Postecoglou told to axe Spence after what happened in Tottenham v Bournemouth
Ange Postecoglou has been urged to axe Djed Spence against AZ Alkmaar after what the Tottenham defender did against Bournemouth.
Postecoglou’s side were perhaps lucky to pick up a point as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (9 March).
The Cherries were much the better side and deservedly two goals ahead on 66 minutes. However, Pape Matar Sarr’s long-range strike and a late Son Heung-min penalty rescued the day for a below-par Spurs.
Cristian Romero struggled on his Spurs return, while plenty of his teammates were also at sixes and sevens. As a result, the North London side will need to put in a much better display when they host AZ Alkmaar for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday (13 March).
Postecoglou could be sacked by Daniel Levy if Spurs don’t overturn the 1-0 deficit, and the Australian has been urged to make a bold decision and drop Spence after the defender’s costly mistake on Sunday.
Spence caught out for first Bournemouth goal
Spence has been one of Spurs’ better performers in recent weeks. However, while Pedro Porro got most of the blame for Bournemouth’s opening goal, the Englishman didn’t cover himself in much glory either.
The 24-year-old was caught ball-watching, which allowed Marcus Tavernier to convert Milos Kerkez’s wicked cross at the back post.
And ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – would like to see a back four without Spence in it against AZ Alkmaar.
“I must admit Spence was asleep for the first goal,” King said.
| Tottenham 2024/25 | Appearances |
| Djed Spence | 22 |
“It was a great ball in from Kerkez, and a great finish. However, I think Spence should have done a lot better defensively. He was caught ball watching, and you don’t want too much of that in the game coming up.
“Therefore, I would like to see a back four of Porro, Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, which would see Spence make way.”
Postecoglou needs a Tottenham win v AZ Alkmaar
It feels as though Postecoglou’s future in North London is riding on the game with AZ Alkmaar.
A shock Harry Redknapp return to Spurs has even been touted, with pressure now mounting on Postecoglou. Therefore, the 59-year-old needs to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
As a result, he needs to put out the team he feels is most likely to win on Thursday, without any concern for rotation or injuries.