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      Fans say Harry Kane is ‘officially cursed’ as Bayern Munich end season trophyless for first time in 12 YEARS

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      FANS have declared that Harry Kane is “officially cursed” after Bayern Munich ended their season trophyless for the first time in 12 YEARS.England captain Kane joined the German giants last summer in a £104million transfer from Tottenham.Fans have declared the Harry Kane ‘curse’ is realCredit: GettyHowever, despite Kane having another impressive individual season which has seen him score 44 goals and add 12 assists in all competitions, he has still been unable to end his trophyless run.Kane, 30, tasted defeat in his first game for the Bavarians as they lost to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup.There was more woe for the team in the DFB-Pokal in November as Bayern were stunned by third-division minnows Saarbrücken – who went on to make the semi-final.Since then Bayer Leverkusen, who had previously never won the Bundesliga, claimed the title with matches to spare.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that came despite one of Kane’s team-mates, Kingsley Coman, previously having his own omen of winning the league title every year since 2013 with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern.That left the Champions League as the last chance for Kane to get his hands on some silverware. A penalty from Kane in the first leg helped Bayern to a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.The second leg saw Kane and Co under the cosh for some time before Alphonso Davies lashed home an opener for the Gemans in the 68th minute after a brilliant over the top pass from Kane to assist him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, just two minutes from the end of regulation time and after Kane had been subbed off, Manuel Neuer – who had otherwise been superb across both legs – spilled an easy shot from Vinicius Jr.This allowed super sub Joselu to poke home an equaliser. Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichThen three minutes later the Stoke and Newcastle flop was at it again as he expertly tapped home an Antonio Rudiger cross to send Los Blancos through to the Champions League final at Wembley.During his time at Spurs and with the Three Lions Kane – whose heartbreaking reaction to Real’s goal was caught on camera – has had some near misses.This has included missing out on the Premier League title to Leicester in 2015/16, losing the Champions League in 2019 to Liverpool following a controversial penalty call and losing the Euro 2020 final in the shootout to Italy.Fans could not help but highlight Kane’s so-called “curse” after his elimination confirmed another year without silverware for him.One fan shared a picture of Kane and said: “Bayern Munich are going to go without a trophy for the first time since 2011/12. This man is officially cursed.”A second said: “He is not cursed he IS the curse.”Another said: “Harry Kane tax.”A fourth said: “The Kane curse is so real now.. it’s no longer a joke.. what will he have to do to win a trophy?? I feel bad for him.”Bayern’s 12 year trophy haulHere’s the trophies Bayern Munich have won in every season since their last year barren season in 2011/12.
      2012/13: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2013/14: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2014/15: Bundesliga
      2015/16: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal
      2016/17: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2017/18: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2018/19: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2019/20: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2020/21: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2021/22: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2022/23: Bundesliga, German Super Cup

      A fifth added: “It’s real. It’s damn real.”Kane and co felt they should have had the opportunity to play extra time after Matthijs de Ligt shot the ball into the net in the 12th minute of injury time after an INCORRECT offside call that would have been overturned by VAR.However, since the whistle had already gone before the shot had happened, the referee could not bring the play back to allow the goal.Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – who fans joked had passed his Manchester United audition amid reports of him going to Old Trafford – described the call as a “disaster” that was “against the rules”.Dutchman De Ligt claimed in his post-match interview the linesman had apologised for “making a mistake”He told beIN Sports: “”This is a shame. The linesman said to me ‘I’m sorry I made a mistake’.”In the end, I’m not the type of person who wants to blame the loss or win on the referee so Madrid deserves to win because they won 2-1.”But I think, if it’s a rule, it’s a rule and that’s the only thing I can say about it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the upside, if Bayern Munich’s last trophyless season is anything to go by, Kane could well be in for a trophy glut next season.And some England fans believe his curse could end at the Euros, joking: “He will get his trophy this summer, it’s coming home.”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

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      Liverpool 4 Tottenham 2: Spurs fail to capitalise on Aston Villa slip-up with Champions League hopes all-but over

