A deflated Ange Postecoglou has admitted Liverpool were “too good” for his Tottenham outfit in the Carabao Cup semi final, while concerns have been raised regarding his position as Spurs manager.
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Tottenham came into the second leg clash at Anfield with a 1-0 lead on aggregate, but after goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot’s men reigned supreme.
Liverpool will now move onto the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, while Tottenham’s hopes of winning silverware have taken a major hit.
With pressure mounting on the Australian manager, Postecoglou cut a forlorn figure in his post-match press conference, explaining Spurs were unable to deliver his game plan.
“Ultimately Liverpool fully deserved the victory tonight, they were the far better team,” Postecoglou said.
“We just weren’t able to get a grip of any part of the game, defensively or with the ball, they were too good for us.”
“We allowed them to get into the game, we weren’t aggressive as we needed to be.
“I just think we didn’t start the game off in the right footing, we allowed them to get comfortable and when they did get comfortable it was hard to swing the game back.”
Postecoglou also explained his desperately wanted his team to stay in the first to start the second half.
Instead, Spurs gave away a 51st minute penalty before folding to close out the game with two more goals conceded.
“No, look, obviously we didn’t have a great first half, we were very much in the game,” he said.
“We knew in the sort of first 15 or 20 minutes we needed to be very solid in terms of our decision making, to give them a second goal was very disappointing.
“But I still think we never really got to grips with any part of the game today and they were too good for us.”
Tottenham Hotspur’s Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou reacts on the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final second leg football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 6, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)Source: AFP
“We definitely needed to be brave with and without the ball.
“It’s easier said then done at a place like this against a very good Liverpool team who are in a good run of form, and very settled.
“But it’s what we needed to do, and we didn’t do it.”
The Australian manager was then asked if he felt “lonely” on the touch line, replying: “No, that’s not an emotion I feel.
“I’m disappointed we weren’t able to sort of give a better account of ourselves today and give ourselves a chance of getting into a final.
“Yeah, very disappointed. We had a great opportunity and unfortunately we didn’t grab it.
“There’s no choice, you have to. There’s plenty to play for us this year. We have a big game against Villa… and that’s where our focus goes.”
As for that clash with Aston Villa, should Spurs lose it would see the North London outfit dumped out of two Cup competitions within three days.
Ange denies Tel initially rejected Spurs | 01:11
Tottenham face Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, while Postecoglou’s men finished in the top eight in the Europa League table phase, progressing straight through to the round of 16.
Pressure has been mounting on Postecoglou, but his position as Tottenham manager looked to be solidified after playing a major role in the signing of Bayern prodigy Mathys Tel.
However, failure to win silverware could be the final nail in the coffin for the former Celtic boss.
Spurs will still have to face Villa without several key players, and former Premier League striker Nicky Summerbee questioned the player’s commitment.
“The next game is huge, that will be three days and they could be out of two Cup competitions,” Summerbee said on BEIN Sports.
“Looking at the injuries here, when are they coming back? We are looking at eight or nine of them, I would be looking at some of these players… he needs these players.
“Get out there and play, this manager needs help… if you have a little bit of an injury I suggest you put your boots on and roll your sleeves up.”
Magpies upset Gunners to reach Cup Final | 00:58
“This time now is getting very difficult and very hard for the manager.
“The crowd is going to put pressure on him, the fans are… going into the game at the weekend, you need somebody to stand up.
“We saw in the two games before, the Brentford and Europa League game, some young players stood up.”
Meanwhile, former PSG and Newcastle United defender Didier Domi was of the belief there’s issues in Tottenham’s football staff.
“They really have to work with the performance department, you cannot have 10 injuries, there’s something there,” Dodi said.
“You cannot have that many injuries… imagine Liverpool were playing without van Dijk, Robertson, Konate, Tsimikas and Gravenberch, how would they be?
“You cannot, so first of all I think there’s a problem in the performance department… you cannot have 10 injuries like that and most of them are muscular.”
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Tottenham superstar Heung Min Son struck early, belting a deflected volley past Gunners keeper David Raya in the 25th minute.
But Spurs’ lead only lasted 15 minutes, with Arsenal scoring two quickfire goals that didn’t come without controversy.
The first, a Dominic Solanke own-goal, came after the hosts were awarded a corner that replays showed was an incorrect decision, last touching the foot of winger Leandro Trossard.
When asked about the referee’s mistake post-match, Postecoglou kept his composure, instead putting the focus back on his team’s display.
“It did (come off the Arsenal player), but I don’t want to talk about referees because I think I’ve got to take responsibility for my team, I’ll let the referees be responsible for theirs,” Postecoglou said.
“It wasn’t a corner, but that’s how things are going for us at the moment. That aside, we weren’t anywhere near the level we needed to be in the first half in such a big game.
“We need to understand that what we can control is the first thing we need to focus on.”
Ange Postecoglou’s post-match press conference after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal.Source: FOX SPORTS
The Australian coach also lamented his side’s inability to produce the high press and intense game plan Postecoglou has become renowned for in his stints at Spurs and Celtic.
“Yeah no, not good enough, especially the first half. Way too passive, allowed Arsenal to take control of the game,” he said.
“Really disappointed in the way, with and without the ball, (we) sort of allowed them to dictate the tempo and paid a price for it. Our second half was a little bit better but nowhere near good enough.
“It’s not who we are, it’s not the way I set the team up, it’s not the way we want to play. To be sitting in there and allowing Arsenal to play to their tempo.”
“I think that second goal was just the damage of our first half, irrespective of everything, we just didn’t play anywhere near the identity we want us to be.
“We are an aggressive team with and without the ball, and we showed that seven days ago against Liverpool.
“Tonight… we were way too passive and that’s not acceptable. It was a disappointing second goal to concede too, but we weren’t playing anywhere where we need to.”
Controversial winner costs Ange’s Spurs | 02:41
Spurs are without a host of key players, with regular centre backs Micky van de Ven and Christian Romero both sidelined alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario.
So how does Postecoglou plan to turn Tottenham’s fortunes around?
“There’s no magic cure here, you have to get up tomorrow and work hard. Go into Sunday prepared to go into battle and turn around our fortunes and our season,”
“There’s nothing magical that’s going to change this, there’s always reasons for all this to happen. But the reality is our results in the league have been nowhere near good enough and that needs to change.”
“This can’t be accepted by anyone at the club, us losing this many games in a league season is not right, I know we are going through a tough trot.”
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs rollercoaster continues to roll on and he has an injury crisis on his hands that will force the North London club to hit the transfer market.
Meanwhile, a United talisman could be on the move, while City’s woes continue on the other side of Manchester.
Read below for all the latest Premier League talking points!
WHY TOTTENHAM MUST HIT THE TRANSFER WINDOW IN JANUARY
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was scathing in his assessment of Timo Werner, who arrived at the North London club in January 2024.
The German winger is one of Tottenham’s most recent arrivals, and he was intended to provide depth, pace and energy to a depleted attacking line.
Postecoglou pulled Werner from the field at halftime in a draw against Rangers, and was later asked about the player’s response to his comments.
“I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore. We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos,” he said.
Spurs’ biggest issue is their injury crisis, but his comments serve as a big message to the Tottenham squad.
Postecoglou has been without a host of big-name players that make up their regular starting side.
Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Heung-Min Son, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have all been sidelined.
So the former Celtic boss called upon teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to start against their Scottish rivals.
Ange Postecoglou, manager of Tottenham, looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m pulling kids out of school. I literally am. I’m getting notes from their teachers saying young Lucas (Bergvall) has missed another day of school,” he said.
With Spurs sitting in 10th and disappointing losses coming against Ipswich and Bournemouth in recent weeks, Postecoglou must hit the transfer market in January and it’s almost certain he will bring in defensive reinforcements.
On the attacking front, South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang is set to arrive, having already signed a contract in July until 2030.
However, he’s only 18-years-old and could take time to develop before he becomes a candidate to start, potentially getting minutes on the bench.
In defence, according to Spanish outlet AS, Postecoglou is set to recruit Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete from Getafe in the La Liga.
He is predominantly a centre back, but also can ply his trade off the left and he reportedly has a release clause said to be worth around $26 million AUD.
Meanwhile, according to Football Insider, Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Lens in the Ligue 1, has also caught Postecoglou’s eye.
He’s reportedly been scouted on multiple occasions by Spurs, and the 20-year-old is reportedly also the subject of interest from rival Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle United.
Epic free kick sees draw for Bournemouth | 00:53
UNITED SUPERSTAR ON THE OUTER IN ARMORIM REVOLUTION
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim dropped Marcus Rashford ahead of the cross-town derby against Manchester City.
The Red Devils secured a 2-1 win in that clash, and the 27-year-old’s time at the club could be coming to an end.
It’d be a considerable move for Rashford, who made his debut at his boyhood club as an 18-year-old, joining United’s youth system at only seven.
He’s played 287 games for the Red Devils, and now he’s openly admitted he believes it’s the right time to leave Old Trafford.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford said to Henry Winter, a prominent football writer.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings.’ You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a Derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available.”
Rashford has been a heavily criticised figure during his time at United, revealing he believes he is “misunderstood”.
“I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years,” he said.
“I have my own dreams. I’ve achieved parts of it. But I’m not at where I want to be. But the problem is when you get there, you create another thing.”
The dangerous attacker will likely command a significant transfer fee ahead of a potential January move, but it’s shaping as a disappointing end for a figure once revered as the face of Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United applauds the fans as he looks dejected after defeat to Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 07, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE
Winning four Premier League titles in-a-row is a staggering feat, and the drop off Manchester City are experienced has been forecast for years.
But Pep Guardiola’s outfit are dropping to new lows in the run to Christmas, winning just one of their last 11 games.
The Spanish super coach has won every trophy under the sun during his time in the sky blue side of Manchester, but as his continue to get beat on the pitch, Guardiola is showing signs of a coach under siege off it.
“They implode on themselves, which is the reason why everybody says they’re fragile. Pep Guardiola’s reaction on the sideline, that all adds to it, and as players, you see everything,” former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said to Optus Sport.
