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      Tottenham 3 Elfsborg 0: Dane Scarlett unlikely hero as academy products combine to book spot in Europa League last 16

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      DANE SCARLETT was Tottenham’s unlikely hero in every sense.The 20-year-old was only recalled from his loan at Championship side Oxford earlier this month due to a lack of game-time – with the club’s intention to farm him out again.Dane Scarlett celebrates scoring his first goal for SpursCredit: GettyDamola Ajayi came off the bench to seal all three points on his Spurs debutCredit: RexMikey Moore’s late strike finished off a fine night for the Tottenham academyCredit: RexThat was made impossible when Ange Postecoglou brought him on for the injured Radu Dragusin – Spurs’ crock curse striking again – in the 66th minute.Players are not permitted to play for more than two clubs in a season so another temporary switch was off as soon as he took to the pitch here.But given what he then produced, and Spurs’ desperate lack of options with so many players sidelined, they probably would want to keep him anyway.Because within four minutes of coming on, Scarlett had his first senior goal when heading home an inswinging cross from fellow sub Dejan Kulusevski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt broke Elfsborg’s resistance and confirmed Tottenham’s safe passage to the last 16 of the Europa League, without the need of a pesky two-legged play-off in February.Thursday’s win confirmed they will face one of AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Real Sociedad and FC Midtylland for a place in the quarter-finals.Scarlett even had an assist to his name with six minutes to go as he traded passes with another sub Oyindamola Ajayi who fired home on his debut for 2-0.Spurs team-mates gather to congratulate Damola Ajayi after scoring on his debutCredit: EPAThere was still time for 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore to make it a hat-trick of maiden goals for the club when he drilled home in stoppage time.Most read in FootballIt brought some much-needed relief to boss Postecoglou, who at one point made light of his mad injury situation by pretending to grab his hamstring on the touchline.The Aussie has felt the heat for the club’s disastrous league form which has seen them plummet down to 15th.A relegation battle cannot be ruled out given their form and injury problems.But Postecoglou has kept the faith that things will turn around when they get their players back.While he has also pointed to the potential glory of the cups, given they are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, the FA Cup and now the knockouts in Europe.Spurs have badly missed key defender Micky van de Ven for the last seven weeks due to his latest hamstring injury.So the loud cheer when the Dutchman’s name was read out before kick-off was understandable – as would have been any nerves over the prospect of reinjury.He ended up only playing the first 45 minutes in what was likely a planned move to ease him back gently – and in truth he had next to no defensive work to do in his time on the pitch.Micky van de Ven’s first-half appearance brought huge joy to the Spurs faithfulCredit: RexElfsborg are still in their pre-season for their domestic campaign and have only played two competitive games since December 12 – albeit both wins in th Europa League – and sat back throughout.Captain Son Heung-min has struggled for his own form amid Tottenham’s difficult season.But he has been better in the last week, netting twice in the 3-2 win at Hoffenheim last Thursday and being Spurs’ best player in Sunday’s 2-1 horror show against Leicester.Here he was at his twinkle-toed best, dancing round Elfsborg’s defenders and leaving Simon Hedlund particularly dizzy.South Korean football star Yang Min-hyeok explains his reasons for joining Tottenham One clever bit of movement saw the South Korean cut the ball back for Pape Sarr who was denied by a fine stop from Isak Pettersson.The Elfsborg stopper had said on Wednesday his side would “not be scared” when taking on Spurs.And he made a brave save when facing down Moore’s goalbound strike after more clever feet from Son.Lucas Bergvall may have felt an extra desire to impress given the Swede was up against opposition from his home country.Perhaps it affected his concentration as he gave the ball away sloppily several times in the first half, incurring the wrath of Postecoglou who angrily urged the 18-year-old to calm down.Dragusin came on for Van de Ven at the break in a triple change for the hosts.Besfort Zeneli’s shot hit the Romanian’s leg soon after and looped up, allowing striker Jalal Abdullai to pull off an acrobatic volley which went narrowly over the bar.The anti-Daniel Levy chants reached fever pitch in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss to Leicester, with many fed-up fans calling for ownership change.That dissension was more a murmur here that every so often would crop up, either in the form of a ‘We want Levy out’ taunt or the popular Kulusevski song which also takes aim at the supremo.All of a sudden, Dragusin went down clutching his right knee.He had attempted to hack away a loose ball and instantly felt a problem and after receiving treatment, eventually had to be withdrawn.Radu Dragusin was withdrawn after an injury scareCredit: AFPOn in his place came academy product Scarlett, who within four minutes was wheeling away after heading in Kulusevski’s cross for his maiden Spurs goal.There was another first strike 14 minutes later as 19-year-old debutant Ajayi played a one-two with Scarlett and fired a low, left-footed shot into the corner, killing off Elfsborg and raising the roof.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpurs had four teenagers on the pitch by the end in Archie Gray, Bergvall, Ajayi and Moore – who struck in stoppage time to round off a fabulous night for Tottenham’s kids.Ange Postecoglou applauds the Spurs fans at full-timeCredit: RexA late flurry of goals saw Elfsborg knocked out of the Europa LeagueCredit: RexElfsborg’s goalkeeper is consoled by manager Oscar Hiljemark after their Europa League exitCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd and Tottenham learn Europa League last-16 opponents as final game wins make it HARDER with full table confirmed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham’s Europa League fate has been determined. United won away at FCSB while Spurs beat Swedish side IF Elfsborg at home to bypass the playoff round and proceed straight for March’s last-16.Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with with Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyTottenham breezed throughCredit: APAnd, as they finished next to each other in the final league stage table in 3rd and 4th, the underperforming Prem pair have the SAME four potential opponents.Those are the four teams who 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar – who will face off with each other in the February’s play-off round double-header.Ironically, if United and Spurs had NOT won their final league games – each would have faced potentially easier opponents.That is because, despite their league positions, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray remain two of the toughest sides in the competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe draw takes place on Friday to determine the play-off fixtures – where each of Spurs and United’s potential opponents will be narrowed down to two.United saw off their Romanian rivals 2-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. While injury-ravaged Spurs ran riot in the last 20 minutes with academy kids Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore getting on the score sheet. Rangers also took an automatic top eight qualification spot after beating Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side could now play either Anderlecht, Bodo/Glimt, Twente or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Spurs’ win ensured they missed a potentially awkward reunion with old boss Mourinho – for now at least.’Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clashNice, Braga, Hoffenheim, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv are some of the big names dumped out of Europe. Elfsborg, Maccabi TA, Slavia, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets and Qarabag make up the full 12. Now 16 clubs battle it out for the eight remaining spots in the knockout stages. Ajax, Porto, Roma, FCSB, Plzen, Ferencvaros and PAOK are also in the play-offs. Lazio topped the table and could now draw arch rivals Roma – as well as either Porto, Plzen or Ferencvaros. Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce More

