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    Arsenal set to seal shock £5m transfer for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga with keeper set to fight David Raya for No1 spot

    ARSENAL are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, reports claim.And the Gunners will pay just a £5m release clause to their London rivals, who once made Kepa the world’s most expensive goalkeeper.Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyArsenal had made Kepa their top target as they look to recruit a deputy to No 1 goalkeeper David Raya.But the 30-year-old Spanish stopper, who just enjoyed a solid season as Bournemouth’s first-choice stopper, won’t settle for a No 2 spot under Mikel Arteta.According to The Athletic, Arsenal are “close” to activating Kepa’s £5m release clause, after he kept nine clean sheets in 31 Prem appearances this term.Kepa has just 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, having made 35 appearances at Bournemouth in all competitions.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard joined Chelsea for a £71.6m fee from Athletic Club in 2018 and has featured 163 times for the West London side, winning four major honours.Arsenal will pay 14 TIMES less than former Blues owner Roman Abramovich paid for Kepa, who was also loaned out to play 20 games for Real Madrid last season. Kepa fared much better at Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side registered the joint sixth-best defensive record in the Prem.Bournemouth keeper Neto has returned to the Vitality stadium after spending last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Most read in FootballDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Gunners had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Arteta has been a fan of Kepa for some time, valuing his ability to play out from the back, although there are doubts over whether Kepa would settle for a back-up option.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’But ousting Raya from his established No 1 role will be difficult, even though he can’t beat Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon to between the sticks for Spain.The fellow Spaniard has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence.Arsenal do have two young keepers on their books – 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup this season. More

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    BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    Spurs rejected by ex-Premier League boss and now considering raid on TWO London rivals in hunt for new manager

    TOTTENHAM have been rejected by former Premier League boss Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports.Spurs brutally sacked Ange Postecoglou last night – just two weeks after he lifted the Europa League to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.Roberto De Zerbi has rejected TottenhamCredit: ReutersChief Daniel Levy is leading the hunt for a new managerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe club have been sounding out alternatives since the final in Bilbao and De Zerbi was approached.However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims he rejected Spurs in favour of staying at Marseille.De Zerbi quit Brighton after two years in the job last summer and then penned a three-year contract with the French giants.Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Fulham manager Marco Silva are the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrank is the front-runner and he reportedly has a £10million release clause in his deal.But reports from The I Paper suggest him moving from West to North London is far from done.Brentford are ready to hear from Spurs but have so far not been contacted.There is still a strong possibility Silva lands the job and his representatives have been spoken to.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFulham are yet to receive a formal approach from Spurs.Silva has shown an interest in working under Daniel Levy before and he came close to being appointed instead of Antonio Conte in 2023.Ange Postecoglou’s BEST Press Conference MomentsBut Postecoglou’s replacement could be walking into a dressing room revolt at Spurs.The Telegraph claim that a number of players are fuming over the decision to axe the Aussie and some now want to leave the club.Thomas Frank and Marco Silva are in the frame for the Spurs jobCredit: ReutersAnge Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    Spurs facing ‘dressing room revolt over Ange Postecoglou sacking as players threaten to quit’ after backing Aussie boss

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S replacement could walk into a dressing room revolt at Tottenham, according to reports.The Aussie was axed just two weeks after lifting the Europa League to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.Players are fuming over Ange Postecoglou’s sackingCredit: GettySpurs chief Daniel Levy is facing a dressing room revoltCredit: PABrentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over, with Fulham boss Marco Silva and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also in the running.And the new man’s first job could be to lift spirits in a devastated dressing room full of players that have spoken out in support of Postecoglou. The Telegraph claim the sacking has angered many and some stars now want to leave this summer.A “player revolt” is a worry for chief Daniel Levy as players are unhappy over the way “Postecoglou’s exit has been handled”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spurs squad penned touching goodbyes to their boss on social media, possibly hinting at their dismay over the decision.Captain Son Heung-min called him a “legend”, who “changed the trajectory of the club and believed in us”.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wrote: “You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.”What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPedro Porro said: “For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch. “I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows. “Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.”Dominic Solanke added: “Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.”Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure.”An official Spurs statement said it was a unanimous choice to get rid of Postecoglou despite it being a “tough” decision.They said: “Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”Yet it did little to calm raging fans, who said: “What an absolute joke of a football club.”Another commented: “This club is addicted to self-sabotage. Embarrassing. Thanks Ange, for reminding us what it’s like to actually win something.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    How Tottenham could line up under Thomas Frank with Brentford ace and star loved by Ruben Amorim