“Everybody is seeing for the very first time a manager in Pep Guardiola being under such intense scrutiny now, questioning his ability to get themselves out of the situation.
“Maybe there’s an element of… players seeing stuff from him that they’re not buying into anymore. Maybe finger pointing is happening.”
Manchester City now sit nine points from the top of the Premier League ladder, and Guardiola himself even went as far as admitting he’s the one to blame for City’s woes after their 2-1 derby loss to United.
“I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that. I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press. I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth,” he said.
So what has gone wrong? Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes his transfer decisions have put them in a vulnerable position.
“We all know, it’s the first time and we’re allowed to say it, that we can challenge his decisions in the way of letting Cole Palmer go, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez,” Henry said on Sky Sports.
“Ilkay Gundogan came back and it’s not the same Gundogan who scored 17 goals a season.
“You’re missing those goals. Erling Haaland is scoring the same goals, a few less than in his first season but he’s doing what he does usually.
“I’ve seen him miss sitters in every season but where are the goals of Mahrez, Alvarez or Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan – where are those goals?”
However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel and the French striker was of the belief if anyone could turn City’s fortunes around, it is Guardiola.
“One thing I will say about this team, it’s the first time it’s happening like this to him in his career. Let’s not kill the guy or this team because of what’s happening,” he said.
Ange’s Spurs strike in under 37 seconds | 01:11
SET PIECES CARRYING ARSENAL’S ATTACKING WOES
Arsenal have scored a league high eight goals of their total 29 from set pieces.
That figure includes two penalties, but it raises a question — are Arsenal too reliant on dead ball situations?
Overall, the Gunners attacking output has been down. They’ve scored 29 goals in 16 appearances in the 2024/25 season, compared to 33 and 40 at the same stage in campaigns.
It’s also been more than three games since Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s last goal from open play, which came against West Ham.
Nicolas Jover is the man who has been credited with Arsenal’s success from set pieces, but dead ball scenarios alone won’t be able to spark a title resurgence.
As it stands, Chelsea and Liverpool sit four and six points clear in first and second place, and Arsenal dropped crucial points in their last outing against Everton.
For former Arsenal women’s player Karen Carney, Arteta’s side rely too heavily on the impact of Bukayo Saka.
“They’re very right side dominant,” she said on Optus Sport.
“[Teams] set up a game plan to eradicate that, and [apart from] being good from set pieces, then you’re thinking where else you’re going to get goals from.
“The left side isn’t giving us the output that [they] want. And that’s why I’m saying if they don’t go and get someone for the left side, I think they won’t ever kick on to the levels where they want to get to.
Nicolas Jover, Set-piece coach of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Saka and Odegaard are their main guys, and if you block that, there is a problem. I think the rest of the team is built on really good physicality, and they’re a hard team to beat.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry echoed that opinion and labelled Arteta’s attacking style “predictable”, whilst admitting it is a positive sign to be scoring off set pieces.
He compared the Gunners’ attack to that of Liverpool, explaining Saka has limited attacking options at his disposal beyond Martin Odegaard.
“Think about Liverpool, when Mo Salah cuts inside, you have Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, or [Darwin] Nunez running [on the left], or Conor Bradley sometimes on the inside running. Look at what Bukayo Saka has,” Henry said
“But it’s predictable, we all know he’s going to play with [Martin] Odegaard, everyone sees that. Can you beat the line?
“You can pass to Declan Rice and enjoy a quick three vs. two. That’s called creating, playing between the lines, attracting an opponent one way and going the other way to see what you can do.”
While Arteta remained coy when speaking on potential transfers, Arsenal could target another strike option to command the left wing spot over Gabriel Martinelli.
“The amount we generate in the match and how little we concede, I fully trust my players,” he said on Wednesday.
Newcastle ace Alexander Isak has previously been linked with a move to the North London club, while former Premier League defender floated the idea of recruiting Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons.
“For his size, he’s quite physical and he’s very good technically, so I believe he’s the type of player that would thrive in the Premier League,” Johnson said.
“£66 million’s not too bad for a player that’s going to be knocking on the door for a starting place in the team.”
UGLY WOLVES SCENES AS TENSIONS BOIL IN RELEGATION BATTLE
The Wolves are in a relegation battle, and tensions are clearly running high in Wolverhampton.
In their last two Premier League games they’ve been involved in post-match stoushes, with the latest coming after a 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town.
Not only does the loss boost the chances of a relegation rival, it also gave them a three-point buffer from Wolverhampton who now sit in 19th place with only two wins.
Gary O’Neil was sacked following the defeat, and Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira is in talks to replace him.
But the real issue looks to be a lack of emotional control from the playing group.
Rayan Ait-Nouri received a second yellow card after the final whistle, being walked down the tunnel by teammate Craig Dawson after a grapple with Ipswich’s Wes Burns.
Meanwhile, striker Matheus Cunha pushed and shoved with a member of Ipswich’s coaching staff in staggering scenes.
The latest incident came only days after Mario Lemina had the captaincy stripped off him after arguments between he and his teammates and coaching staff broke out.
“We are under a lot of pressure,” O’Neil said.
“I understand the players being emotional but we have to keep control better.”
While O’Nell will no longer have to deal with the turmoil in the Wolves dressing room, it’s going to be a big ask to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Only last season Wolverhampton were playing an entertaining brand of football, finishing in 14 with 13 wins.
Last campaign saw Luton town finish in 18th place with 26 points as the highest-placed team to go down. So can Wolves conjure up 17 points in their remaining 22 games?
The midlands club will likely experience a ‘new manager bounce’ when their next mentor arrives, but it’s a big ask.
Mohamed Salah urged Liverpool to deliver a hammer blow to Manchester City’s fading title hopes after inspiring the Premier League leaders’ dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton on Sunday.
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Arne Slot’s side moved eight points clear of second-placed City thanks to Salah’s second half double at St Mary’s.
After taking the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai’s early strike, Liverpool were rocked by Adam Armstrong’s equaliser before Mateus Fernandes put bottom of the table Southampton ahead in the second half.
As he has so often done before, Salah came to Liverpool’s rescue with a typically predatory equaliser and a coolly converted penalty in the closing stages.
Liverpool’s 10th win in 12 league games ensured they capitalised on City’s dismal 4-0 defeat against Tottenham 24 hours earlier.
Chasing a first Premier League crown since 2020, the Reds have a golden opportunity to throttle City’s hopes of a fifth successive title when Pep Guardiola’s team visit Anfield on December 1.
City have lost five in a row in all competitions and Salah said: “Hopefully, we keep going in that direction. We have a game against them so hopefully, we win it and go 11 points clear.
“Man City is Man City. They have a bad time now but they have great players.” Salah now has 12 goals in all competitions this term, including six in his last five league games.
“They were very important, especially after being down 2-1. It’s the most important thing to have won the game,” he said.
“Each game is different. They had a game plan and played very well. We managed to come back and win the game.”
Pep: “We have got to fix something” | 01:14
– ‘Urgency and intensity’ –
Having Salah on form has been crucial to Slot’s dream beginning to life at Anfield.
Slot has made a remarkable start, winning 16 of his first 18 games in all competitions.
The former Feyenoord manager’s deft touch has established Liverpool as title favourites in his maiden season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Slot conceded Liverpool lacked intensity in the first hour at St Mary’s, but he was pleased with the way his players responded to falling behind.
“In the second half I saw the intensity I was looking for in the first half. Southampton make it really difficult for many teams, including top clubs, and they made it difficult today, though we dominated the game completely in my opinion,” Slot said.
“There was not enough urgency to arrive in the box in the first half, we just kept the ball instead of attacking the box.
“Although we fell behind in the second half we showed more urgency and intensity. That led to numerous chances and eventually two goals.”
Ange reflects on Man City thumping | 01:01
With Salah’s contract due to expire at the end of this season and the forward yet to sign a new deal, Slot was quick to praise the contribution of his talisman.
“If you want to win you need to score goals and we know Mo can score,” he said. “For me his first goal is the most important as we scored out of nowhere, then after that it was just waiting for us to score another.”
Before City’s crucial trip to Anfield next weekend, Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Slot is relishing the blockbuster clashes.
“They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years. So two big games and that’s why we needed to win today and that is what I am happy about,” he said.
Spurs extend champions horror run | 02:07
– Man Utd held by Ipswich in Amorim’s first match in charge –
Ruben Amorim was given a stark illustration of the size of his task at Manchester United after his uninspiring team were held 1-1 by struggling Ipswich in his first match in charge on Sunday.
The Portuguese — the latest man tasked with restoring the club to the top of English football — spoke before kick-off about the need to be “patient”.
But he had barely settled in his seat at a blustery Portman Road before Marcus Rashford turned in Amad Diallo’s inviting cross, stunning the home crowd.
Ipswich, who started the day in the relegation zone, battled back, earning the equaliser they deserved through Omari Hutchinson just before half-time.
Neither side could find a winner in the second period despite chances at both ends, with the result leaving both managers unsatisfied.
The result leaves United 12th in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, while Ipswich are still in the drop zone.
Before kick-off two Manchester United fans held up a home-made sign saying: “Good luck Ruben Amorim, Make our team great again.”
The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, made three changes from the final line-up named by United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy before the international break.
And he changed his formation to play three at the back as widely expected, with England forward Rashford operating as a lone central striker ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
United were ahead within two minutes when Diallo surged down the right, shrugging off the attentions of Leif Davis and Jens Cajuste to whip in a cross that Rashford touched home from close range.
Amorim, wearing a black coat and dark trousers, remained impassive in his seat as United’s players celebrated in the corner.
“I’d stay” – Pep on City ‘relegation’ | 01:04
Christian Eriksen flashed wide from just outside the box in the seventh minute after more incisive work from Diallo.
But Ipswich responded well, creating openings of their own and looking the more dangerous team as the half wore on.
The home side should have been level in the 40th minute but Andre Onana somehow kept out a close-range effort from Liam Delap with a strong right hand before Cajuste flashed over the bar.
Ipswich got the equaliser they deserved just before half-time when Hutchinson hit a stinging shot that skimmed off the head of Noussair Mazraoui and beyond the diving Onana.