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      Tottenham ‘agree £50million Mathys Tel transfer’ but Bayern star now set to choose between Premier League clubs

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      TOTTENHAM have reportedly agreed a £50million fee for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel.Spurs had originally been tracking the 19-year-old striker for a potential loan deal this January.Tottenham have reportedly agreed a fee with Bayern for Mathys TelCredit: RexBut reports in France suggest the Premier League club have agreed a fee with the Bundesliga giants.Tel must now make a decision on whether to swap Munich for North London, according to L’Equipe. But Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in bringing him to England. Tel was a wonderkid at Rennes, where he became the Ligue 1 side’s youngest-ever player in 2021. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe earned a big-money move to Bayern a year later, but has played a bit-part role this season. The teenager has been plagued by injuries, resulting in just 8 appearances and no goals in 2024/25. Tel is contracted at the Allianz Arena until 2029. But he is looking for regular minutes after a stuttering campaign, with Tottenham desperate for a versatile forward.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTel, blessed with electric pace, can play anywhere along the front three.Spurs have been dogged by an injury crisis, with boss Ange Postecoglou clinging on to his job after a weekend loss to Leicester.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou shows his dissagpointment after defeat to Leicester Tottenham have also been linked with Yoane Wissa from Brentford.Foot Mercato claims talks are underway and that Spurs have contacted Wissa to express their interest.The 28-year-old has been vital for the Bees since his arrival from Lorient in 2021.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Meet Mathys Tel, the teenage prodigy dubbed the ‘next Anelka’ who is sparking transfer scramble by Premier League clubs