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      WITH Mo Salah and Spurs, you knew there would be fire.Not the kind of flames the Egyptian warned he would unleash if he spoke to reporters after last week’s touchline bust-up with Jurgen Klopp.Mo Salah headed Liverpool into an early lead against TottenhamCredit: PAAndy Robertson pounced from close-range to double the advantage before the breakCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Cody Gakpo headed home his team’s third moments after the restartCredit: AFPHarvey Elliott scored a rocket to make it four in front of the KopCredit: AFPBut the sort of blazing scoring form that has made him one of the Premier League’s hottest goal-getters in the last seven years – with Tottenham so often getting burnt.Salah’s opener here, after he was put straight back into the team following that fracas at West Ham, was his 12th strike against the North Londoners.The only club to feel his wrath more is Manchester United, against whom he has notched 14.His other favoured opposition are Manchester City, West Ham (both 11) and Arsenal (ten) – summing up just what a big-game player the 31-year-old is.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSalah may have faded in recent weeks, this game aside.But that lethal record against the best the Premier League has to offer shows how much the Reds will miss him if he does follow Klopp out the exit door this summer.Having said that, Spurs looked more like the worst in the top flight today as Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side made it easy for their hosts.From Guglielmo Vicario’s weak effort to repel Salah’s early header, to Emerson Royal having his pocket picked in the build-up to Cody Gakpo making it 3-0, the visitors had a shocker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLeft-back Andy Robertson made it two goals in as many games in between those strikes, firing in after a shot was saved by Salah, who also teed up a worldie for Harvey Elliott.The emphatic victory kept Liverpool technically in the title race, even though it would take a miracle for them to overhaul City and Arsenal at this point.Jurgen Klopp vows NEVER to watch TNT Sports again as Liverpool boss launches hilarious rant over ‘favourite TV channel’It resembled more of a fun day out for fans to remind them of what their icon Klopp is capable of creating on what was his penultimate home game in charge before he walks into the sunset at the end of the season.The Anfield experience must have been anything but fun for boyhood Liverpool supporter Postecoglou, whose first campaign is in danger of unravelling.This was their fourth defeat on the trot, their second where they have shipped four and their dismal away record in the league now stands at one win in nine.More worryingly, the free-flowing fare dubbed Angeball which delivered a hat-trick of Manager of the Month awards at the start of the season was in short supply.That was save for two late strikes, which proved to be consolations but at the time added a bit of drama, through ex-Evertonian Richarlison and Son Heung-min.They did not get close to capitalising on the favour Aston Villa did them by losing at Brighton earlier in the day.And now with three games left, including a home clash with imperious-looking City, they are seven points off Unai Emery’s fourth-placed side.Worse still, Spurs have in-form pair Newcastle and Chelsea in their rearview mirror.The Toon are only four points behind and, whisper it, old boss Mauricio Pochettino and his Blues are just two further away.Postecoglou wanted a reaction after Thursday’s dismal 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and Spurs actually looked OK for the opening five minutes or so.It was downhill from there, though.Salah struck the crossbar with an effort which surely must have been intended to be a cross on eight minutes, before Cristian Romero cleared an Elliott strike off the line.The hosts did not have to wait too much longer to find the back of the net as the impressive Gakpo clipped a gorgeous ball over to Salah, who had lost his marker Royal completely.His header was accurate enough towards the near post but Vicario will be disappointed he was so easily beaten.Former Everton forward Richarlison grabbed a goal back for Spurs after coming off the benchCredit: APSon Heung-Min then scored another as Spurs threatened a late rallyCredit: GettyLiverpool grew in confidence – no mean feat given their patchy recent form – and it was just a matter of time before the second went in.Gakpo, Robertson, Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold all went close before Liverpool’s favourite Scottish left-back converted just before the break.Robertson had laid an Alexander-Arnold cross back to Salah and was Johnny on the Spot to turn in the rebound when the Egyptian’s shot had been saved.As the whistle went for the break, Romero and Emerson Royal had to be separated by goalie Vicario as frustration threatened to boil over.Whatever Postecoglou’s half-time team-talk was, it did not work as Gakpo headed in Elliott’s superb delivery for number three within five minutes of the interval.Elliott then netted the goal of the game just before the hour by driving a shot into the top corner from 22 yards. Gareth Southgate, if he was watching, will no doubt have been hugely impressed by the 21-year-old.It was getting embarrassing for Postecoglou, just like it had been at Brighton, Fulham and Newcastle since Christmas.But similarly to the 4-2 loss at the Amex at the end of December, his side did salvage some pride with a late rally.The first came when Richarlison hit his 11th of the season by coolly slotting home Brennan Johnson’s cross.Brazilian No9 Richarlison then teed up Son who became the first ever Premier League player to score in four consecutive matches at Anfield.No wonder Klopp thinks missing out on signing the South Korean is his biggest transfer mistake of his Reds tenure.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe late goals merely papered over the cracks for sinking Spurs though.While their nemesis Salah could even afford a wry smile when being flagged offside after burying in what he thought was his 13th strike against one of his favourite opponents.Jurgen Klopp only has one more game left to go at AnfieldCredit: PAAnge Postecoglou’s awful run of results continued despite the late rallyCredit: Getty More