The watching Ed Sheeran celebrated wildly in the stands among the 30,000-strong crowd.
Garnacho had a chance to put United back ahead in the opening moments of the second half but Arijanet Muric got down to his left to keep out the shot.
Onana saved well with his foot from a Delap flick from close range before Cajuste produced a perfectly timed challenge at the other end to cut out a Garnacho pass to Rashford after a swift break.
Amorim threw on Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte for Jonny Evans and Casemiro about 10 minutes after the restart but United continued to labour against a team with just one Premier League win all season.
Ange praises Pep as “one of the greats” | 00:57
He later introduced forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to add fresh legs to his attack.
Fernandes hit a free-kick just wide of the post from a central area and Onana saved from Conor Chaplin at the other end but neither side found the quality to earn the win.
Amorim is United’s sixth permanent appointment since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after leading to the team to a 20th English title.
At 39, he is the youngest United boss since Wilf McGuinness followed Matt Busby in 1969.
The Premier League is just over a quarter of the way through the 2024/25 season, and it’s been a mixed bag so far.
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Arne Slot has his Liverpool outfit firing, and they’re fixed atop the ladder after 11 games, while their rivals Manchester United are rebuilding with a new manager, again.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou’s up and down campaign is continuing, while Manchester City slumpt to a career first under Pep Guardiola.
Read below for the biggest Premier League Talking Points!
ANGE’S SPURS ROLLERCOASTER CONTINUES
It’s been and up and down season for Spurs, seesawing between brilliant victories and horror defeats, with the latest coming against Ipswich Town.
Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded two first half goals and failed to chase down their opponents, despite Rodrigo Bentancur netting in the 69th minute.
The defeat resulted in ugly scenes post-match, with Postecoglou stopping in the tunnel after a fan was said to have yelled at him, however it’s unclear what was said.
Regardless, it’s a sign of a fan base that’s beginning to become frustrated, and in true Ange fashion he put the onus on himself.
“It’s just down to me. I’m not getting consistent performances from the players,” he said to BBC post-match.
“It’s something I need to address. I’m the person in charge so that’s usually the way it goes. I take responsibility when their performances don’t meet the levels that they should.”
He also labelled his team “passive”, an interesting word considering the high line press that’s instilled by the manager, which sees his players constantly on the move.
“There are different reasons (to why we lost). Today was a bit different to other times. We were way too passive.
“If you give the opposition that much of a head start it takes a lot to claw it back.”
What made Spurs’ loss even worse was it marked Ipswich’s first win upon return to the Premier League, their first victory in the top flight in 22 years.
Tottenham have now lost five of their first 11 Premier League games, and went down to Galatasaray in their most recent Europa League tie.
It’s fair to say Tottenham are out of the running for the title, sitting 12 points behind Liverpool despite Postecoglou’s success in second seasons at his past clubs.
Spurs are yet to win two games in-a-row in the Premier League, and their season has been a true rollercoaster.
For former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, there’s potential for the fans to begin to feel sour around Postecoglou’s position at the club, despite the red-hot start they enjoyed last season.
“Spurs are all over the place at the back… defenders crossing over, not tracking runners,” he said on Sky Sports.
“You watch it and go, so easy, so easy. That can’t carry on. Eventually the fans will turn. OK, we like exciting football, but we don’t want to come back from 2-0 down every week.”
Tottenham fans will be desperate to finish in the Champions League placings, but their next run of five games will be a big test.
Postecoglou’s men face Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea in the league before facing off against Roma in Europe.
To stop his runaway train, Postecoglou will be desperate to some strong wins, and City could spark what could be a monumental comeback for his out of sorts outfit.
EPL Wrap: Ipswich sink Ange’s Spurs | 02:55
ARE ARSENAL OUT OF THE TITLE RACE?
Over the past two seasons, it’s largely been a two-horse title race, with Manchester City the frontrunners and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal trailing closely behind.
However, with the emergence of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and a horror run of results, the Gunners are quickly slipping out of contention.
Arsenal are without a win in their last four Premier League games, dating back to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
They’ve also drawn with Liverpool, which could be considered a decent result, while going down to Newcastle and also sharing the spoils with Chelsea in their most recent fixture.
Arsenal sit in fourth on the ladder, on 19 points equal with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton — tallying five wins and four draws.
At the same time last season, having played 11 games, Arteta’s side had won seven and drawn three, with only a single loss and five more competition points.
They trailed eventual premiers City by only three points. This season they’re behind current leaders Liverpool by nine, a margin that could be considered a mountain too high.
So where’s it gone wrong for a team that showed so much promise in their development towards a title? They have struggled to score goals without Martin Odegaard, who is clearly their most creative player in midfield.
Injuries, namely to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, have also played a part alongside disciplinary issues including red cards to Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard.
Odegaard’s been sidelined since September, and only returned against Chelsea over the weekend, having scored only five goals across their last five Premier League games, whilst also conceding six.
For former Bright boss Graham Potter, Odegaard’s presence is a huge bonus for Arteta’s side.
“Especially with Odegaard missing, problems with centre-backs, build-up not as clean, Odegaard is huge miss from creative aspect,’ he said.
“It’s not as simple as him being fit and playing 90 minutes but he gives confidence to everyone else.”
Arsenal have also had the most red cards by a considerable margin since Boxing Day 2019, with 18 players being sent off.
The next most being Wolves and Everton who have received 13 red cards each.
But outside of those issues, after a horror run of results, former Premier League striker turned pundit Troy Deeney believes one more loss and the Gunners can kiss the title goodbye.
“Lose one more time and I think Arsenal are out of it. They are going to have to beat Liverpool home and away and beat City as well,” he said.
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard reacts after missing a late chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. The game finished 1-1. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP).Source: AFP
HOW ARNE’S ‘SLOT’TED RIGHT IN
It’s a tale as old as time itself. A new manager joins a Premier League club, struggle in their first season before the game plan embeds itself into the squad and they see the fruits of their labour.
But not for Arne Slot, who has begun life at Liverpool with a bang and the Dutch manager is priming his side for a title charge in his first season in Merseyside.
Liverpool are sitting five points clear of title favourites Manchester City after 11 games, winning nine and only losing once so far.
In fact you have to go back to September 15th to find their last loss, going down to Nottingham Forest, who are having quite the season themselves.
That result is the only time they’ve tasted defeat since the Premier League began, also enjoying a faultless Champions League campaign, having only conceded a single goals in ties with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzeg, Bologna and AC Milan.
So what’s the secret? Because Manchester United will be desperate for their new manager to have even half the success Slot’s had at Anfield so early in his tenure.
For Slot, he believes his tactical approach wasn’t too far removed from Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool for a decade.
“My expectations were not about the amount of wins or those kinds of things. When you come into a new club you want the team to play, as soon as they can, to the standards you want them to play, getting across your ideas as soon as possible,” Slot said on TNT Sports.
“I inherited a team that did really well last season and for so many seasons before, so there was not a reason to change lots of things, just keep the things they do really well.
“In general, I think the things Jurgen likes his team to do, and I like my team to do, is press really high. Sometimes in different formations, but the idea is the same – and we both like to score goals.”
Liverpool were clearly a tasty outfit to take over, and the former Feyenoord boss has a staggering amount of talent at his disposal.
Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are world class, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Luis Diaz, Alexis MacAllister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota are top tier Premier League players.
However, each and every one of those were players signed by Klopp, and it’s often the case a manager wants to stamp his mark on his new club with signings.
But instead, Slot’s used what he had at his disposal and Erik Ten Hag could potentially take some notes.
No manager has won more points than Slot after their first 11 games, and Liverpool have only equalled their current total once. That year, the 2019/20 season, they won the title.
Is that a sign of things to come? It sure looks that way.
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) congratulates Liverpool’s French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate (C) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 9, 2024. Liverpool won the game 2-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP).Source: AFP
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE… BUT CAN THEY BOUNCE BACK?
Manchester City are one of the most dangerous teams in world football, and in recent years have been the most dominant force in England.
But now Pep Guardiola’s men have lost fair games in-a-row. It’s the first time this has happened since 2006.
That was two years before the club’s financial takeover and 10 years before Guardiola stepped foot in England as manager of the blue portion of Manchester.
But what’s more is it’s the first time in the history of Guardiola’s career he’s lost four games on the trot. That’s quite staggering.
Their most recent loss came against Brighton, while the remaining three saw the City powerhouse go down to Sporting Lisbon, Spurs and Bournemouth.
All four teams are solid in their own right, but should have been light work for a team of City’s quality.
Following the loss to Sporting, Bernardo Silva said his side were in a “dark place” and now
Guardiola has been asked if the dynasty has came to an end.
“It’s what the people want, right?” he said. “That’s normal — we won a lot. I would just like to have all the squad (available).”
But City’s problems could simply come down to injuries, and the sheer amount of football they’ve played so far this year.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is sidelined with an ACL injury, and he’s pivotal in the defensive midfield role.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were all also unavailable against Brighton, while Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Kevin De Bruyne have also spent time sidelined.
With that amount of key players injured, any team in almost any sport would hit a rough patch.
“We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the (injury) situation we have,” Guardiola said, before adding: “I would love to have the players (back).”
Dias, Stones, Walker, Doku and Grealish are all due to return in the coming weeks, while De Bruyne’s fitness will only build after the Brighton tie.
So with a host of big names nearing a return, City should be able to turn their current mess around. However, they’ve now got a five-point buffer to claw back on current ladder leaders Liverpool.
Brighton comeback sinks Man City | 00:50
HAVE CHELSEA FOUND THEIR SWEET SPOT?
Chelsea have been a peculiar outfit for a number of years now, purchasing a host of players for big money whilst not being able to deliver.
But now, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues finally looked to have found a clear path and direction.
Chelsea have lost only one of their last 10 games and sit in third on 19 points, and Maresca has done what his predecessors have been unable to do.
He’s locked down a group of players he believes are his best, using them strictly in the Premier League and important games while youngsters and fringe players have been injected into their remaining Caraboa Cup and Conference League games.