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      MATHYS TEL is Bayern Munich’s record-breaking French prodigy who could be on the move to the Premier League. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have been circling around the 19-year-old whizkid, with Blues fans even hailing him as the next Nicolas Anelka. Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel may be on the move to the Premier League in the transfer windowThe youngster wants out from Bayern in this transfer window, with him sitting on the bench in the club’s last three games. And since Michael Olise’s arrival, Tel has made just seven Bundesliga appearances this season – with two of them being starts. Chelsea are reportedly ready to loan Christopher Nkunku as part of a deal to land Tel, with a fee of £58million being mooted. Man Utd and Spurs are said to be interested, as are Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus injured.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next Nicholas Anelka According to BILD, Tel has made it clear that he doesn’t want to go to Chelsea – because the competition for places there is just as big as in Munich. But Tel does want to move away from Bavaria because he is hungry for game time. That will be a major blow to Chelsea fans’ dreams of landing the next Anelka. One supporter wrote on X: “When I see Tel, I see a young Anelka.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYNicolas Anelka starred for Chelsea during his spell in West LondonCredit: PA:Empics SportTurns out the teenager has previously shared how he idolises the former Blues striker. When asked why he wears the number 39, Tel said: “Because I already had it at Rennes and also because Nicolas Anelka wore it. I like Anelka, he was a really good player.”Man Utd stars hit Ruben Amorim as he runs birthday gauntlet in training… and is left holding his backRetired French ace Anelka, who played at Chelsea between 2008-2012, won the Premier League, FA Cup twice and Community Shield as a Blues player. Where it all began Tel was born in a Northern suburb of Paris called Sarcelles, playing as a youngster for local clubs Villiers Le Bel, Paris FC, ASJ Aubervilliers and Montrouge FC as well as spending time at the renowned Clairefontaine academy. Tel actually started out as a centre-back but it soon became clear that he would be better used as a forward due to his exceptional dribbling and finishing skills. As a fresh-faced 15-year-old he signed for Rennes, where he went on a meteoric rise. In August 2021, Tel became the youngest player ever to turn out for Rennes when he came on for the final five minutes of their 1-1 draw at Brest. He was just 16-years, three-months and 19-days-old when he made his competitive debut and was already 6ft tall. Tel was captain of the France U17 team when they lifted the Euros trophy in Israel in the summer of 2022. The forward played a key role in the push towards Euros glory, with three goals and an assist in the group stage before scoring in penalty shootout wins over Germany and Portugal. He lifted the trophy as captain following a 2-1 success against the Netherlands in the final on 1 June.Tel burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at RennesCredit: GettyRecord breaker Tel is already a record-breaker, after becoming Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer when at 17-years-old and 126-days he was on target in his side’s 5-0 DFB Cup triumph against Viktoria Cologne in August 2022. He beat the club’s previous record holder, Jamal Musiala (17 years, 205 days).It didn’t take long for him to then make his full Bundesliga debut against VfB Stuttgart on 10 September, toasting the occasion with his first top-flight goal.The Frenchman got off to a blinding start to last season, with five goals in his first eight games as Thomas Tuchel showed faith. He laid down a huge marker, notching an impressive two goals – both match-winners, against Manchester United and Copenhagen – and one assist in eight Champions League matches. The glittering campaign prompted Bayern to extend his contract through to 2029. Tel quickly made an impact upon his 2022 Bayern switchCredit: GettyHigh praise His Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller said: “You can see that he wants to score goals – that’s a great quality. “Thinking back to when Arjen Robben was playing, we used to think he should have been looking for the pass, but he was so focused on scoring and he scored a lot. “Mathys should keep doing his thing: firing shots in on goal. He’s a superb finisher.”He’s only 18 and is making the most of it at the moment. He’s always positive, always has a smile on his face and has great finishing in training and in matches.”Former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann added: “He’s a very young, talented player who can play different positions. “He’s very quick, strong with his body. He’s good at defending the ball with his back towards the opponent’s goal… I have the vision that he could score 40 goals [in a season like Robert Lewandowski] one day in the future.”Thomas Muller is among those to have offered high praise of TelCredit: GettyWho would he suit?Having initially played up top for Bayern during the 2022-23 campaign, Tel has mostly been selected on the wing in the years since.A right-footed forward, Tel likes to drift into an inside-left position.At Chelsea he would likely come up against the likes of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Nicolas Jackson for minutes, so may not get the regular game time that he craves.Man Utd may be a good landing spot, although the Red Devils may have to flog one of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho to make the deal happen.Tottenham, meanwhile, could almost certainly offer the game time, having been crippled by injuries this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnge Postecoglou’s side are still fighting on four fronts, which would give Tel plenty of opportunities to shine.Attackers Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are all missing through injury, while Son Heung-min and Richarlison will need their minutes carefully managed – although Spurs are also claimed to be trying to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. 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      Why Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been sacked by Tottenham – from player power to trophy boast and Daniel Levy relationship

