The first half of the North London Derby was a nightmare for Tottenham. They hit the post twice and once torn the opponent's net. However, the result was still a round of 0 and accompanied by 3 goals conceded.
The moment he conceded the third goal, captain Ange Postecoglou seemed stunned. The harshness of football has been experienced by him, but this scenario is really too bad for what his students are still trying to achieve on the pitch. This is a defeat that could cause Tottenham a lot of pain. First, it is the possibility of a traditional opponent winning the Premier League - something Spurs have never done. Next, the gap between the two teams after the end of this season could be up to 20 points, a clear demonstration of the difference in level.
Postecoglou's first 100 days with Tottenham were beautiful, having a time when Spurs topped the rankings and carried the image of a championship-championship team. However, the last 100 days of this season have been a mess of emotions. They beat their direct competitor Aston Villa 4-0 but also had a bad time when they lost 1-4 to Newcastle. Although they have continued to improve their form, Tottenham's position seems to be the same (5th).
In the context of English teams having cleared the ball in the Champions League and Europa League, this position cannot dream of a 5th ticket to the Champions League next season. Thus, Tottenham once again accepted the "repeat next season" scenario.
This season, Spurs have a disease of "growing too early". They often rush to attack and try to destroy all opponents as soon as possible, but due to both bad luck and naivety at some times, the price they have to pay is sometimes too heavy. It is not always that the opponent makes 2 mistakes like Arsenal in the recent Derby. Therefore, Tottenham being often behind and "asking" so early in the long run will cause them to fall further behind in terms of achievements.
Ange Postecoglou tried to do everything he could, from practicing daily habits, giving the players training to how to behave on the pitch in each situation. Those efforts of the Australian coach deserve recognition, but how much is enough for Spurs to reach the level, becoming a title challenge team like what they did at the beginning of the season?
Trying to reach a higher level, Tottenham did it, but after the final whistle in the North London Derby rang, Son Heung-min and his teammates sighed because they didn't know how long it was enough. Looking at Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, the Spaniard has become the captain with the 5th fastest 100 wins in Premier League history (after Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson). Will Son have enough time to wait for someone like that to come to Tottenham Stadium to save his career?
Tottenham are still proud to have the most modern stadium in the Premier League, but what is that glamorousness for when in the traditional room, for decades, there has not been an official title?
This season, next season and beyond, as the stadium gradually deteriorates, what will Spurs be drawn into when they do not have a famous title - something that is considered lasting in value compared to time?
