Ange Postecoglou’s return to Scotland with Tottenham Hotspur was far from the triumphant homecoming he might have hoped for. Facing Rangers in a Europa League clash at Ibrox, Postecoglou’s Spurs managed only a 1-1 draw, extending their dismal run to just one win in eight matches. For Postecoglou, whose tenure at Celtic was marked by relentless success and dominance over Rangers, the current struggles at Spurs are a stark contrast to his days in Glasgow.
The match itself was a tough test for Tottenham, who found themselves under pressure from a Rangers side that has been unbeaten in their last eight games. On a freezing night by the Clyde, Rangers were relentless in their counterattacks, with Tottenham’s defense, missing key players like Micky van de Ven, struggling to cope. Fraser Forster, formerly of Celtic, was Spurs’ standout performer, making crucial saves to deny Rangers’ Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny from taking further advantage.
Rangers eventually took a deserved lead early in the second half. James Tavernier’s precise cross found Hamza Igamane, who delivered a sublime left-footed strike past a helpless Forster. Tottenham’s defense, including an out-of-position Archie Gray, was left exposed, and Pedro Porro’s failure to mark Igamane only compounded their woes.
The goal seemed to wake the Spurs up. With Yves Bissouma standing out for his composure in midfield, Tottenham finally began to find some rhythm. Their equalizer came after a clever interplay between Dominic Solanke and James Maddison, allowing substitute Dejan Kulusevski to slot a deceptive finish past Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Even with the equalizer, Tottenham’s issues were evident. Rangers continued to press aggressively, with Cyriel Dessers nearly securing a late winner if not for another brilliant save from Forster. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s attack lacked its usual flair, with James Maddison and his teammates struggling under Rangers’ high-tempo pressing game.
For Postecoglou, the night highlighted the challenges of adapting his “Angeball” philosophy to Spurs, leaving him visibly stressed. The chorus of “Sacked in the morning” from Rangers fans underscored the pressure mounting on him as Tottenham’s Premier League struggles continue.
