After losing first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to an ankle fracture earlier in the week, Fraser Forster is set for an extended run as the starting 'keeper, which could last well into the new year as Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur will not explore the free-agent market.
The Australian had this to say.
"That's not going to happen [sign a free agent]. That's why we've got a squad of players here. I don't think us signing a free agent now is going to help us.
"If I hadn't named Fraser in the Europa squad, then jeez that would've been a radical decision, and you're left with two, again they wouldn't be able to play in Europe, then you kind of look at it. Unless something else happened, that's why we've got four goalkeepers. Fraser I've known for a long time and he's such a strong character within the group and ready to play.
"...We're happy with what we've got."
The Italian appeared to injure his ankle in the 38th minute of Spurs' thumping victory at Manchester City on the weekend, yet, he still played for around an hour at the Etihad Stadium and did a remarkable job between the sticks.
However, with the former Empoli man set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it will present backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster with a chance to prove exactly why his manager put faith in him and registered him for the UEFA Europa League squad, ahead of Djed Spence.
Speaking on the matter, Postecoglou said "that’s why he’s here. He’s already played in the Carabao Cup and a couple of European games. That’s the reason we’ve played him and why he’s in the squad. He’s ready to go."
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Team news
Despite looking like they had picked up knocks at the weekend, both Destiny Udogie and Timo Werner are "ok," according to Ange Postecoglou.
Additionally, the Australian refused to put a timescale on Guglielmo Vicario's injury, stating "it’s not going to be weeks, it’ll be months."
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We'll continue to play "our football"
One question submitted to Postecoglou asked what Spurs side will turn out tomorrow, with inconsistency in results of late being highlighted.
"You will see the same Spurs you see every game mate. It’s about going out there trying to play our football and try to be the best we can be. Sometimes that doesn’t work out and it hasn’t worked out for us in a couple of games this year. We know that and it’s something we need to improve."
In the last fourteen outings in all competitions, The Lilywhites have lost on just four occasions, with three of those coming in the final game before an international break. However, that included defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and winless Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
Had they won those three games, which they should have done considering the circumstances, they would be sitting in second place, three points off the leaders Liverpool, but Postecoglou wasn't entirely focused on the negatives.
"At the same time, there has been more good than bad. If you are looking for likely outcomes, I would say good. We have had the flat spots that we are working through but I don’t discount the football we have played either. I think we have played some outstanding football."
And, it is true - when Tottenham win, they win big. They have now scored over three goals in all six of their victories in the Premier League this season, and are the division's highest-scoring side. If they can remain resilient and consistent in defence, there is no reason why they will not become a defensive and attacking force.
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Davies' contract to be extended
The former Celtic boss hailed Welsh defender Ben Davies after news emerged that the club could trigger an option to extend his contract by another year. With that being said, and should he see it out until the end and the extension option is triggered, Davies would have spent a staggering twelve years in North London.
"I doubt anyone who has any sort of real passion for this football club or real passion for football wouldn't say that he'd be very highly respected within or outside of this football club," said Postecoglou.
"He's captain of his country. Testament to his ability is the fact that a number of coaches at this football have all trusted him at different times. Whether that's my opinion or Jose, Antonio or Mauricio or anyone else he's been managed by. It just goes to show that Ben's very well-respected within the game."
It's clear to see the impact the former Swansea defender has had over his years in N17, with every single manager believing in his ability and his importance to the team. Whenever called upon, he will deliver a reliable performance and is a great cover for Micky van de Ven on the left side at the heart of the Spurs defence.