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      Spurs star Radu Dragunsin’s agent SLAMS Ange Postecoglou’s tactics as he fires transfer warning at boss

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      RADU DRAGUSIN’S agent has slammed Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and warned that the defender will look to leave if he does not get more game time.Florin Manea believes centre-half Dragusin, 22, would help solve Spurs’ problems at set-pieces.Radu Dragusin’s agent has hit out at Ange Postecoglou’s tacticsCredit: PAHe told Italian radio: “The coach said many times he does not want to play with a three-man defence, evidently he knows best.“But Tottenham concede a ton of goals. Playing with three gives more security.“I also think Tottenham concede a lot of goals from set plays, so Dragusin would be very helpful due to his power in the air.“He used to win all the headers at Genoa.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpurs warded off competition from Napoli and Bayern Munich to sign Dragusin from Genoa for £21.5m in January.But he has started just two Premier League games and come on as a substitute in only four more.Manea added: “I can say that if Postecoglou told Dragusin that he is only considered an alternative to the other centre-backs, then he would not stay just to sit on the bench.“If he doesn’t play, then we have to think about other solutions.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs head into Sunday’s trip to Liverpool having conceded 22 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season.That is the third-most behind Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. ‘Come on mate, want me to write you a dossier’ – Postecoglou fumes in live TV interview when asked about Tottenham lossPostecoglou’s men have kept just two clean sheets in their previous 25 Premier League matches.And now Spurs are in danger of losing four consecutive league matches.A defeat tomorrow at Anfield would make it their worst run since losing six in a row in October and November 2004.The Aussie boss spoke about a lack of belief and conviction after the defeat at Chelsea, but he told the club’s website how he plans to change that.If he doesn’t play, then we have to think about other solutions.Florin ManeaHe said: “You continually focus on what’s important. If you fall into the trap – and many people do – of thinking there’s a quick fix, there isn’t.“It’s time, hard work and perseverance, resilience, focus, all those things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s part of the process. Nothing changes. We stay focussed on what we’re trying to achieve. It’s not a good place to be (after three straight defeats) and you’ve got to feel that pain, ultimately that’s what drives you.“At the same time, we know where we’re at, we know what we need to do, we’ve still a long way to go, but we’re building a decent foundation for it.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Ange Postecoglou ‘plots brutal Tottenham clearout’ with Richarlison among stars available for transfer