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      WHEN the anti-Daniel Levy noise cranks up, it usually leads to change at Tottenham.The change that fans are demanding right now is in the boardroom — but usually that ends up coming in the dugout.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou with boss Daniel LevyCredit: GettySpurs fans have voiced their angerCredit: RexAnd, yet, the chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.That is despite Spurs slumping to 15th and being in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle.Although the Aussie reacted snappily to a fan accusing him of just that as he walked down the tunnel after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester.And this despite the ‘Levy Out’ chants during, and after, that miserable home defeat to the Foxes — who had lost their previous seven on the spin — reaching new decibel levels.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs well as the chants, banners were unfurled in the stands which included one saying: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy . . . TIME FOR CHANGE.”The question is, why is Levy sticking by Postecoglou right now?It is baffling the football world and is multi-faceted in its answer.First of all, the dismissals Levy has presided over — and there have been 12 permanent ones during his near-quarter of a century at the helm — have normally been preceded by a relationship breakdown between himself and the manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was the case with Harry Redknapp and later with Mauricio Pochettino, whose comments to the media towards the end of his reign irked Levy.­But that fracturing does not appear to have happened with Postecoglou, who has resisted every opportunity to criticise the Spurs higher-ups publicly.Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeatIn this painfully quiet transfer window, staggeringly, Spurs have recruited no outfield players despite their injury crisis.Yet the nearest that Postecoglou has come to a pointed comment has been to say the club would be “playing with fire” by not signing anyone.Player power has had an influence, too. Nuno Espirito Santo — now flying high with Nottingham Forest — was sacked after just ten Prem games in part after losing the dressing room.Italian firecracker Antonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no return in that amazing press-conference meltdown at Southampton in March 2023… and was gone soon after.The chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.Yet Postecoglou’s crocked squad, by all accounts, are just about still behind him.Then there is the fact Levy has tried chopping and changing managers before — the average tenure of a boss during his reign has been 23 months — to little effect.And Pochettino’s five-plus years in charge heavily skews that figure.So the supremo, who celebrates his 63rd birthday next month, has tried a different tack in recent years.Mauricio Pochettino left with no silverware won at SpursCredit: AFP or licensorsAntonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no returnCredit: RexNuno Espirito Santo was sacked after just ten Prem gamesCredit: PAIt used to be that he was involved in just about everything.Harry Kane would go on to become the greatest player in the club’s history but back when he was a teenager, you would not expect the chairman to be as heavily involved in an academy player’s contract negotiations as Levy was back then.Yet that has eased off of late, to a certain extent, with the likes of Rebecca Caplehorn — director of football administration and governance — technical director Johan Lange and Scott Munn, chief football officer and de facto No 2 to Levy, taking more prominent responsibilities.These are among the individuals Levy is understood to consult when weighing up big calls.Along with external individuals like Leon Angel, head of leading sports agency CAA Base, former managing director of football Fabio Paratici and, in years gone by, David Pleat.The new approach does not mean patience with Postecoglou will last forever at Spurs.But there is considerable sympathy for his crock crisis, with ten senior players out injured against Leicester.While there is also cause for hope from the cup competitions and Europe.Postecoglou has been hit with injury problemsCredit: AlamyVictory over Elfsborg on Thursday night will secure a last-16 spot in the Europa League.And winning the competition outright would not only end the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also get them back into the Champions League.Spurs are joint-favourites to win that competition and should have some senior players back for the knockout stages.And how easy would it be to hire a replacement for Postecoglou right now anyway?Consider the months-long pursuits of successors to Jose Mourinho and Conte, when Kane was still at the club and Tottenham’s position in the league was relatively strong (seventh and fourth respectively).Even if they managed to prise someone like Andoni Iraola away from high-flying Bournemouth, he would still have the same injury problems and the same inexperienced squad.But the other factor is, this time, changing the manager would not quell the anger from supporters towards Levy. If anything, it would increase it.It is questionable whether that deflection strategy even worked in the past but were Levy to do it now, all the heat would be on him and him alone.’The trust looks to have gone’That may be the case already, and certainly seemed to be on Sunday as enraged supporters called for his head.The trust looks to have gone with a number of fed-up fans, whose gripes include controversial change to season-ticket concessions and a reduction in wage-bill spending.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 41, reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbase.The Dutchman told SunSport: “He’s quite open. His office is always open to have a chat.“I know that his love for Tottenham is massive. He won’t approach players that quick — but he is far more approachable than people know.“Maybe if he would be a bit more open in public, people would then understand more what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.”A protest against Levy and the ownership is planned ahead of next month’s home game against Manchester United by activists Change for Tottenham.These calls-to-arms have not had the desired effect in the past.Michel Vorm reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbaseCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ENIC Group even marginally increased their majority shareholding to 86.91 per cent in December, which does not hint at an imminent exit.Yet Jamie Coughlan, of Change for Tottenham, said: “The pressure the fans are cranking up will have an effect.“Whilst ultimately he is the chairman, the club is still owned by ENIC.“The bad press that we are creating may affect future sponsorship deals or partnerships, which could lead to the real ownership looking to sell.“What I think has changed is the fact it won’t be long before he has severe pressure placed on him elsewhere.”Those who have worked with Levy talk about his extraordinarily thick skin.But that last point could have some validity. Levy is on record as saying the club are looking for fresh investment.Should potential investors be put off by a toxic atmosphere in the ground, maybe that could affect Levy’s thought process. READ MORE SUN STORIESLikely it would far more than how he is perceived by supporters.But Levy does not appear to be going anywhere and, for now at least, the same can be said for his manager.Levy could stick with manager PostecoglouCredit: PA More

