglou. “We have to be stronger in our mindset in the front third. To be that wasteful tonight is disappointing. We just weren’t clinical.
“It’s not our football or effort. To get results, you need to be a lot more ruthless in the final third. If we’re not, we won’t get the rewards our football should get. The responsibility is on me. That’s why you coach.”
Spurs are next in action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (3pm BST) against Everton, who lost their opener 3-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
