Pope offers prayers to family of 'Vatican girl' who went missing 40 years ago
VATICAN CITY Pope Francis on Sunday offered prayers and solidarity to the family of a Vatican schoolgirl who
2023-06-25 19:57
Lawmakers say UK's planned law to deport Channel migrants breaches rights obligations
A committee of lawmakers say Britain will break its international human rights commitments if it goes through with government plans to detain and deport people who reach the U.K. in small boats
2023-06-11 20:18
Even wasteful Wolves showed Spurs’ sudden problems – Ange Postecoglou needs a quick fix
Two minutes: that’s how long it took for Tottenham Hotspur to ease a first few lingering nerves that a decimated defence might make them a less-effective team, following that wild and wacky defeat to Chelsea last time out. It wasn’t the end of them by any means, but it gave Spurs both an early lift and something to fight for. And 88 minutes: that’s how long Ange Postecoglou had to observe and realise that – despite his makeshift team’s obvious effort, desire and willingness to go above and beyond – there just wasn’t the cohesion and balance needed to keep out the best attacks in the Premier League. And that was before Wolverhampton Wanderers’ late turnaround. Brennan Johnson it was who scored early, tapping in after a typically fast-flowing move down the right flank but Spurs rarely threatened thereafter and it was a very different type of performance for the majority of the rest of the game. Even so, they still led until just when the injury time board was being raised; a magnificent first touch and volley from Pablo Sarabia later, matters were levelled. And with the latest of late sucker-punches, Mario Lemina slid in to send the home fans delirious, six minutes past the 90, for Wolves 2-1 Tottenham. In between, a whole lot happened to give Postecoglou both reason for optimism and pause for thought. While the back line was very much a restructured one, the attack was merely the same, but different: James Maddison’s injury meant his scheming and invention was replaced by Pape Sarr moving slightly higher up, a ferocious runner into the channels and still a hard-working operative in deeper areas. But without Maddison as that connection, and perhaps without the left-wing thrust from deep of full-back Destiny Udogie, Spurs found it a lot more difficult to break out of their defensive shape, a lot more difficult to maintain possession high upfield. Their intermittent threat, when it came, was of the counter-attacking variety, mainly through Dejan Kulusevski’s ball-carrying, and rarely with the weight of numbers to make a telling final difference. At the other end of the pitch was where the real tale was told, where Postecoglou’s real lessons to take from the match were. Eric Dier was making his first league start of the season, recalled at centre-back, alongside Ben Davies – just a second start for him. Both played well, is the starting point of any assessment. But the issue is that they played well individually: recovery challenges, last-ditch clearances, a couple of vital interceptions of low crosses and cut-backs. There was not, as would perhaps be expected given their minimal gametime this term, any semblance of cohesion, of understanding, of partnership. That has been the big plus at the back this term for Spurs, the rapid way in which Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have filled in for each other, complemented each other’s skillsets and coped with attacks between them. Here instead – and add in a switched-to-left-back Emerson Royal under the same headings – it was all about each defender desperately trying to be that last man, get that last touch, make that last block to protect the fragile lead. There shouldn’t be any blame headed to Dier or Davies for that, as both reasonably did as much as they could, but Spurs’ lack of cohesion saw them exposed and exploited time after time by a very progressive – and very wasteful – Wolves attack. The hosts averaged fewer than 12 shots per game in the Premier League this season; they had surpassed that tally well before the hour mark here. But a combination of wayward strikes, those aforementioned blocks and frankly odd decision-making meant Guglielmo Vicario was nowhere near as tested as he might have been. In the end, it took shots number 16 and 17 to beat the Italian, and to beat Spurs. But as harsh as that late turnaround in scoreline might feel at the final whistle, the truth is a more ruthless and prolific team, one who averages more than Wolves’ 1.3 goals per game this season perhaps, would have had the points sewn up far earlier. Postecoglou can take solace in the heart and effort, and the fact that a third of Romero’s ban is over, plus the entirety of Udogie’s. But had Spurs held out, the truth of the game wouldn’t have been any different to the boss, they’d just have more points at the end of it. Van de Ven