    THOMAS FRANK is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham after his brutal sacking.And the Brentford boss might not be the only one switching West for North London this summer.Thomas Frank is the leading candidate for the Spurs jobCredit: GettyYoane Wissa could a bargain signingCredit: GettySpurs are yet to begin negotiations with Frank, who has a £10million release clause.But the Bees are a selling club and the Dane may believe he has taken them as far as he can after two top ten finishes since their promotion in 2021.Spurs chief Daniel Levy felt Europa League glory papered over the cracks of a disastrous domestic campaign and he will look to overhaul the squad.With Champions League cash in the bank, Tottenham are set to spend big and SunSport have predicted how they could line up after Frank’s overhaul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCristian Romero could leave and a new centre-back is needed as Spurs conceded a whopping 65 goals in the Premier League last term.Marc Guehi is set to depart Crystal Palace as he has just a year left on his contract and would be a shrewd signing.His calming presence and leadership is exactly what is needed and Spurs bid £70m for him in January.Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur had mixed seasons and a partner for the talented Lucas Bergvall is needed.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFrank could use his Danish links to bring in Morten Hjulmund.The energetic all-action midfielder captains Sporting Lisbon and is loved by now Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Hjulmund is composed on the ball and gets stuck in, making him perfect for Frank’s flexible systems.Eberechi Eze has a £60m release clause at Palace and would be a luxury if funds are still available.Spurs are likely to make Mathys Tel’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent for £45m and the position can be his with Son Heung-min departing.On the other flank, Brennan Johnson can frustrate and Dejan Kulusevski has caught the eye centrally, opening the door for Tyler Dibling.Relegated Southampton will sell the 19-year-old winger, who fits Tottenham’s recent policy of signing talented youngsters.Up top, Frank has transformed Yoane Wissa into a deadly striker and neither would decline a reunion.He got 19 league goals last season and could be a summer bargain with just a year left on his contract.Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney is destined for the Premier League and the 22-year-old is tidy in possession.Having him next to the pressing machine Ederson from Atalanta would be ideal, but a deal for the Brazilian will be tough as he could cost £50m.Frank could want to bring wingers Kevin Schade or Bryan Mbeumo with him to Spurs from Brentford.Read More on The SunSchade scored 11 goals last season and is one of the most improved players in the Prem.Mbeumo would be a dream signing, but Tottenham would need to act fast as he is reportedly heading to Man Utd.Morten Hjulmund could fix Spurs’ midfield woesCredit: AlamyBryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade have been transformed by FrankCredit: AlamySpurs need competition for Dominic SolankeCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ready to win £60m Viktor Gyokeres transfer race as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts start to pay off

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres.The Red Devils recently revealed total operating expenses have dropped by £41.6million to £162.1m in the latest quarterly club accounts after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cost cutting.Manchester United are ready to win the race for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor GyokeresMan Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts appear to have handed Ruben Amorim a substantial transfer potMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club for GyokeresThat is despite the cash spent on the Glazers’ debt spiralling to a staggering £1.2BILLION.United’s gradual U-turn in club finances means they are ready to pip Arsenal to land Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres.The Gunners are keen on the former Coventry hitman, 27, but are also chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.Sweden striker Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, has an £85m release clause.Read More on Man UtdBut it is understood that the Portuguese side would accept a fee closer to £60m this summer.United boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club after the boost in their accounts.Yet the Glazers’ debt still casts a long shadow over the fallen giants, whose wage bill was down a huge £20m to £71.2m compared with a year ago.United  have now spent an astonishing £1.2bn on the debt in 20 years of the Americans’ ownership.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to the BBC, £815m in debt interest repayments; £166m in dividends to shareholders; £197m in external net debt repayments and £10m in management and administration fees to the Glazer family companies has left the club since the Glazers bought it in June 2005.Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada warned United must improve after a humiliating season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksHe said: “We were proud to reach the final of the Europa League but ultimately were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao.“We had a difficult  season in the Premier League, which fell below our standards, and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.”United have already agreed to pay £62.5m to land forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves.And they are chasing a £55m deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo as they attempt to stay within the Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules.But Amorim will also need to offload a clutch of big-name players from a group  including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Casemiro.­ More

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    Jordan Pickford’s England No.1 spot under greater threat than ever before as Thomas Tuchel issues warning