Instead of chopping and changing, and attempting to keep everyone happy, he’s stuck to his guns and players like Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson and Wesley Fofana.
Throw in the mix Cole Palmer, who is arguably the most in-form player in all of world football, and there’s finally some stability at Stamford Bridge after a long period of uncertainty.
“When you look at that squad, you’re thinking how are they going to get any continuity?” Former Liverpool gun Michael Owen said on Optus Sport.
“But he really has stuck to his guns, stuck to a group of players and he’s been pretty consistent with who’s been playing.
“That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea at this moment of time so it’s been impressive so far, the stability he’s brought, it’s exactly what Chelsea needed.”
Meanwhile, club legend and former legend Frank Lampard also weighed in on Maresca’s tough stance, sticking with his group of preferred players.
“I worked with that squad for a short time when I went back and they had 30 players which you would call frontline players, internationals, and it’s harder when you try and juggle it,” Lampard said.
“You’re trying to keep everyone happy. Sometimes you do have to be a bit brutal and I think they got to a tipping point in the summer of, ‘this is the direction’.
“Now the players that are the strong core of this team, I think now are going to develop without that problem.”
Chelsea’s Portuguese midfielder #07 Pedro Neto (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /Source: AFP
UNITED’S SHOPPING LIST IN AMORIM REVOLUTION
Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning around Manchester United’s fortunes, and he is set to arrive at Old Trafford this week amid problems with his working visa.
During his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese manager has implemented a 3-4-3 formation, but players are given a chance to roam.
While his striker is the main man, the wingers outside of him are given a pass to slot in behind and fill gaps, becoming makeshift attacking midfielders.
For goalkeeper Andre Onana, he believes his squad have what it takes to adapt to Amorim’s high intensity style of play.
“It’s a different system but my teammates are all pragmatic. I think everyone here is capable of playing in each system so I don’t think this will be an issue for us,” he said to the BBC.
“We have big players, they will step up.”
Amorim himself also said: I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know.
“Then you will adapt with the players that you have, some injuries, or no injuries, what kind of players have the abilities to defend, attack, I will discover that in the next few weeks.
“We don’t have a lot of time to train, so I have to show something that I know very well. You can take whatever you want from that.”
So it’s fair to say Amorim will be implementing his tried and tested game plan, with Bruno Fernandes a perfect man to find gaps as his key No.10.
Another position that Amorim will desperately need to strengthen is the right wing slot, considering how important his wingers are in his formation.
Erik Ten Hang signed Brazilian Antony to fill that slot, however he’s endured a tough time at Old Trafford.
According to Teamtalk, United are keen on the services of Lisbon’s rising star Geovany Quenda who has been a revelation under Amorim.
Multiple clubs are also keen on his services, however the link to his former coach could be a crucial factor in any potential move for the 17-year-old.
However, the incoming coach has poured cold water on any moves in January for Sporting players, despite also hinting Pedro Goncalves could be another target.
The midfield gun has been a crucial figure under Amorim, and played a major role in the club’s pair of titles in recent years.
United have also been linked with Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres, however he’s also a target of a whole host of worldwide big hitters.
On the defensive end, reports emerging from Italy have claimed Amorim wants to recruit current Juventus captain Danilo, whose contract expires at the season’s end.
He’s on the lookout for a new club, and the Italian giants could be enticed to sell him to get a return before his time ends.
However, with Lenny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt being big money defensive signings this season, it remains to be seen whether more centre backs will be recruited.
Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Portuguese League football match between SC Braga and Sporting CP at the Municipal stadium of Braga on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP)Source: AFP
England has secured top spot in Group C at Euro 2024, but 50 million Poms are still ready to riot.
The tournament favourites survived a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne on Wednesday morning and needed a draw between Serbia and Denmark to go through to the knockout stages as the top team in the group.
The lifeless performance against Slovenia has got fans and football commentators spitting fury at manager Gareth Southgate and his side.
Toping the group was widely viewed as a critical result for the Poms, who have now avoided the side of the draw where France, Germany, Portugal and Spain sit.
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The Three Lions were already assured of a place in the last 16 but were booed off the field in Cologne and can expect more criticism after failing to improve on underwhelming performances in edging past Serbia and drawing with Denmark.
England will have to wait until Thursday’s final group games to find out which of the four best third-placed teams they will face in the last 16.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Photo: Getty.Source: Supplied
But more questions will be asked over one of the favourites’ ability to end a 58-year wait for major tournament glory as a star-studded forward line was snuffed out by Slovenia.
Southgate made a statement with his team selection, resisting the calls to make mass changes as Conor Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the only alteration from the opening two games.
If the England boss was looking for a reaction by showing faith in the other 10 who have started all three matches in Germany, he was left disappointed.
There were chaotic scenes inside the stadium as fans threw empty cups at Southgate as he walked down to the far end of the pitch to thank his team’s supporters.
Football experts were also filthy with Southgate’s tactical moves.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett said in the second half: “There is less than seven minutes plus stoppages for England to avoid ignominy here.
“If it stays 0-0, there will be hell to pay. What a mess.”
He went on to say: “It’s very hard to see where England go from here.
“I thought there were better signs in the first half, and maybe at the start of the second too. But the team that ended this game was so far removed from any game plan, and it betrays how directionless and confidence-starved the side is.
“The Slovenia goalkeeper didn’t make a single meaningful save. Listen to that again – not a single meaningful save, in 90 minutes. Against a side who think they are trophy-contenders.
“England have so many problems, it is hard to list them. Fitness is surely a big one of them, but Southgate refuses to address that elephant in the room: Kane and Bellingham played a full 90 again.
Gareth Southgate didn’t have the answers. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
“Wow. The recriminations will very soon be ringing in the players (and particularly in the manager’s) ears.”
Former England defender Conor Coady said on the BBC: “I think all of the England supporters are worried with what they’re seeing. We wanted this to be the game where England arrived on this huge stage and say, ‘England are finally here!’
“We haven’t seen that. There was nothing in the game to suggest that. There were a few half chances and the bright cameo from Cole Palmer but aside from that it was more of the same.”
Southgate, defender Jon Stones and captain Harry Kane all acknowledged after the game that fans would be frustrated.
“I thought there was a lot of improvement from the other two games, we found people in the pockets and created more chances – another step in the right direction,” Stones said.
“I can get the fans frustration not taking chances, but that is football – it is never an easy game.”
Southgate said: “I thought we were much improved with the ball. We have created some good openings and at the moment it is hard work for us.
Gareth Southgate thanks fans. Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
“We are not quite getting that break in front of goal. I think the players who came on did well. I understand the reactions but it is a tough environment.”
Piers Morgan also had his say on Twitter.
“Jeez. That was dire,” he wrote.
“This is so bad. It’s like watching Arsenal in slow-motion. Where’s the energy, the urgency, the fluency? World class players moving around like snails.”
It took 20 minutes for England to pose a serious threat and only the offside flag denied them a slick opening goal.
Rice picked out Phil Foden’s run but the Manchester City midfielder had strayed beyond the Slovenian defence before squaring for Bukayo Saka to tap in.
They had another good chance late, but Palmer’s shot went straight at the Slovenian keeper. Slovenia are now nine games unbeaten, which included beating Portugal 2-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.
A point was jubilantly celebrated by the Slovenians as it did enough for them to progress as one of the best third-placed sides thanks to three draws from their three games.
Matjaz Kek’s men missed out on second place in the group solely due to Denmark’s superior record in qualifying as the sides had the same points, goal difference and goals scored.
England captain Harry Kane said there was no need to panic over the Three Lions slow start to Euro 2024 as he rounded on critics back home of their performances in Germany.
Gareth Southgate’s men have taken four points from their opening two games, but have not lived up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites.
Kane scored in Thursday’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark after an edgy 1-0 win over Serbia and will round out their Group C fixtures with a clash against Slovenia on Wednesday (AEST).
Among Lineker’s other brutal calls was that England was “tactically inept”, with a game plan that was, at times, “inexplicable”.
Shearer was also pointed in his criticism of Southgate, saying: “Gareth is not getting the best out of England’s best players.
“It was very poor, it wasn’t good enough. There was no energy, no pace to the game. We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes. The players look shattered, there’s no excuse for that.
“It was really really poor and it is concerning, absolutely.”
Kane said he understood pundits have to give their opinions but called for some perspective from former players.
Gary Lineker blasted England’s performance against Denmark. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League)Source: Getty Images
“With podcasts and things like that, people are trying to promote their own channels and sometimes the headline, because you want the most views, isn’t always what people want to see,” Kane said.
“People will do things for their own gain, that’s just life.
“First and foremost we try to ignore it, but we should try to back the English players as much as possible because we are doing all we can to make everyone, the fans and pundits proud. I know they would love nothing more if we are all celebrating after the Euros.”
Kane added he might eventually be in a similar position to Lineker and others when it comes to future punditry jobs, but urged those legends to remember they were once in the same position.
“Maybe when I’m 40 or 50 (years old), I’ll be on one of those shows trying to dig players out – I hope I’m not. It might change,” Kane said.
Kane wanted former England players-turned-pundits to be more positive with their analysis. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP
“But from my point of view, with the experience of players who have been there and maybe not played well in certain games and know how tough it is to play for England, maybe take a step back and see where you were and what it was like.
“I would never want to be disrespectful to any player, especially a player who has worn the shirt and knows what it is like to play for England. What ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise is that it is very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it, or some players who are new to the environment.
“I always feel like they have a responsibility. I know they have got to be honest and give their opinion, but also they have a responsibility of being an ex-England player that a lot of players look up to. People do listen to them and people do care what they say.”
England boss Gareth Southgate faces a defining moment in his bid to win Euro 2024 after being accused by experts of failing to get the best out of his talented side and subjected to furious jeers from frustrated fans.
England arrived in Germany as the bookmakers’ favourites to win the tournament, but they have struggled to live up to the hype in a pair of spluttering performances against Serbia and Denmark.
Southgate’s team were fortunate to escape with a 1-0 win over Serbia after a limp second half display in their Group C opener and they fared even worse in Thursday’s lacklustre 1-1 draw with Denmark.