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is reportedly plotting a brutal clearout at Tottenham after warning his players “change has to happen”.Spurs have seen their top four hopes all but vanish after a run of two wins from their last seven games, including three losses on the bounce before facing Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.Ange Postecoglou has suggested he will be making more sweeping changes this summerCredit: AlamyRicharlison is reported to be among those on the for sale listCredit: GettyIn an effort to make the jump into the top four next season, the club are said to be planning a busy summer transfer window.The Telegraph report midfielders Conor Gallagher and Amadou Onana, midfielders Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo and wingers Raphinha and Samuel Iling-Junior on their radar.A decision must also be made on the future of on loan Timo Werner, while an out-and-out striker is also on the list.However, any arrivals will be facilitated by a number of outgoings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRicharlison is said to be one such star who’s position is under threat, along with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Emerson Royal.Postecoglou, 58, made seven signings in the first summer he arrived, supplemented by also making loan deals for Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro permanent.Radu Dragusin and Werner were then added to the squad ranks in January.Harry Kane was sold for £104million to bolster Spurs coffers in the squad revamp, with players such as Eric Dier, Hugo Lloris, Lucas Moura and Davinson Sánchez also being moved on in the last two windows.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the former Celtic boss is determined to not lose any steam in completing the squad renovations in north London.He said: “We need change. Change has to happen. SunSport expert Martin Lipton reacts to shock new Premier League financial rules”You can’t want to alter your course, and quite dramatically for this club because we went down a certain direction and now we’re pivoting to a whole different direction, and expect the same people are going to be on that [journey]. It’s just not going to happen.”We’ve had two [transfer] windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure. But when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about.”We can’t be there yet because it’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey. It’s not for the want of trying. “It’s just that we’re going to play a certain way, we’re going to train a certain way and we’re going to have a certain mindset, and that’s not for everyone.We’re going to play a certain way… and that’s not for everyoneAnge Postecoglou”And the same way, whether it’s Liverpool or Arsenal, if you look at the beginning of their journeys, by the time they win the competition or have success, the team’s almost unrecognisable. That’s the reality, if you change.”However, before that, Postecoglou will be hoping to get a grip of Spurs’ lousy defensive set-piece record after seeing dead balls bite them in their games against Arsenal and Chelsea.Earlier this week Premier League clubs announced they were pushing ahead with a new way to control spending, with clubs set to be limited to spending 4.5 or five times the TV revenue of the lowest-paid club.If agreed – a formal vote is now likely at the Harrogate AGM in June – the new measures would be introduced in “shadow” form next term, alongside a “squad cost ratio” format that links expenditure on wages and transfers to a maximum of 85 per cent of club revenues.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe sides playing in any of Uefa’s three competitions will be restricted to spending 70 per cent of their income from the start of 2025.But the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules – which allow clubs to lose a maximum £105m over three seasons – will remain in force next season.Spurs’ set piece woesBy Tom Barclay
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.” More

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      Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham players AND staff face axe – so who should stay and who should go?