in defence and Maddison in attack have been core components of both recovery and intricacy in Spurs’ play this season, and neither have obvious replacements. Work lies ahead over the international break to ensure Tottenham’s early season promise doesn’t fade away entirely in the aftermath of that damaging defeat to Chelsea. Read More Wolves vs Spurs LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Football fan convicted of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand Wolves vs Newcastle United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Malmo v Elfsborg is the Swedish title decider you (probably) haven’t heard about Chelsea’s downward spiral offers stark warning to Man City Chelsea will be fighting for titles sooner rather than later, says Pep Guardiola
2023-11-11 23:28
Adin Ross: UFC president Dana White’s gambling friend and Kick streamer accidentally leaks date for Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev
'Y’all had no idea?' Adin Ross said after he leaked the alleged date and location for the UFC 294 Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev fight by mistake
2023-06-04 20:22
'The Five' host Tulsi Gabbard warns Michelle Grisham's gun control efforts could harm Democratic Party
'The Five' hosts had discussed Michelle Grisham's gun ban attempts being blocked by the Attorney General and the Sheriff from ABQ
2023-09-18 12:19
First Quantum Plunges Again as Miner Seeks Answers in Panama
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. plunged by another 17% as uncertainty deepens over the future of the company’s Panama
2023-11-01 02:06
London's Gatwick Airport limits flights this week due to staff illness, including COVID-19
Gatwick Airport, London’s second-busiest, is limiting flights this week, partly because of an outbreak of COVID-19 within air traffic control
2023-09-26 19:07
Who is Derek Rosa? Florida teen admits he took pictures of mom after stabbing her to death and sent images to friends in chilling 911 call
'I took pictures and I told my friends about it. Is that bad?' said Derek Rosa in the chilling 911 call
2023-10-28 21:38
Football rumours: Manchester United weighing up approach for Amadou Onana
What the papers say Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, according to the Daily Mail. Juventus are also said to be monitoring the 21-year-old Belgium international, who caught international attention during the Qatar World Cup. The Nottingham Post reports Nottingham Forest have had a bid for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare rejected. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, but citing ESPN Netherlands, the paper says Forest’s approach was below PSV’s expectations, with Sangare believed to be valued at £32m. The Daily Mail, via Sky Germany, says Bayern Munich have turned down an initial bid from Manchester United for defender Benjamin Pavard. The Daily Mail also reports that Everton are close to signing Leeds winger Jack Harrison on a season-long loan. Social media round-up Players to watch Neymar: The Paris St Germain forward has agreed a two-year deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, according to L’Equipe. Folarin Balogun: Tottenham are considering a move for the Arsenal forward to replace Harry Kane, reports Gazzetta Dello Sport. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-14 14:14
North Korea says it has deployed a new nuclear attack submarine to counter US naval power
North Korea says it has christened a purported nuclear attack submarine it has been developing for years, a step leader Kim Jong Un described as crucial in his efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy to counter the United States and its Asian allies
2023-09-08 11:04
US LIV talent, not on captain's radar, want Ryder Cup spots
United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson said players from the LIV Golf League are "not on my radar" but would not shut down contact from...
2023-05-18 02:42
Why trading for Zach LaVine wouldn't make sense for the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers might have the opportunity to build one of the best big threes in basketball but adding Zach LaVine wouldn’t make a lot of sense for them.
2023-11-28 04:01
You Might Like...
Vatican court convicts climate activists for damaging statue, fines them more than 28,000 euros
NFL Rumors: Raiders reach massive decision on Davante Adams trade
Quentin Tarantino wanted 'muse' Uma Thurman to be his wife as their time on 'Kill Bill' felt 'like a marriage in every way'
American Water Charitable Foundation and Kentucky American Water Celebrate Splash! in Charles Young Park
Gary Sánchez hits 2 of Padres' 4 home runs in 11-1 win over Rockies
Elon Musk called out by Princess Bride actor after quoting beloved movie
Avalanche acquire center Ryan Johansen in a trade with the Predators
UBS to absorb Credit Suisse domestic unit, eyes 3,000 job cuts