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Despite taking the lead through Harry Kane’s early goal, England quickly lost their momentum and Morten Hjulmand’s long-range rocket gave Denmark a deserved point.
With so much expected of an England squad packed with world-class players including Jude Bellingham, Kane and Phil Foden, the response to their feeble displays is growing increasingly vitriolic.
England boss Gareth Southgate faces a defining moment in his bid to win Euro 2024.Source: Getty Images
Thousands of England supporters in Frankfurt booed Southgate and their team after the final whistle, while former Three Lions stars Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand were scathing about the manager’s tactics and team selection.
“I mean, you can think of all sorts of words and expletives if you like, but it was s**t,” he said on The Rest is Football podcast.
Among Lineker’s other brutal calls was that England was “tactically inept”, with a game plan that was, at times, “inexplicable”.
Shearer was also pointed in his criticism of Southgate, saying: “Gareth is not getting the best out of England’s best players.
“It was very poor, it wasn’t good enough. There was no energy, no pace to the game. We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes. The players look shattered, there’s no excuse for that.
“It was really really poor and it is concerning, absolutely.”
Southgate’s failure to help Foden reproduce his brilliant form with champions Manchester City — which earned him the Premier League’s Player of the Year award — is a recurring issue with his critics.
Euro Wrap: Spain soar to knock out stage | 02:29
Foden slightly improved against Denmark after being anonymous in the Serbia game, but was still inconsistent on the left flank, with his best performances for City coming in a central role.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand claimed Southgate is playing Foden and Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham out of position.
“The balance of the team is not allowing the players to reach the levels that they have done for clubs,” he said.
“Foden is out of position and not playing his best, maybe Bellingham would be better playing at number eight. It’s a big concern.”
He added: “At the moment England do not know when to squeeze the pitch, who is going when, the distances between each other. Once you have questions tactically the picture can change in a split second in front of you and you are lost.
“It is baffling and concerning.”
Another big bone of contention with experts was Southgate’s use of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane was blunt in his assessment, saying the Liverpool star simply is “not up for it”.
“I thought it was always a huge gamble to play him, a player who doesn’t play [that position] week in, week out for his club. I know people say he drifts in there for Liverpool, but drifting into a position and starting there are different,” Keane said. “He’s come up short in the two games.
“Now it’s not all down to him. You’d probably have to put this on Gareth. It’s a huge gamble throwing a full back into the middle of the park.
“It was a big ask for him and he’s not up to it.”
Writing in The Telegraph, chief sports writer Oliver Brown said that Southgate’s gamble on the use of Alexander-Arnold was indicative of an “identity crisis” within the team.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold has become emblematic of this England side: full of noble intentions, but hopelessly confused in his delivery and ultimately going nowhere very quickly,” Brown wrote.
“The fault lies as much with the manager as the player. This natural right-back’s unease as a central midfielder was painfully evident during this grisliest of draws, begging the question why Gareth Southgate had deployed him there in the first place.”
Southgate’s use of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder came under heavy fire.Source: Getty Images
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said that poor performances from Foden and Alexander-Arnold, regardless of Southgate’s involvement, should lead to their axings.
“(They) will have to be sacrificed now. The team’s set-up is not getting the best from them, or their teammates,” he wrote in The Telegraph.
“Introducing Alexander-Arnold into midfield in a major tournament was always a risk. It has not worked.
“Elsewhere in the side, nobody loves watching Foden more than me. But for England to come up with a system that works and complements everyone, he cannot operate in the starting XI with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane if they are all trying to occupy the same space and positions.”
– ‘We’re not flowing’ –
Southgate did his best to face the criticism head on in an honest post-match press conference after the Denmark match.
He conceded his gamble to use Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a central midfielder was not a resounding success.
“We know it’s an experiment,” he said. “We don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Philips. We’re trying different things and at the moment we’re not flowing as we’d like.
“We have been trying to find a solution in midfield for seven or eight years. If we didn’t have Declan Rice, I don’t know where we would be.”
After pre-tournament injuries to Kane, Bukayo Saka and Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, the England boss believes his side lack energy and cohesion.
“We have to find a way to get the right balance. We don’t have our best left-back available. That denies you that balance,” Southgate said.
Euro Wrap: Joy for hosts, Scotland stall | 02:22
Often criticised for adopting cautious tactics when his men have taken the lead, Southgate insisted he doesn’t tell England to sit back.
“No. I think we’ve played teams that are quite fluid in back threes and it’s not easy to get pressure on them,” he said.
While Germany and Spain have laid down significant markers at the Euros, insipid England have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.
After several near-misses in tournaments during his reign, Southgate is concerned England are struggling to cope with the pressure of chasing the nation’s first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
But despite the gathering storm clouds, his team will still reach the last 16 as group winners if they beat Slovenia on Tuesday.
“We have to stay calm and find good solutions to improve,” Southgate said. “I have to lead the group in the right way and make intelligent decisions so we can be better.”
The NBA’s play-in tournament is here, with the possibility that one of the league’s superstars in LeBron James and Steph Curry could not feature in the playoffs.
But before eight teams from the Eastern and Western Conference try to keep their championship hopes alive, foxsports.com.au has assessed just how much pressure every franchise is under heading into the postseason.
Factoring in expectations, recent playoffs success and failure along with the state of their salary cap and impending contract calls, each team was rated from 1 to 10.
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EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Boston Celtics — 10/10
It seems like the majority of people have locked in the Celtics for the Finals, such is both their dominance in the regular season and the sorry state of the rest of the Eastern Conference. But there still are a few sceptics, wary of backing Boston in too strongly considering what has happened the past few years. Namely, blowing a 2-1 lead against the Warriors in the 2022 Finals and then falling to the Jimmy Butler-led Heat in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. This is a different Boston team with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis while someone like Derrick White has been a genuine difference-maker at stages this season. It makes it that much harder for teams to game plan around simply getting the ball out of either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown’s hands. It makes the Celtics, who finished the season No.1 in offensive rating and No.2 in defensive rating a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut. But that is exactly the reason why there is so much pressure to go all the way this time around. How Tatum performs in particular will help answer whether the supermax he is poised to sign this summer, which could be worth over $300 million, is worth it.
The Celtics need to make the Finals. Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
2. New York Knicks — 4/10
The injury to Julius Randle was a gut punch that makes it hard to envision them going all the way to the Finals, although the Knicks have been the kind of team all season that doesn’t go down without a fight so it isn’t out of the question. Still, unlike previous years, there doesn’t seem to be the same level of expectation heading into the playoffs for New York, potentially because when healthy this team has proved it is capable of pushing any team in the NBA. It eases the pressure on the Knicks to go big-name hunting this summer too, given it is realistic that they could run it back with the same group and hope for more injury luck, otherwise Randle, Bojan Bogdanovich and Mitchell Robinson are the kind of pieces who could be central to a potential trade.
3. Milwaukee Bucks — 9/10
Fortunately for the Bucks, they were able to agree to a three-year, $186 million contract extension with Giannis Antetokounmpo before the start of the season. If he hadn’t, you can just imagine how much pressure would be on Milwaukee heading into the playoffs. Still the pressure is on the Bucks to get to the Eastern Conference Finals given the starpower in their roster, headlined by Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. If not, it is likely most of the blame will fall on coach Doc Rivers, who has struggled to generate any real consistent play since taking over Adrian Griffin while it seems like he is coming under scrutiny after every press conference for dodging self-accountability in some fashion. Lillard too is under pressure to perform after being traded to Milwaukee with the hope of finally being in a position to compete for a title. The Bucks are built to win right now but with an aging roster, who knows how much longer they will be in this position, even with Antetokounmpo’s future settled.
Doc Rivers is under pressure. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
4. Cleveland Cavaliers — 9/10
Things have not been pretty since the All-Star break and entering the playoffs off a game where you were booed by your own fans isn’t exactly ideal. But that is exactly what happened after Cleveland, resting Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Caris LeVert, lost to Charlotte.
With it, the Cavs avoided a potential first-round match-up with the No.7 seed Philadelphia but now find themselves on the same side of the playoffs brackets as the Celtics. Given how the regular season finished, it is hard to see Cleveland going far in the playoffs. That is a problem given Mitchell is set to enter the final guaranteed year of his current contract next season should the Cavs not secure a contract extension for him this summer. NBA insider Marc Stein reported this month that there is a “growing belief among rival teams” that Cleveland will be “forced to trade” their superstar guard if the franchise cannot come to terms on an extension. It comes after a report from Joe Vardon of The Athletic in February on the “deep, psychological effect” Cleveland’s first-round exit against the Knicks last playoffs had on the team, adding “Mitchell’s decision on a contract extension likely [is] tied to how good he thinks the Cavs can be”. A repeat of last year’s swift playoffs failure could see Mitchell turn his attention elsewhere and could put the spotlight on coach J.B. Bickerstaff too.
5. Orlando Magic — 1/10
Sure, you never want to take for granted being in the playoffs. But the Magic have a bright future and this is only the start. Regardless of how far Orlando goes, this season was a big success and unless the Magic collapse dramatically in the postseason, there won’t be any real pressure heading into the summer.
6. Indiana Pacers — 2/10
Another team that is young and ahead of schedule. Indiana has had Milwaukee’s number this season, so it wouldn’t be a shock for the Pacers to push — and potentially eliminate — the Bucks in the opening round of the playoffs. But even if they don’t, a solid enough showing where they don’t get swept should be enough to consolidate what has been a positive season for a Pacers team that booked its first trip to the postseason in four years, led by Tyrese Haliburton.
7. Philadelphia 76ers — 6/10
An Eastern Conference Finals appearance has eluded Philadelphia for some time now, with the Sixers qualifying for the playoffs for six straight years without ever making it past the semifinals. With that in mind, there is always going to be some level of pressure on the 76ers and specifically reigning MVP Joel Embiid to prove they are genuine contenders. However, Philadelphia’s decision not to chase a big name before the trade deadline means the Sixers are loaded with ammunition to go star chasing in the summer. With that in mind, the 76ers have room to improve next season, especially if Embiid can stay healthy. Of course, if Philadelphia somehow didn’t even make it out of the play-in tournament or was eliminated in the first round it would be a massive disappointment. But the silver lining of what is to come in the summer would at least help ease some of the pain.