    JORDAN PICKFORD has clung on to England’s No.1 jersey without breaking sweat for seven years.But manager Thomas Tuchel — who officially took over on New Year’s Day — warned that reputations are out the window in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.Everton star Jordan Pickford’s No1 spot at England is at riskEngland boss Thomas Tuchel is not afraid to make drastic changes ahead of the 2026 World CupAnd that put 75-cap star Pickford, 31, on notice that he now faces a battle to keep his spot.That is despite claiming the Everton ace is back to his best after the return of boss David Moyes to the Toffees.Dean Henderson, fresh from helping Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup win last month, has just two England caps but will now provide some stiff competition over the next 12 months.There are high hopes for Burnley youngster James Trafford, who has also spent the week at the Three Lions’ training camp in Girona.Read More on England Southampton veteran Aaron Ramsdale — although not selected for this squad — is liked by Tuchel.But the 27-year-old needs to find a top-flight club in England or elsewhere following Saints’ relegation.At Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium on Saturday, the player in goal for Tuchel will be able to enjoy the sun without having to break sweat.But the German is expecting some fierce competition between the sticks, which was not the case under former manager Gareth Southgate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel said: “It will always be a fight for every position and there is no exception for the goalkeepers.“At the moment, Jordan is in a good place mentally and performance-wise.England boss Thomas Tuchel explains Ivan Toney recall“It helped him to stabilise himself at Everton with the change of manager with David Moyes.“He became very, very stable and also emotionally stable and we’re very happy with that.“Jordan has been in goal for a long, long time and he earned  his place with consistent performances at a high level in international football.“All three of our goalkeepers are not involved in European football. They’re not used to European football, which would be ideal. It’s not a problem, though.“Jordan behaves and trains at the highest level and we’re very, very happy with him.“He’s doing everything at the moment to keep his place because he feels Dean stepped up and found another level, another gear.Alternative goalkeeper options“Dean got a big title with his club and was a key figure in the campaign, so that helped his confidence a lot.”And then there is 22-year-old Trafford, who kept 29 clean sheets in 45 matches as Burnley won promotion back to the Premier League.Tuchel added: “James had a long, long break after his  fantastic season with Burnley.“He hasn’t been on the pitch for four weeks, he finished the season the earliest. That’s a little bit of a disadvantage for him, it’s not his fault but he is pushing strongly.“That’s what we expect from him and he is at the moment a competitor for Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford.“Hopefully, he can prove  himself next season and then the race is on.”Fitness challengesIt is not ideal that England, who won their opening World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in March, are in such a weak group.Andorra will be no trouble but the qualifier away to Serbia in September is a decent test, while there is also a Wembley friendly with Wales the following month.This week has seen Tuchel test his players on how they deal with the heat as the conditions will be baking-hot at the World Cup next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico. And he is trying to work out how his players can be at peak fitness, because he admits the squad were in their best shape during the mid-season 2022 World Cup.Tuchel said: “The majority of our players play in the toughest league in the world and they are used to a kind of rhythm that is very unique.“The tournaments are normally played after a long season and  it is not maybe an advantage for us but it is just a fact. It is maybe not a coincidence players felt the most comfortable in the Qatar World Cup.“Suddenly, the demands of the Premier League became an advantage because they were  in the middle of it and felt they had an advantage over other players.“It can be that at some point we need to adjust our style of play when it comes to tournament football and when it comes to knockout football.Read More on The Sun“Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to win in style. Can you really play the same game in 40C heat and humidity that you play in 20C in an evening match?“So, these are some questions I don’t have all the answers  to and I don’t have to right now, because we still have one year to go but we are on it to answer them.”Crystal Palace star Dean Henderson will provide some stiff competition to Pickford at EnglandThere are high hopes for Burnley star James Trafford at EnglandSouthampton ace Aaron Ramsdale is liked by Tuchel despite not being selected More

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    Inside story of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham sacking with Daniel Levy rift that intensified during Europa League run