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU warned players and even staff members could go in his bid to turn Spurs into title challengers.The Aussie already implemented an overhaul in his first two transfer windows but, after three straight defeats, revealed more change is on its way.Ange Postecoglou says he is ready to make big callsCredit: AlamyTimo Werner’s loan deal can be made permanent for £15mCredit: GettyPlaymaker James Maddison’s form for Spurs has dipped recentlyCredit: RexPostecoglou, whose Tottenham side’s Champions League hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, said: “We’ve already made tough decisions.“We let some experienced players leave the club at the beginning of the year, some by choice.“But I feel like if we’re really going to change, that means change. You have to make decisions.“Some of those decisions aren’t that tough because, whether it’s a player or a staff member, they realise it themselves.READ MORE TOP STORIES“But some of them you have to make just because of change, not necessarily because they don’t fit in the picture.“I’ve got to change this squad.  I’ve got to build a squad I think can play our football. For that to happen, there have to be exits.”Postecoglou witnessed the early stages of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution up close with a Boxing Day trip to Anfield in 2016.And just like the Reds board backed the German’s vision then — to great reward — Postecoglou feels he has the support of  Spurs’ hierarchy now to continue his own overhaul.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Aussie will head to Anfield on Sunday with some fans doubting him after three straight losses — including two painful London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea.Yet he is further ahead than Klopp was in his first Reds campaign, where he finished eighth, given the Spurs chief is on course to come fifth.Jamie Redknapp forced to apologise after ‘stealing Sky Sports host’s thunder’ in awkward moment on live TVPostecoglou recalled a visit to take in Liverpool’s 4-1 thrashing of Stoke seven-and-a-half years ago in Klopp’s second season — which ended with the Reds finishing fourth — when discussing his own backing from Spurs bosses.The 58-year-old, a boyhood Liverpool fan, said: “In 2016 I came over with the family and  took my oldest son to Anfield to watch Liverpool.“It was just at the beginning of that building phase and, to be fair, they hadn’t done anything significant up until that point.“But there was just a real energy in the stadium around Jurgen.“The whole club, the supporters, everyone had bought into him, even though they hadn’t quite got to where they wanted to yet.“But I felt that in the stadium and that’s why I’ve always got drawn to managers like that.“You could see he could see things that others couldn’t in that time.“For the most part with the most successful clubs, that’s the  formula.“Part of that responsibility lies on me to make sure  I’m leading in a way that allows people to believe in me and support me because . . . it’s the only way I’m going to have success.“I’m not going to do it on my own, that’s for sure. I never have. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve had great support and right now I’ve all the support I need.“I really feel like the club has bought into the vision I have and it’s up to me to maintain that.”Some Spurs supporters questioned Postecoglou’s appointment in June from Celtic, arguing his success in Japan and Scotland was not enough to warrant a top Premier League job.Those worries soon vanished when he started the season like a house on fire, going unbeaten in his first ten games to send Tottenham top of the league.Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are under the microscopeCredit: GettyYet that old narrative has reared its head again after losses to Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea have now left Spurs’ Champions League chances almost in tatters.Thursday’s display in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was particularly concerning.Some fans are worried that though his open, attacking, uncompromising style won league titles with Yokohama and Celtic, it may not necessarily translate to the Premier League.And straight-talking Postecoglou understands he will have doubters until he delivers success.He explained: “What do you reckon they said when I got to Japan? [The same].“What do you reckon they said when I got to Scotland?“I get that. I understand that. It’s legitimate until success comes and then it doesn’t become legitimate.“My role is to navigate us to where I think we’ll be successful.“It’s not new to me. It’s not something I haven’t been asked before.“I’ve always just navigated it exactly the same way.“But that doesn’t mean those questions shouldn’t be there because until you achieve something, obviously people are just going to try and figure out if my ideas are going to work here.“That’s understandable. Until you have success, of course those questions are going to remain.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham is at doubtCredit: Rex“But do I have any doubts?  Absolutely none. I have clarity in terms of building us a club which will become successful.“I believe what I believe, down to my core. I’ll stand on the highest ground, die a noble death, believing in what I believe.”With Spurs’ hopes of a top-four finish seemingly wrecked, Ange Postecoglou knows he needs to overhaul his squad next season.Here, SunSport’s TOM BARCLAY runs the rule over who is likely to survive the cull — and who is in danger of going.FIVE TO STAYGUGLIELMO VICARIO: A little shaky from set-pieces but, overall, a big hit for just £16million.CRISTIAN ROMERO: Postecoglou hailed the World Cup winner as “outstanding”.MICKY VAN DE VEN: Dutch heir-apparent to Virgil van Dijk and lightning quick.DESTINY UDOGIE: Sensational in the first half of his maiden campaign and still so young.JAMES MADDISON: Tailed off recently but when he’s good, he’s perfect for Postecoglou.FIVE TO GOPIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG: Dependable but not a natural Ange fit. One year left on his deal.BRYAN GIL: Talented but looks too lightweight for the Premier League.RYAN SESSEGNON: Injury issues mean Spurs may let him go for nothing.OLIVER SKIPP: A rare home-grown player but Postecoglou has hardly given him a look-in.TANGUY NDOMBELE: Spurs’ biggest-ever flop will be back this summer — but surely not for long.FIVE IN DOUBTYVES BISSOUMA: Form has nosedived since electric start to the season.GIO LO CELSO: Has shown glimpses but rarely features and has only a year left.EMERSON ROYAL: Spurs rejected £25m Saudi offer in January but may rethink.READ MORE SUN STORIESTIMO WERNER: Club can make his loan permanent for just £15m — but jury is out as to whether it is worth it.MANOR SOLOMON: Injury has ruined Israeli’s first season, prompting durability concerns. More

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      ‘Come on mate, want me to write you a dossier?’ – Postecoglou fumes in live TV interview when asked about Tottenham loss

