Bergvall and Gray should not take positives from their form – Ange Postecoglou
After Tottenham’s North London derby loss, manager Ange Postecoglou insists there are no positives to take, despite the impressive performance of two 18-year-olds Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. ‘This can’t be accepted by anyone at the club,’ he insists.
Tottenham’s injury crisis and its unexpected consequences
Although still raw and prone to the occasional error, Gray and Bergvall have shown glimpses of the ability that has prompted their inclusion in the first team in recent games.
The injury crisis has reshaped Tottenham’s defensive structure, forcing Postecoglou to deploy Gray, an 18-year-old, alongside Radu Dragusin, aged 22, as his centre-back pairing in the last ten fixtures.
While this pairing may not be the first choice for any manager approaching a high-stakes derby, it reflects the resilience and adaptability required in difficult times.
For both teenagers, the midweek North London derby was a baptism of fire. The clash with their fiercest rivals was their first taste of this historic encounter, and it offered a steep learning curve for the duo.
Despite the challenges, the experience gained in such a high-pressure environment could prove invaluable as they continue their development under Postecoglou’s guidance.
Ange Postecoglou on Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall
After the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Ange Postecoglou was asked whether he could take encouragement from the performances of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
Speaking to football.london, the Tottenham manager made it clear that he wanted more from his young players, regardless of their age or experience.
He said: “I hope not. I want them disappointed. This cannot be accepted by anyone at the club. Us losing so many games in a league season is not right.
“I know we are going through a tough trot and are asking big jobs, but I hope they are hurting – the 18-year-olds – as much as anybody else in terms of us not being able to deliver on a big night.”
The silver lining in Tottenham’s injury struggles
It is not often that 18-year-olds start a North London derby, the last time Tottenham fielded a teenager in such a game was Gareth Bale, when he was still playing as a left-back.
While the result against Arsenal may have been disappointing, the performances of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall offered a glimpse into a promising future for Tottenham.
I mean it’s impressive that Bergvall, at just 18, recorded a match-high 4 tackles and 9 duels won. Outperforming seasoned players like Saliba, Gabriel, and Rice in tackles really speaks volumes about his future potential for Spurs.
With more time to develop and better support from an improved squad – should Tottenham invest adequately in the transfer window – Gray and Bergvall could become central to Postecoglou’s long-term plans.
Their composure, technical ability, and determination in a high-pressure fixture were commendable, and this early exposure to elite-level football could accelerate their growth into key players.
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