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      ‘I’m not quite sure what he was doing’ – Harry Kane and Eric Dier make Bundesliga history but striker confused by pal

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Harry Kane and Eric Dier made Bundesliga history by registering a famous goal.Kane, 31, and Dier, 31, go way back as they burst onto the scene during their time at Tottenham where they played together for nine years.Bayern Munich stars Harry Kane and Eric Dier made Bundesliga history togetherCredit: GettyKane and Dier became the first ever English players to combine for a Bundesliga goalCredit: GettyNow the England duo are playing at Bayern and have proven that their chemistry is still very much alive and well.So much so that the two pals made history on Saturday’s 2-1 win at Freiburg.Kane and Dier became the first ever English players to combine for a goal in the Bundesliga since records began in the 2004-05 season.The England captain opened the scoring after just 15 minutes when the defender collected the ball on the right flank and fed his former Tottenham team-mate.Read More on FootballThe star striker poked fun at Dier during his post-match interview claiming he was confused to see him playing so far up the pitch.Kane said: “I’m not quite sure what he was doing in that position in the first place. “Me and Eric are really good friends and it’s good to see him on the pitch.”He’s not played a lot this season but whenever he’s come in he’s done really well. Eric was rock solid again [against Freiburg]. Most read in BundesligaBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”I’m delighted for him that he picked up an assist and it was nice that it fell to me.”Kim Min-jae sealed the three points for Bayern just nine minutes into the second half.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starFreiburg hit back with Matthias Ginter in the 68th minute but the visitors held on and are now top of the table with six points separating them from second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. More