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU fumed in his post-match interview after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.The loss was Spurs’ third consecutive defeat after losing to Newcastle and Arsenal.Postecoglou was not happy in his post-match interviewCredit: Sky SportsThe manager bristled when asked if his message was getting across to his playersCredit: Sky SportsGoals for Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson were enough to give Chelsea all three points in the London derby as they make a late push for Europe.The result delighted Mauricio Pochettino as he got one over his old side.It was set-pieces that proved to be Tottenham’s Achilles heel again with both goals coming from free-kicks.When asked about his team’s performance by Sky Sports, Postecoglou said: “It’s not good enough and I’ve got to take responsibility for that, that’s on me.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I’m the manager, I’m the one that’s putting them out there and it was nowhere near good enough. As I said I’ve got to take a look at myself in all this and see how I can have more of an impact.”When asked about his message getting through to his players, a visibly annoyed Postecoglou said: “Come on mate. We didn’t play well. What do you want me to sit there and write a dossier on where we went wrong?”Like I said, I’ll take responsibility, we were poor in the first half, still think their goal was a foul but no one cares about that but we didn’t deserve any more than that and like I said that’s on me.”Spurs will be looking to bounce back on Sunday, when they face a tricky trip to Anfield.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey haven’t lost four games in a row since the 2002-03 season and Postecoglou will be hoping his side don’t renew that particular record.The loss leaves Spurs looking over their shoulder at Manchester United, who are six points off them with the same number of games played.’Bravest fan in the world’ spotted in the Tottenham end with an ARSENAL shirt after turning up with wrong ticketNewcastle in seventh are seven points behind Spurs as they look to push for Europa League football this season under Eddie Howe.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.” More

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      Ange Postecoglou’s four-word blast at Tottenham flops caught on camera as Gary Neville says ‘he’s snapped’

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was accused of losing it with his players in a four-word tirade caught on camera in Spurs’ costly 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville reckoned the manager singled out two of his Tottenham stars and “snapped”.Ange Postecoglou was furious during what could prove a costly defeatPostecoglou was seen screaming “Stop passing it backwards!” as Spurs struggled to create anything meaningful in a tame Premier League loss.Tottenham, in fifth, are now seven points off fourth-placed Aston Villa in the hunt for Champions League places.Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues are suddenly scenting a European spot themselves.Victory via Trevoh Chalobah’s header and Nicolas Jackson’s rebound nod-in put Chelsea eighth, two points off Newcastle just above them.READ MORE TOP STORIESPostecoglou, normally so calm, launched a stern-faced blast from the touchline at Stamford Bridge.Manchester United legend Neville responded: ”He is having a right go at (Pape Matar) Sarr, he’s having a right go at (Cristian) Romero, he has snapped, has Postecoglou.”But many fans on social media blamed the ex-Celtic chief himself – claiming his tactics are now being found out.Other Spurs fans are fed up with their dead-ball defending.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “It’s literally his football that’s got us in this absolute state.”Another argued: “Can’t defend set pieces, but there isn’t a problem with that… The football is awful.”Frank Warren reveals he was ‘quite close’ to joining Premier League club despite being massive Arsenal fanA third wrote: “Been found out. Needs a plan b (and better players).”And one observer suggested Poctecoglou is already worried chairman Daniel Levy will sack him – as Spurs risk fading after a brilliant start to the season.That fan said: “He knows he’s under pressure. He knows Levy will get rid if this gets worse.”Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      Chelsea were more clinical than the visitors More

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      Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Pochettino gets revenge on former team as Blues deal Spurs’ Champions League hopes fatal blow