    SO, Daniel Levy did kill off his main character in the second season finale of the Ange Postecoglou show.Postecoglou himself warned that could be the case just a day after teasing fans at Spurs’ Europa League-winning parade that he could stay on for a third campaign with a prestige-telly analogy.Ange Postecoglou has left SpursCredit: Shutterstock EditorialIt comes despite him ending the club’s 17 year trophy droughtCredit: PAPostecoglou does not get the chance to deliver on his third season promiseCredit: ReutersThe 59-year-old had told hundreds of thousands of delirious supporters lining the streets outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that in “all the best television series, season three is better than season two”.It went down a storm, with many of those who had wanted the Aussie out for the woeful league form now fully behind him after he had ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought.Their hope had been that Levy would perform a similarly emotional U-turn, and NOT go through with his pre-final plan of wielding the axe whatever the outcome in Bilbao.How can he possibly ditch the guy who has delivered our first piece of silverware since the League Cup in 2008, and the first European trophy in 41 years, they asked themselves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn fairness, Levy did pause for thought, albeit briefly.But Postecoglou always knew the chances of the long-serving Spurs supremo doing an about-face were slim, given how their relationship had frayed in the previous months.So it will have come as no surprise to the former Celtic treble-winner – even if it did to millions of Tottenham fans across the globe.Levy turned to Postecoglou in the summer of 2023, after being snubbed by Arne Slot who had decided to stay at Feyenoord for one more season ahead of his switch to Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPostecoglou even described himself as “the last man standing” in the race to succeed Antonio Conte.But the Athens-born Aussie, who had never previously managed in Europe’s top five major leagues before, got off to a stunning start by taking 26 points from his first 30 available.That was despite the club selling their record goal-scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich on the eve of the season.After an unbeaten first ten Prem games, Spurs were five points clear at the top of the table and anything seemed possible under Postecoglou.Fans took to singing a version of Robbie Williams’ Angels regularly after matches, with the key lyrics altered to “I’m loving Big Ange instead”.Levy seemed giddy with excitement too, proudly declaring at a fans’ forum in September 2023 that “we’ve got our Tottenham back” in reference to Postecoglou’s thrilling style of play.Daniel Levy has wielded his axe againCredit: GETTYFans and players appeared with him after the Europa League successCredit: GettyBut then came THAT 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea in November 2023 – the bonkers game Postecoglou may be best remembered for, even more so than the Europa final win over Manchester United.Having had two men sent off and having lost James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to serious injuries, Spurs, amazingly, continued to attack and almost nicked a 2-2 draw.But then Nicolas Jackson completed what was dubbed the worst hat-trick ever in injury-time – before Spurs were treated to a standing ovation by their fans as they left the pitch.It was unprecedented – yet after that game, things were never the same.Teams started to wise up to Spurs’ style of inverted full-backs and clever cut-backs – as well as exposing the gaps they left at the back.Eric Dier, who left to join Kane at Bayern Munich in January, later claimed that Postecoglou “really doesn’t do barely any tactical work, what he does is every single training drill from Monday to Friday is drawn up to represent the way he wants to play.”Van de Ven and Maddison being sidelined disrupted the team’s rhythm and they ended up being pipped by Aston Villa to fourth spot and Champions League qualification.Injuries decimated Postecoglou’s squad in his second season – with the Aussie’s intense pressing style accused of being a contributing factor – and the league campaign began to unravel.Raw teenage talent had mainly been added in the summer – although £65million was spent on striker Dominic Solanke – and it told.Postecoglou hoped for more experience to be added in January but out of the three arrivals, only Kevin Danso fitted that description.Spurs went on to finish 17th after losing 22 league games – the most a Prem team has ever managed and NOT been relegated – including embarrassing defeats to Ipswich and Leicester who both went down.The AngeOut army grew among the fanbase, who had been irked by his misreading the previous season of their desire to lose against Manchester City to deny rivals Arsenal the title.In another clash, Postecoglou mockingly cupped his ear in the direction of Spurs away fans at Chelsea in April.Postecoglou appeared to cup his ears at fans against ChelseaCredit: GettyBut all was forgiven when he ended the trophy curse in Bilbao.Ironically, it was done in a defensive style akin to predecessor Jose Mourinho, with the team having just 27 per cent possession and completing just 184 passes.It was more Ange Wall than Ange Ball, which suggested Postecoglou was capable of adapting when many pundits suggested he could not.That feat was not enough though to convince the higher-ups, who had not agreed with Postecoglou’s decision to prioritise the Europa League from February onwards.It is understood the club began talking to representatives of other managers from the start of the year, underlining the shaky ground Postecoglou has been on for some time.Read More on The SunNow it has collapsed from underneath him, to his disappointment as he felt the job in N17 was not done.But at least he walks away a hero, having finally changed the narrative to one of rare trophy success during the silverware-starved Levy story of the last 25 years. 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