Ange Postecoglou insists he is not worried about Tottenham’s fading pursuit of European football and insists his focus is on improving their fortunes against Everton.

Wednesday’s narrow 2-1 defeat in the North London derby against Arsenal means Spurs have won just one of their last nine Premier League games, leaving them 14th in the table.

Despite being some 13 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, where Spurs finished last season, Postecoglou says he is not looking behind Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park.

The Australian said: “I don’t see things like that. Finally we have to win the football game and it starts on Sunday.

“We have to go to Everton, try and win and get the three points and then focus on Europe. What lies beyond that now, is of no purpose to me or anyone else.

“We’ll go where we end up, whether it’s fulfilling our goals, ambitions or falling short, only time will tell.”

Ange provides a team news update ahead of our trip to Goodison 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/AFTtAjzR8p

– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 17, 2025

North London derby defeat

Postecoglou was heavily critical of his players after Wednesday’s defeat at the Emirates, calling the performance and their overall form “unacceptable”.

On whether it was a mental or physical problem against their rivals, he said: “Maybe a bit of both. Especially in the first half we were very passive in our approach with and without the ball.

“We allowed Arsenal to dictate the game and set the tempo. We weren’t really able to make an impact the way we wanted to. The second half was a bit better but it cost us in the end.”

Asked if he was sad after the result, the 59-year-old replied: “Look I’m sure they are. As I said after the game, so many defeats in one season is not acceptable for a club like ours.

“Regardless of the context of the situation we’re in, I feel as much as the defeat on Wednesday night, it was also about the first half performance I felt we didn’t do ourselves justice.

“I’m sure the players are hurting. Whether the players are getting hurt or I’m hurting is irrelevant. Supporters are getting hurt. We are the only ones who can change it.”

Moyes back in the hotseat

Postecoglou comes up against Everton’s newly returned David Moyes this weekend and the Spurs boss had only good things to say about the experienced Scot.

He said: “Not surprisingly, he showed at West Ham that he is still at the top of his game and is a fantastic manager.

“I think longevity is a measure of your abilities, especially when you think about how long he’s managed in the Premier League and the impact he’s made at the clubs he’s been at.

“I’m happy to see him back because it means I’m not the oldest in the Premier League anymore. I’d be happier if we could get Roy (Hodgson) off the beach somewhere.

“It’s nice to have him back. He’s a top guy too. I remember him reaching out to me when I was at Celtic a few years ago. Top guy David and great to have him back.”

Tottenham injury news

Tottenham’s form has not been helped by injuries, particularly in defence, but they say their backline has been boosted by the imminent return of Ben Davies, who has been out since early December.

Postecoglou said: “Still a couple sore from midweek, waiting to see how Brennan’s doing, he’s got a bit of a calf complaint, and Bis has been sore too, so just waiting for information on them.

“Coming back, Ben Davies should be involved.”