Postecoglou cut a disgruntled and irate figure following the game, making it obvious that he had reached his breaking point following the defeat to Hammers.

Considering that Tottenham is still in the early stages of their initiative, the head coach has now acknowledged that the “gaps” he sees in his team are expected.

“I allow the players to get to the space they want to,” Postecoglou stated to Football.London when questioned about his remarks to the players following Thursday’s defeat. I make my opinions clear to them, and it’s up to them to accept, implement, and think for themselves after that. It had nothing to do with our football when I spoke with them last night.

“It was about realizing that our football will only take us so far, and that in order to go beyond, we must truly be disciplined and have conviction about who we are and what we want to accomplish. It is to be expected that there would be some gaps at the start of the cycle. Where our gaps exist, that is.

He said, “A little bit of both,” in response to the question of whether holding that conviction is more of a mental or technical quality. You accept the responsibility when it comes your way because you desire it.

It’s a mental thing, followed by the conviction in your ability to carry out the task at hand without hurrying and without placing yourself in a situation where you have to deviate significantly from your usual course of action.

“In football, scoring goals is the most difficult task. We are aware of that. Simultaneously, there is a system and a way of thinking that, if you follow, are extremely disciplined, and have faith in what you’re doing, you give yourself a greater chance when you enter those regions.

“If you look at the game against West Ham, we had some great opportunities and got into some great areas, but we didn’t really put the goalie or the opposition to the test.”

Tottenham need confidence but not arrogance

Instead of thinking that their football style will eventually be enough to defeat the opposition, Postecoglou stated that the players needed to assume greater responsibility.

“It’s been a similar experience wherever I’ve been,” he continued, “where the players’ mindset occasionally creeps into believing that the football alone will give you that.” Contrary to popular belief, if we play a specific way, we will undoubtedly score and prevail. Still to come is the execution.

To cap it all off, there’s still what they offer to the table as individuals. It’s evident from our football performance that even though we were clearly superior, especially in the first half, it wasn’t enough.

The ability to carry out is necessary if you truly desire to do something. It must come from the person and the team working together—the football won’t achieve that.

Not having much experience controlling possession and facing a very low block, the majority of these players have been accustomed to a counterattacking strategy for the past few years.

That meant that the beginning of Postecoglou’s reign would always involve a high learning curve. The fact that we lost Maddison, our most inventive player, and that Solomon and Perisic are injured have made it more difficult for Postecoglou to switch to other players in the attack have made matters worse.

There are still plenty of positives to be taken from our performances and there is no reason for fans to panic.