Spurs 2-2 Wolves | Ange’s verdict

Ange Postecoglou reiterated that the players are giving everything as Wolves denied them reward for their efforts with a late equaliser in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The visitors struck early through Hee-Chan Hwang (seven minutes) but we turned it around by half-time thanks to Rodrigo Bentancur’s header from Pedro Porro’s corner (12 minutes) and Brennan Johnson’s clinical finish from Dejan Kulusevski’s cut back in added time - his 11th goal of the season.

There were opportunities for us in the second half as we worked ourselves into good positions only to fall at the final action and we paid the price when Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the equaliser from an acute angle with three minutes remaining.

There was a further injury blow as well as Destiny Udogie was forced off holding the back of his right leg five minutes into the second half.

Speaking on our Review Show, Ange reflected on the draw…

Ange: “Yes, it’s a tough one to take, disappointed with the outcome. We went a goal down but after that, I thought we had control of the game. We scored our goals, had great opportunities to get a third, just to kill the game off. You know when you don’t, it’s 2-1 and the game is always in the balance. They didn’t create much, Fraser had one save to make, but there is always that possibility... and we leave disappointed with the outcome. At the same time, it’s not through want of trying. The players are giving everything. It’s fair to say, they are dipping into every bit of energy they have to try and get us a result and from my perspective, that’s important.”

It's a pity we couldn’t hold on because a win would have been such a lift for everyone...

Ange: “Yes, particularly the players, they deserve a reward today for their efforts. As I said, we’re relying on a small group of players to carry us through. They’re working their socks off. I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts and when they don’t, it obviously works.”

Destiny looked like a hamstring injury, any news yet?

Ange: “Yes, it’s a hamstring injury, again, we’re relying on very few (players) and it was always a risk that someone could get a further injury when you’re not able to rest them. Unfortunately, Destiny is the one who paid the price today.”

Is there a chance the likes of Mikey Moore and Richarlison could feature soon?

Ange: “Richy, we’re hopeful. Mikey’s a little off still. We’ll have to wait and see over the next few days.”

Is the messaging a case of reinforcing the fact that you know they are putting in that effort?

Ange: “You can’t dismiss that. We’re all disappointed, but I can’t dismiss that it’s a group of players giving everything to try to turn our fortunes around. That needs to be acknowledged and as manager, I don’t dismiss that at all.”

There is a window this week (our next match is against Newcastle on Saturday, 4 January, 12.30pm UK) is that helpful in getting players back or at least giving players a rest?

Ange: “In terms of getting players back, I don’t think it’s going to make a difference. Certainly, the boys have been working hard and it’s the first midweek we’ve had three for almost two-and-a-half months. They deserve a couple of days away from everything, club, football, to refresh them physically as well as mentally, hopefully that freshens them up ready for a big game next weekend.”