Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, leaving manager Ange Postecoglou to lament his team’s luck, or lack thereof. While Pedro Porro’s goal salvaged a point after Hugo Ekitike’s early strike for Frankfurt, Spurs squandered numerous opportunities to secure a crucial advantage heading into the second leg. Lucas Bergvall struck the woodwork, Rodrigo Bentancur’s header hit the crossbar, and Kauã Santos, the Frankfurt goalkeeper, produced a stunning performance, including a late save from Micky van de Ven.
Postecoglou, in a post-match press conference, humorously blamed the ‘football gods,’ suggesting his team’s fortunes have taken a turn for the worse this season. He acknowledged the team’s struggles, highlighting a difficult season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances that have left them in 14th place in the Premier League. The Europa League now represents Tottenham’s last hope for silverware, a trophy they haven’t lifted in 17 years.
Despite the draw, Postecoglou praised the team’s efforts, particularly highlighting the performances of Bergvall, Bentancur, the full-backs, and the attacking trio supported by James Maddison. He emphasized that the players gave their all, creating numerous chances, and expressed his satisfaction with their determination despite the lack of a win. The focus now shifts to a Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers before the crucial second leg against Frankfurt. Whether Spurs can overcome their apparent misfortune and secure a place in the next round remains to be seen.