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves all he gets for being a Billy Joel fan.By quoting Mr Supermarket Music to defend his dislike of boring, set-piece practice, Tottenham’s manager betrayed himself twice.Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second as they sealed a 2-0 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino got revenge on his old teamCredit: AFPWhile Ange Postecoglou cast a miffed figure on the sidelinesCredit: AFPHe firstly ruined any street cred he may wish for and secondly revealed to every opposition manager that he does not care for such trivial things as free kicks and corners.And so Chelsea duly carved his team open twice from free kicks to leave his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in his first season hanging by a thread.Defeat here leaves Tottenham fifth, seven points behind Aston Villa and now with just one game in hand.And with only four games to go it is highly unlikely they will somehow recover from their alarming dip in form to make it to the Promised Land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceding from similar free kicks in each half made it three defeats on the spin with Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play.But more than failing to reach the top four in his debut year, Postecoglou is learning at great cost how Tottenham contrive to cock it up around this time each season.This was their second London derby defeat inside four days too, suggesting his players need to toughen up when it comes to facing the neighbours.Two down to Arsenal inside half an hour on Sunday, they were caught on the hop again, proving they haven’t learned any lessons from the weekend or from recent history as another season of such promise threatens to crumble in the home stretch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust 25 minutes had gone when they went down to the first dead ball situation.Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher hooked a free kick into the box to find defender Trevoh Chalobah surging forward and free to loop a classy header over keeper Guglielmo Vicario.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceVAR tried to come to Tottenham’s rescue with delays to check nonsensical possible offside then a foul. But after the usual lengthy delay, Chalobah’s goal stood and Postecoglou found his team up against it again.Big Ange is having problems getting a tune out of his team at the crucial part of the campaign. Sound familiar Spurs fans?It was the son who got things going with Trevoh Chalobah lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt carrying the slogan ‘Jehovah’s Son’ across the chest as he wheeled away in delight after scoring first.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min was anonymous.  His supply line cut off as Tottenham were overwhelmed. Spurs are running out of steam.James Maddison, signed with such expectation last summer, is fading from view.Chelsea were more clinical than the visitorsChalobah impressed at CBHaving been subbed in his last nine games he finally bit the bullet and was dropped altogether last night.The £40million midfielder has not completed a full 90 minutes since Brighton at home on February 10. His England place for the Euros is not safe.It wasn’t even as if Chelsea suddenly found a string of superstars to roll out on a big night at Stamford Bridge. It was the same old bunch that has pitched and rolled like a North Sea trawler all season long.Boss Pochettino even hinted there could be some surprises in his selection. With a crippling injury list, added to by the absences of Thiago Silva and fellow centre half Axel Disasi, he was not wrong there.Trevoh Chalobah put in a starring display and was rewarded with a goalCredit: PAThe defeat leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe bench was not so much a ‘Who’s who?’ As a ‘Who’s he?’ with greenhorns Zak Sturge, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer among the 20-man matchday squad.Last night was eight years to the day since the notorious Battle of the Bridge resulting in nine bookings, a six match ban for Spurs’ Mousa Dembele and a punch up on the pitch.Early hopes of a repeat performance came and went with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Jackson shoving each other in a petty dispute at a dead ball in no man’s land just two minutes in. After that Spurs became Chelsea’s punch bag. Jackson went agonisingly close to putting them ahead after only five minutes.Put through on the chase by Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s erratic centre forward did everything right for once, slipping the ball through Vicario’s legs. Luckily, Spurs have flying Dutchman Mick van de Ven – clocked at more than 23 mph this season – in the ranks and he scampered back to hook the shot off the line, earning a massive hug from his mightily relieved keeper.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
      ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
      Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
      Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
      “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
      “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
      “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
      “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
      He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

      At least last weekend they put up a fight against the Gunners. Here they settled in to be overrun from start to finish, making a fairly average Chelsea team look like world beaters.A few half chances with Pape Sarr having a shot deflected and Brennan Johnson scuffing one wide in the second half . Postecoglou went from irate madman in the first half to deflated and defeated in the second, especially after Jackson grabbed the winner 18 minutes from the end.Palmer chipped in a free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. And given that free kicks don’t matter at Spurs, nobody bothered to pick up Chelsea’s centre forward who pounced to head in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s the 16th time they have conceded from a set-piece. Postecoglou quoted Joel song ‘You May Be Right’ to justify his decision to ignore free kicks and corners but it’s hitting a duff note.Victory takes Chelsea up to eighth, above West Ham. They are now just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with their own dreams of Europe improving. More