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      Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeat

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU dished out a death stare in another chilling exchange with a Tottenham fan.The Aussie boss even walked BACK to the tunnel confrontation after Leicester inflicted Spurs’ sixth defeat in seven Premier League games.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou reappeared to glare at a fanCredit: Chris CowlinPostecoglou had walked straight off at first before returningCredit: Chris CowlinJust last month Postecoglou was guided away from visiting fans following a heated clash of words after a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth.And this time he faced a torrent of criticism from above the tunnel – amid boos for his team – after Leicester’s 2-1 win at the King Power Stadium.One supporter bawled: “You’re taking us down. We’re going down with you.”Postecoglou initially continued striding towards the changing rooms.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLBut astonishingly he backtracked and glared up at the fan.However, a club official appeared to point him inside again.And the 59-year-old then heeded that advice as he disappeared out of view.The footage was Spurs fan and podcast host Chris Cowlin and shared on his YouTube channel.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSupporters who saw the drama labelled Postecoglou an “embarrassment” for seemingly considering an angry encounter with the fan.One viewer posted: “Who does he think he is? We’re 15th in the league. Walk in those changing rooms before you get battered.”Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis Another said: “This is a recurring issue with him, it seems to be every game he squares up to fans who are rightly frustrated.”And a third wrote: “The guy’s just lost his 13th league game of the season against a crap team at home and steps back as if he’s gonna do something…what an embarrassment!”Postecoglou said of Sunday’s defeat: “It hurts a lot.”The players gave everything again. We are going to look at a lot of things, but in terms of effort I can’t ask anymore of this group, things just didn’t go our way today.”And he insisted:  “I know it will turn. We’ll get some players back, we were short again today but in the next couple of weeks there’s some really important players coming back that I know will help this group.”Postecoglou is fighting for his job after another miserable defeatCredit: Alamy More

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      Ange Postecoglou backed by Spurs board despite Everton horror show but faces huge seven days with job on the line

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S job is safe for now but he faces a key week in his Tottenham tenure.The Aussie, 59, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Prem boss to be sacked after Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Everton made it one win in ten league games.Ange Postcoglou is still safe in his job at Tottenham HotspurCredit: GettySpurs are currently 15th in the Premier League tableCredit: AFPBut he retains the support of chairman Daniel Levy, who wants to give him the time to turn around the club’s fortunes.That faith will be put to the test over seven days involving three massive games.On Thursday, Spurs go to Hoffenheim in the Europa League knowing victory would put them on the brink of automatic qualification to the knockout stages.They are ninth in the league table and can avoid a play-off in February if they finish top eight.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen on Sunday in the Prem they host Leicester, who have lost their last seven league matches.If they beat the Foxes, it may send them 11 points clear of the drop zone.That would give Postecoglou the breathing space to focus on the domestic cup competitions and Europe ahead of the final group-phase game at home to Swedish side Elfsborg a week on Thursday.Spurs are languishing down in 15th in the Prem after a 12th league loss this term at Goodison.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut consideration is being given to a crippling injury list, which saw TEN first-team players miss the loss on Merseyside.SunSport understands the club will give Postecoglou until at least the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool on February 6 — with the Londoners 1-0 up. ‘Great way to start an interview,’ fumes Postecoglou at BBC reporter’s innocent two-word question after Tottenham lossBut any major slip-ups in between could convince trigger-happy Levy to take action.Were Spurs to make a change, then Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank of Brentford are likely contenders.But Postecoglou, who steered Spurs to fifth in his first season, remains confident of silverware.He said: “There is motivation to get through this so that when we do get our players back, we can get something significant out of our season.”Postecoglou will not put public pressure on club chiefs to move quicker in the transfer market, but has said “help” is needed for his injury-hit squad.Meanwhile, defender Radu Dragusin had four stitches after a whack on the head from Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s elbow when contesting a high ball at Everton.Dragusin received lengthy treatment as blood streamed from the wound and came off at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Romanian is believed to be OK for the Hoffenheim clash.Spurs yesterday recalled striker Dane Scarlett, 20,  from his loan spell at Oxford — but plan to farm him out again due to his lack of game time at U’s.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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