Ange Postecoglou said his side are “going alright” when asked if Tottenham are in the title race, as he also stated he saw “more growth” towards where he wants them to be.

The Spurs would be having a great season if you took out approximately a month of it. In fact, Postecoglou’s team lost four and drew one of the five games played between November and December.

All of those followed the injuries sustained by two of its most important players, James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, in the same match. Apart from that, Tottenham has only suffered one defeat and is gradually climbing the standings.

They may still be atop the standings after ten games if that month had not passed. That’s unfortunately not how things work for Spurs, albeit they have closed the gap on the top four with a run of four victories in their previous five games.

Postecoglou’s response regarding whether or not his side are back in the title race was a coy one after the latest of those wins – 3-1 against Bournemouth.

“Everything is going well. We are three points off the top, so we’re going okay, he told the BBC. Not according to everyone, though.

In addition, he believes that his team is headed in the correct path and growing closer to his ideal state, regardless of whether this will ultimately translate into a successful season.

Our goal is to construct something. Postecoglou remarked, “I hate to keep saying this, but we’re trying to assemble a team that plays a little bit differently and has some resilience, and you can only acquire that through difficult times.

While some of that is self-inflicted due to suspensions, there have been numerous injuries. We are still fighting there and have not wished to offer any explanations.

“Since we’re three points behind the lead, I’ll accept it if it means the difference between a fantastic season and where we are. It goes without saying that there will be difficulties when building something.

“I am observing development. Sometimes it’s just the team developing; other times it’s not anything concrete like football or results. Today saw greater growth.

Spurs and Arsenal both suffered losses on the same day, while Liverpool will now lose Mohamed Salah to the African Cup of Nations. Tottenham loses Heung-min Son to the Asia Cup as well, but they may be able to profit because other teams might struggle.

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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou reveals what he said in clash with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola

Ange Postecoglou called Tottenham’s 3-1 win against AFC Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve “a battle,” and there was a brief period late in the second half when that term could be taken literally.

Spurs grabbed an early lead against the Cherries and never looked back, but on the sidelines things got heated as the game neared an end.

Alejo Veliz was encouraged by Postecoglou to go down for treatment after picking up an injury late in the second

half, which caused several employees at Bournemouth to object. Both the Spurs manager and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso received bookings as a result of various altercations and physical contact between Postecoglou and his Bournemouth opponent, Andoni Iraola, on the sidelines.

With his tongue firmly in his cheek, Postecoglou addressed the melee following the final whistle, adding a little spice to a match that had already been settled.

Postecoglou responded to a question from Sky Sports regarding what caused the disturbance and whether he spoke with his Cherries counterpart, saying, “We all just came together to wish each other a Happy New Year, mate, and make some resolutions.”