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Joel Embiid is back but the 76ers have to first make it out of the play-in tournament. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
8. Miami Heat — 5/10
Surely they can’t do it again? This Heat team doesn’t look to have the consistency the make another unlikely run to the NBA Finals after a regular season that never really hit any heights. Of course, you can never rule out the possibility of ‘Playoff Jimmy’ taking over, and it hadn’t helped the Heat either that they dealt with lingering injuries that tested their guard depth. Ultimately, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of external pressure on Miami to replicate last year’s magical run, but just how far the Heat go could have implications on Jimmy Butler’s future with the team. The 34-year-old, who has two years and $100 million left on his current deal, is eligible for an extension this summer. To a similar extent, the Heat — should they make it to the playoffs — will also get an extended look at whether the Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier combination will work moving forward after injury-interrupted seasons.
9. Chicago Bulls — 1/10
Perennial play-in tournament contenders and nothing more. This is what the Chicago Bulls are right now and that doesn’t look like changing after another middling season. There is little pressure on Chicago because, frankly, there aren’t really any expectations on this Bulls team to do much in the postseason. Instead, the bigger priority for Billy Donovan needs to be working out what this team looks like moving forward given the development of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, especially when considered alongside the headache that is Zach LaVine’s contract and where potential free agent DeMar DeRozan fits in the timeline.
10. Atlanta Hawks — 1/10
Like the Bulls, there isn’t much pressure on Atlanta given the fact the Hawks also finished the regular season with a losing record and hence shouldn’t really be a threat to do anything in the playoffs. With such low expectations comes an opportunity to overachieve or, at worst, only further push the front office towards trading either Dejounte Murray or Trae Young in the summer. It seems to be the direction the franchise is heading, with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting the Hawks are “likely” to trade either of their star guards this offseason.
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Oklahoma City Thunder — 2/10
Like the Magic, Thunder fans can just enjoy the fact they find themselves in this position, sitting on top of the Western Conference with a young core that will only get better and a multitude of draft picks to build on this season’s success. Unlike Orlando there are more expectations that come with finishing the top seed and a potential first-round match-up against the Lakers would be particularly tough. But even if the Thunder went out in that scenario, it would at least help crystallise the changes OKC needs to make in the offseason, should the size mismatch be exposed.
2. Denver Nuggets — 7/10
A similar situation to the Celtics, although to a lesser extent given Boston’s record is far superior and the Western Conference is much more competitive. With that in mind, it would hardly be shocking to see the Nuggets rolled in the semifinals. Still, the assumption for most of the regular season has been that the Celtics and Nuggets are on a Finals collision course and anything less than that would be a disappointment for last year’s reigning champions.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves — 6/10
After making a blockbuster trade for Rudy Gobert, things didn’t go to plan for Minnesota last season, struggling for chemistry before drawing the unfortunate straw of having to play the eventual champions Denver in the playoffs. This season though things are different and with that comes higher expectations. It is not championship-or-bust as the Timberwolves have young players in Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels to build their future around, but they at least need to show they are heading in the right direction. That makes the semifinals a bare minimum, although the Conference Finals are a realistic goal too.
The Timberwolves have a future with Anthony Edwards. David Berding/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
4. Los Angeles Clippers — 9/10
After giving up assets for James Harden, the Clippers are light on for future draft capital should this version of the team not go deep into the playoffs and, potentially, win a title. That has to be the goal after all, with Harden the third best player on a roster that features Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. George could become a free agent this summer and a standout postseason run would put him in a strong position to either leverage the Clippers for more money or become the hottest available name on the market. Regardless of which decision he makes, Los Angeles can’t take for granted the position it finds itself in right now, entering the playoffs with all four of its star players healthy. With an aging roster and limited draft capital to work with, there is plenty of pressure on the Clippers to make it count now. In a stacked Western Conference though, the path to a title is tricky.
5. Dallas Mavericks — 6/10
There is always a decent level of pressure when you have Luka Doncic. He alone has been enough to single-handedly win Dallas games before, although this time around the Slovenian superstar has plenty of help in the form of Kyrie Irving and trade deadline additions Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. It only adds to the pressure for the Mavericks to at least get past the first round of the playoffs, having made genuinely positive moves to bolster their roster and build around Doncic with the goal of taking a swing at the title. The Mavericks ended the regular season with a 16-2 record to wrap up the fifth seed before resting their stars. It also means there will be high expectations for a deep playoff run, although the pressure isn’t as high given they have key players under contract for a few years to come while Gafford and Washington will have the summer to further integrate themselves into the team.
6. Phoenix Suns — 10/10
Well, avoiding the play-in tournament was definitely a step in the right direction because not even making the playoffs in the first place would have been an abject failure for the Suns. Still, Phoenix enters the postseason as one of the most under-pressure teams after going all-in once again last year in a trade for Bradley Beal. Like the Clippers, the Suns have traded away most of their future draft capital, not owning or controlling a first-round pick until 2031. Adding depth to the roster next season will also be tough as Phoenix is over the second-apron ($182.5 million of the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement), meaning the Suns don’t have access to the Mid-Level Exception or Bi-Annual Exception and will only be able to add free agents through minimum contracts.
Grayson Allen has just signed a new four-year contract extension. David Berding/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
There is at least now the guarantee of sharpshooter Grayson Allen staying put after news the Suns have extended him on a four-year deal worth nearly $70 million.
Royce O’Neal is another key piece Phoenix could lose and, again, only be able to replace with minimum players. ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown in March that the reality of the salary cap puts “tremendous pressure” on the Suns to pay those players and keep them. “Suns owner Mat Ishbia has operated with a relative disregard for the new salary cap realities of the NBA, essentially in a championship or bust mentality over the next couple of years,” Wojnarowski said. This year’s playoffs could go a long way to deciding whether it works out or not.
7. New Orleans Pelicans — 5/10
The Pelicans have to be one of the most confounding teams in the league right now. At one point this season they looked like pushing for the top seeds in the Western Conference but dropped four straight games in early April before suffering a 124-108 loss to the Lakers on Monday. A win would’ve kept New Orleans out of the play-in tournament but now the Pels need to go about it the hard way. If anyone is under pressure entering the postseason it is Zion Williamson, who has never played in a playoff game and will be looking to rebound from the disaster that was New Orleans’ in-season tournament thumping at the hands of the Lakers. It will also be interesting to see how the Pelicans deal with their lack of elite center play against the top teams and what impact it has on the future of Jonas Valančiūnas, who is headed towards free agency. With all of that in mind, New Orleans still looks like a playoff team but not a genuine contender and if there is any question mark it is less on the team’s biggest names and more on coach Willie Green and his rotations.
8. Los Angeles Lakers — 5/10
LeBron James could become a free agent this summer, although the focus for the Lakers superstar has always been getting the chance to play with son Bronny. With that in mind, even if Los Angeles doesn’t replicate last year’s playoffs run or crashes out of the play-in tournament, results alone won’t be the only determining factor in James’ decision. The other question mark for the Lakers is what they do with D’Angelo Russell, who has a $18.69 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which he would surely decline given the level he has been playing at. Complicating matters is the fact The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reported multiple sources believe the Lakers will go “third-star hunting” this summer. All of this is to say it will be an intriguing summer for the Lakers and perhaps a deep playoff run could convince the front office a third star isn’t necessary, or alternatively postseason results may only highlight shortcomings in the roster that make another high-level scorer a must. Either way, there will always be some level of pressure on the Lakers given the James factor and their popularity in the league, but it isn’t championship-or-bust as has been the case in the past.
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Where will LeBron James play in the 2024-25 season? Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
9. Sacramento Kings — 3/10
The Kings were one of the fairytale stories of last season. But that was last year. Now they have somewhat regressed while the rest of the Western Conference has improved, meaning the Kings may not even make it to the playoffs this time around. Again, there isn’t too much pressure because this is a young team who weren’t really widely expected to build on last season’s success. In fact, most people seemed to be tipping them to fall back a bit. That in itself is a problem though and speaks to the fact Sacramento at this stage looks like a solid play-in tournament team who could snag a first-round series but not much more. Whether that prompts the front office to make a big swing in the postseason remains to be seen. But a swift exit this year should at least prompt the Kings to consider what the ceiling is for the roster as currently constructed.
10. Golden State Warriors — 3/10
Another team, like the Lakers, who are under pressure primarily on name value and nothing else. It is clear that the Warriors are in a transitional period and coach Steve Kerr has accepted it too, giving the team’s younger players like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski a chance to push for more minutes while experimenting at times with Klay Thompson’s role. If anything, the pressure is on Thompson to prove he can still be a difference maker as the Warriors prepare to make a call on his future with the team. Maybe this is the last time we see Thompson, Draymond Green and Steph Curry on a court together in Golden State colours. Even if that is the case though, it no longer seems like that reality would be the undoing of Golden State or leave the Warriors in a worse position than they find themselves in right now. In fact, it was only once Kerr embraced youth that the Warriors started to improve and there are no indications at this stage that Curry is unhappy or wants out of Golden State if there is no playoff run this year.
To truly understand how just far Ben Simmons has fallen, you have to go back to the start. Back to when a fresh-faced Simmons had his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the first overall pick in 2016.
There is no greater honour. And no greater burden. No way of so quickly lifting you up, and then tearing you down.
“It honestly feels like all this pressure just has hopped off me,” Simmons said when asked what it felt like to hear his name called after all of the build-up to the draft.
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Ben Simmons poses with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
In reality, the pressure was only just starting to build, spelled out in big block letters on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s sports section the day after Simmons was selected.
‘Big Ben’s Time’ it read, along with three columns on the Australian’s arrival in ‘The City of Brotherly Love’.
Mike Sielski, for example, noted how then-Sixers coach Brett Brown was “unafraid to wield names such as LeBron and Magic when speaking about the player Simmons might become”.
Bob Ford, meanwhile, had a warning of sorts, one that spoke to the earlier point that the lead-up to the draft was just an early glimpse into the kind of pressure Simmons was now facing.
“Simmons went from amateur status to a professional contract that will pay him between $5 million and $6 million in his rookie season alone,” Ford wrote.
“Something comes along with the fame and money and the memory of being the first one to shake hands with the commissioner on draft night. Expectations.”
Expectations like the “task of turning around the Sixers’ losing ways”, as staff writer Keith Pompey put it flatly in the headline of his column, with Simmons joining a Philadelphia team that had not finished higher than 14th in the Eastern Conference since the 2012-13 season.
There were high expectations for Ben Simmons. (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
This special edition of the Inquirer even included an online extra from Philadelphia’s former first overall pick Allen Iverson, which came with a simple message of advice for Simmons:
Meanwhile, along with being comfortable throwing out names like LeBron and Magic, Brown told The Sunday Telegraph in 2017 that when we looked back at Simmons’ career, “we’ll say he’s the best to ever come out of Australia”.
“I know it’s a bold statement, but it’s true and one I believe,” added Brown, and that was only 30 games into the then-21-year-old’s career.
All of this is to stress that the position Simmons currently finds himself in, limited to just 15 games after another injury-interrupted season and at a career crossroads, is made even more jarring when reminded of just how high expectations were for him entering the league.
Not just entering the league either.
Ben Simmons impressed early in his career. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
After his rookie year Simmons was already putting his name in the history books, joining Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook as the only player to average at least 15 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and 1.5 steals per game in a season.
Already esteemed company for Simmons without even mentioning the fact he was the only one to do it as a rookie and on the back of a redshirt season due to injury.
“He could be the next marquee player, a leader in the sport,” Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze told ABC News of Simmons after his first season in the league.
“Ben Simmons’ ceiling and realistic potential is to be the greatest in the world.”
Now the question isn’t whether Simmons can be the greatest in the league but whether he will even be in the league come this time next season.
As Simmons prepares to enter the final year of the $170 million ($A260m) contract extension he signed with the Sixers back in 2019, foxsports.com.au breaks down just what went wrong for the Australian over the past few years and what his future in the NBA looks like from here.
To do that, foxsports.com.au spoke with Brooklyn and Philadelphia beat writers Erik Slater and Noah Levick along with NBA legend Gary Payton, a second overall pick himself.
They dissected the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’ future in the league along with how they will remember the Australian if this is the last time we see him on an NBA court.
WHAT WENT WRONG AT BROOKLYN AND WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT THE NETS FRONT OFFICE?
At the time when Simmons was dealt he had not suited up for an NBA game since June the year prior, when Philadelphia crashed out of the playoffs at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons sat out the start of the 2021-22 season with the Sixers, citing mental health concerns, before a back injury limited his availability for the Nets and later saw the Australian shut down in March last year.
Still, the 27-year-old played 42 games for the Nets last season and based on the way he was talking last summer, there was a genuine reason to be optimistic things would be different.
There was reason to believe things would be different. Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Here Simmons was, off yet another injury-shortened season, confidently declaring he would “dominate people” again and wanted to be “better than an All-Star”.
“I would definitely say that his confidence and just the entire aura surrounding him [is different],” Slater, a reporter from Clutch Points and host of Bleav in Nets, told foxsports.com.au at the time.
Simmons went on to tell the YES Network that it was “the best” he had felt physically while mentally he also seemed to be locked in, ready to make up for lost time.
His first game of the season against Cleveland seemed to back it up as Simmons finished with nine assists, 10 rebounds and four points in a solid opening showing from the three-time All-Star.
Unfortunately for Nets fans it was just one of 15 games for Simmons, who was in March this year shut down yet again for the remainder of the season to undergo back surgery for the second time in three years.
For Slater, the fact Brooklyn entered the season relying on Simmons to be such a key part of its offensive identity was “pretty damning”.
This season did not go to plan for Simmons. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“If you’re looking at it from that perspective of the way that the Nets are trying to build their roster and game plan a lot of stuff around Simmons, given his extensive injury history, the way that this has played out is pretty damning,” he told foxsports.com.au.
“It’s not a good look for the front office or the coaching staff because they came into the season wanting Ben to be a focal point of what they were trying to do offensively, which was push the pace, be one of the more efficient and higher volume teams in transition on the year.
“They did not want to play in the halfcourt as much and playing Ben at starting point guard and prioritising him over a guy like Spencer Dinwiddie and also not building up adequate point guard depth behind him.
“They signed Dennis Smith Jr. but he struggles offensively and their decision to curtail some of their rotations and have Ben be a focal point of the offence, it’s difficult to find alternatives to that given he’s making $37 million ($A57m).
“It’s such a large chunk of their salary cap but them leaning into that has blown up in their faces this year.”
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Even former Nets coach Jacque Vaughn, who was fired in late February, conceded that the Nets were “two different teams” without Simmons — such was the level of adjustment Brooklyn had to make when the Australian was unavailable.
“We were top six in transition with Ben, bottom five without Ben,” Vaughn said ahead of a game against the Magic in November.
“Better executing in the half-court without Ben, not with Ben. So it’s two different teams.”
The decision to build the offence around Simmons’ strengths was reportedly a source of frustration for “multiple players”, including Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges, in Brooklyn’s locker room according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Ultimately, that plan backfired given Simmons’ struggles to stay healthy and seemed to contribute to Vaughn’s demise.
“It’s kind of difficult to envision how they could have viewed Ben as a sustainable piece this season,” Slater added.
“It seems like maybe it was just that they didn’t feel they had any other choice. But regardless, him being on the roster and being that much of a focal point of the team’s offence entering this year, given his extensive injury history, is a pretty glaring indictment of the coaching staff and more importantly, the front office.”
WHAT DOES BEN’S FUTURE OPTIONS IN THE NBA LOOK LIKE?
So with that in mind, what does Simmons’ future look like at the Nets and in the league in general beyond this season?
Well, Simmons is signed for the 2024-25 season and is due to earn $40.3 million ($A61.7m), which makes the prospect of a buyout unlikely given it has little appeal for the Australian.
After all, given his injury history and declining production it is hard to see Simmons getting anywhere close to that figure at another team so he may as well pocket that kind of money while he still can.
As for a trade, Simmons’ $40.3 million ($A 61.7m) contract is expiring next season which could make him appealing for any teams that are looking to get off long-term money on their books.
In return, the Nets would likely get a host of role players.
What comes next for Ben Simmons? Dustin Satloff/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“It wouldn’t be anything too valuable I would think but at least some guys who could be on the floor and give you something,” Slater said.
Whether that is the kind of return Brooklyn is after will depend on whether the franchise has a realistic chance of landing a big name in free agency instead, as Slater explained.
“They’re projected to have a tonne of cap space in 2025 when Ben’s contract comes off the books. So, if they’re projecting that there’s going to be free agents and other players that they have interest in and that would have interest in coming to Brooklyn in that 2025 class, I would view them as just letting Ben’s contract expire,” he said.
“If they don’t think that [in] that 2025 class a lot of guys are going to end up hitting free agency or they’re not going to have a shot at them, I could see them maybe trying to move Ben and trying to look for a team that’s looking to get off long-term salary and take back those players and maybe use them as salary fillers to trade for a bigger piece down the line.”
Boston’s Jayson Tatum headlines the potential free agents in 2025, with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell the other leading options that make sense for Brooklyn both in terms of positional need and the timeline the Nets are operating on.
Jayson Tatum is the best free agent available in 2025. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
As for Simmons’ future in the NBA, he has every incentive in the world to get back on the court next season given it is a contract year.
At this point though it is hard to trust his body given how confident the 27-year-old was this summer.
“Despite that seven month rehab process and him saying that he feels so great, he wound up playing 27 less games this year than he did last year,” added Slater.
“So that’s a really damning sign for where his body’s at and it doesn’t really give you much confidence that he’ll be able to make it back from the injury.”
WHY HAS THE DISCOURSE SURROUNDING BEN BEEN SO TOXIC?
Considering that reality — the fact Simmons’ body has more than failed him in recent years — why has the discourse surrounding the Australian been so toxic?
It is hardly anything new for the league’s biggest names to generate the biggest headlines, but in the case of Simmons it at times seems to be more than that. It seems almost personal.
As if Simmons is the only professional athlete to not live up this potential. As if, more importantly, Simmons’ debilitating back issues and mental health concerns aren’t a good enough reason.
As if he is making some of it up, or at least at minimum exaggerating the extent to which it has limited his ability to get on the court in recent years.
You only have to read a column by Mike Sielski, who has covered Simmons since he was drafted for the Philadelphia Inquirer and wrote that it is “impossible to feel sorry” for the three-time All-Star because “he squandered his sympathy years ago”.
Of course, Philadelphia is a particularly ruthless city to be playing in if you are not performing well. And they don’t forget easily either.
Just ask a few of the fans who showed up for Simmons’ first appearance in Philadelphia since being traded to Brooklyn.
“He quit on the city,” Fatieem Grady told the Inquirer.
“I had to come and boo him myself,” Jason Castaldo added.
Matt Grieco, meanwhile, paid $450 for his ticket but said “it was worth it… just to boo Ben Simmons”.
But why this level of vitriol? Why the branding of his mental health concerns as an “exploitation of the country’s mental health crisis”, as Sielski put it in his column, or the need for Stephen A. Smith to publicly air his “disgust” with Simmons?
“Some of the commentary has definitely lacked an understanding of all that has taken us to this point,” Noah Levick, who covered Simmons during his time at the 76ers for NBC Sports Philadelphia, told foxsports.com.au.
And that, as Levick points out, goes back even earlier than most people realise. Back to the 2020 when then-Sixers coach Brett Brown witnessed what he said at the time was “as disturbing a memory as it relates to a player that I can think of”.
Why the hate for Simmons? (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I mean, for me, always when thinking of how we got here, I go back to the 2019-20 season. He’s an All-Star calibre player yet again and then he aggravates his back injury in late February in Milwaukee. He is out indefinitely,” Levick said.
“Then a couple weeks later, the season is paused because of COVID-19 and then we hear on a Zoom press conference with then head coach Brett Brown in May that he [Simmons] was vomiting primarily because of pain that night in Milwaukee. And Brett Brown called it “as disturbing a memory as it relates to a player that I can think of”.
“So to me, it’s easy to forget or overlook just the reality of in 2020 he suffered what at the time was a very concerning back injury and this back ailment has continued to plague him and seemingly continued to sap many of his athletic gifts and even sideline him and prevent him from playing in games.”
While the holdout at Philadelphia “absolutely clouded the way many people see” Simmons according to Levick, he added it would be wrong to place too much of a spotlight on that period of the Australian’s career.
“To me, regardless of how you feel about that particular major event in his career, it’s undeniable that for four years now, he’s been dealing with a serious back issue,” Levick said.
“… I do think it’s really, really difficult to try to find nuance in reflecting on his career and the holdout saga and his big strengths and big weaknesses as a player. But I think the bottom line is he’s experienced very serious physical problems and that is, to me, unavoidably and undeniably the dominant reason why we are where we are now with him.”
Ben Simmons has generated headlines since he entered the league. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
For Slater though, the scepticism is also a product of the question marks that surrounded Simmons entering the league.
“When you’re talking about the legitimacy of it and why people seem to question that, from my perspective, it would be the fact that before Ben started to have these serious back issues on record, his confidence was crumbling and his shot attempts and all those things were declining every season in Philadelphia and had continued to before the back injuries and those confidence issues,” he said.
“Entering the league when Ben was coming out of the draft one of the knocks on him was people questioned how much he loved the game, questioned his motor. So when you have all that out there, those questions entering the league, then you have that confidence starting to go down, he didn’t really develop any of the skills that people would have liked him to during his time in Philadelphia from an offensive perspective and then you get him sitting out an entire season.
“When you have all that stuff working out together, once his back issues start to crop up, people question the legitimacy of it.”
Of course, Slater was also having none of the critics who raise doubts over whether Simmons is actually injured. After all, he has undergone back surgery twice now.
“He’s not going in and having surgery for no reason,” Slater added.
Now, it is one thing to be sceptical about Simmons’ desire to represent his country. But it is another thing entirely to question legitimate injuries or mental health concerns that come with the pressure of living up to being a first overall pick.
Ben Simmons is interviewed after being drafted first overall. Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
And that is where NBA legend Gary Payton lands in this conversation. Why has the discourse surrounding Simmons been so toxic?
“Because we’re talking about a top pick,” Payton, a former second overall pick, simply put it speaking with foxsports.com.au while in Australia to attend NBA and TAB’s free ‘Block Party’ event at Hotel Steyne on Manly Beach last week.
“Everybody will always be saying, ‘Is he a bust?’… We had a lot of expectations for him and it hasn’t panned out. What I think is that I wouldn’t listen or wouldn’t think about it.
“I would try to be thinking about what we can do now to get better… that’s what I would think about.
“… He is on social media too much to be where he listens too much. I think he should just go by himself and do his work at his game and show people his game… I think that gets in peoples’ heads when they start listening to things and they hear criticism and I just don’t like that.”
REGARDLESS OF WHAT COMES NEXT, HOW WILL BEN BE REMEMBERED?
As easy as it is to focus on what Simmons is now, it is also important to reflect on what he once was.
Because as disappointing as the last few seasons have been, that doesn’t take away from what Simmons achieved in the early stages of his career.
Achievements that had Simmons’ name constantly mentioned among basketball royalty, including LeBron James — and his own teammates could see why.
“There’s really very few players, I’m trying to think if there’s anybody besides LeBron, that has had that combination of speed and size and athleticism and strength,” former Sixers guard J.J. Redick said in 2017.
“LeBron is, I think, the greatest player to ever play and that’s a tough comparison to make for someone who’s played 17 games. LeBron is obviously in a different category but I think it’s a valid comparison from where LeBron was early in his career to where Ben is now.”
In fact, Levick’s best memory from covering Simmons for NBC Philadelphia remains his epic duel with James in Philadelphia’s 132-130 win over Cleveland back in 2018.
The 76ers defeated the Cavaliers 132-130. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“LeBron, of course, has been a mentor to Simmons and just seeing them go toe-to-toe and then the Sixers ultimately edge out the Cavs in that game definitely left you with the impression that sure, Simmons was unlikely to become a player of LeBron’s calibre, but that he was entirely capable of being a perennial All-Star sort of guy,” Levick said.
Simmons had 27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in that game while James led the way for the Lakers with 44 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.
Just a reminder of what could have been for Simmons. What could have been if he hadn’t got injured. What could have been if he didn’t pass up that wide-open dunk against the Hawks.
A split-second decision that summed up the next few seasons for Simmons, whose lack of aggression and hesitation around the rim only further limited his offensive game when paired with his lack of a consistent jump shot.
A sliding doors moment that spelled the end of Simmons’ career in Philadelphia, and perhaps the idea that he would ever rediscover the form that made the Australian one of the best two-way players in the league.
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“It is really one of the more unusual and interesting situations in the NBA for a player of that calibre. It’s not something you see really often,” Slater said of Simmons’ career trajectory.
“It’s unfortunate because Ben was one of the more exciting players in the NBA and it’s looking more and more unlikely he’s going to be able to reach that level again.”
Greg Oden, who was drafted first overall by the Trail Blazers in 2007 and found himself sidelined with a knee injury before he had even played a single NBA game, is often brought up in conversations on Simmons’ decline.
But Oden, who was restricted to just 105 games in his career, isn’t even a one-for-one comparison.
“I think it’s striking to me how dramatic and extreme the ups and downs have been for him,” Levick said.
“I guess when I think of young players suffering career-altering injuries, it’s often someone like Greg Oden, where the injury is so early and so significant that they’re never able to reach a peak level or an elite All-Star kind of level.
“But I think Simmons is unique in that he was a three-time All-Star and in my mind those were deserving selections, so I guess that’s what jumps out to me, just that it is pretty hard for me to think of anyone comparable and the talent was absolutely eye-popping right out of the gate.”
So, without knowing exactly what the future holds, how will Simmons be remembered in the NBA?
How will Ben Simmons, once compared to LeBron James, be remembered?Source: Twitter
For Levick, while the passed-up dunk against the Hawks is a “defining” moment in Simmons’ story it won’t be the lasting memory of the Australian’s time in a Sixers uniform.
“The Hawks moment, yes it’ll be defining unless this script substantially turns. But I do think honestly, if the health hadn’t become so problematic, that might be a larger storyline in his career,” Levick said.
“For me now, it’s more than anything just sad that a player who displayed a lot of greatness and did a lot of positive things on an NBA court is unable to play. I know many people probably don’t see it that way.
“They see him as someone who was stubborn about not changing his game and someone who didn’t put in the necessary work to improve as a shooter and to adapt to what was wrong with his skill set or what have you.
“But I think at the moment, the big takeaway for me is when he was healthy, he was at least a number two star level sort of player for a championship contending team. And then boom, he’s not been healthy for quite a while.
“So I think that contrast, to me, is pretty severe and pretty brutal. I think for many the whole saga with the holdout and the mental health aspect of that is prominent and I understand that being kind of inherently fascinating and divisive and what have you, but I always go back to his availability in games.
“When that was intact, we saw greatness and it’s, I think, so harsh honestly that that has been taken away. At least from where I’m sitting, I’m really sympathetic to how difficult that must be. I do think he, at his best, was a really exciting player but we haven’t seen Ben Simmons at his best for years now.”
Ben Simmons showed promise early in his career. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFSource: AFP
That in itself should be taken on as a “challenge” for Simmons according to Payton, who said the Australian can still be a “phenomenal basketball player” if he is able to stay healthy.
“He had big expectations as a top pick and then all of a sudden he’s got hurt… and they were telling him he can’t shoot… but I think if he gets himself back right and gets healthy, and work on the things he needs to work at, he can be a phenomenal basketball player,” the nine-time NBA All-Star said.
“So to me, I just think I would take it up as a challenge for Ben Simmons. I would take it as a challenge to come back and do what I have to do. It’s been a rough road for him but I think he can get out of it. He’s a great talent.”
As for Slater, who has had a front-row seat of sorts to the Simmons experience in recent years on the Brooklyn beat, the duality of the Australian’s career stands out.
“When I look back on Ben Simmons, the way that I would view him is a guy that had an incredible amount of talent,” Slater said.
“One of the more unique and rare talents that you’re ever going to see in basketball being 6’10”, having the defensive versatility, but more impressively, the offensive fluidity and dexterity that he had as a passer and as a guy that can handle the ball. So all of that made him so enticing entering the league. I’ll remember that.
Ben Simmons was a rare talent. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“But then you’ll also remember him being a guy that ultimately didn’t seem like he developed in the areas that he could have to take the game to the next level and a guy who was never willing to press the issue and maybe be a little uncomfortable and try to develop those things, whether it be a jump shot or some other moves driving to the basket or things along those lines.
“A guy who didn’t show enough willingness to improve in those areas, which ultimately led to him, I feel like, going further and further into the shell of what he was comfortable doing and eventually led to some of the confidence issues and Philly fans getting on him more and more and more and the lack of 3-point shooting becoming more and more glaring, confidence at the free throw line just going down leading up to that Hawks series.”
Which brings us back to the start. Back to when Simmons was drafted and back to that front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer’s sports section. Back to the topic of expectations.
Ben Simmons celebrates after being drafted first overall. Mike Stobe/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“Some young players handle that pressure well and some don’t,” Bob Ford wrote in his column after Simmons was taken with the first overall pick.
“Unfortunately it is impossible to know which category fits Simmons.”
Just under eight years later, however, it is pretty safe to say Simmons probably fits better in the latter category.
Although in his first few seasons in the league, before the injuries, Simmons seemed to be handling the pressure just fine.
Perhaps a fresh start, removed from the spotlight and the millions of dollars that come with it, may be the best thing for Simmons.
The pressure will always be there in some form or another. That is what comes with being a former first overall pick.
It is never really that simple, and Simmons’ career to this point has been anything but simple anyway. Nothing could be more true given the uncertain path that lies ahead.
