'Suicidal', 'Mickey Mouse Defending': Watch Nine-Man Tottenham's High-Line In Action Against Chelsea In 4-1 Loss

Losing two men didn't deter Ange Postecoglou. The Tottenham Hotspur boss prides himself on playing a set style of play, one that is in equal parts inspired and confounding, the latter especially on nights like the one Spurs endured against bitter rivals Chelsea at home on Monday, November 6, 2023. Tottenham lost the match 4-1 after Nicolas Jackson struck three late in the second-half, but went toe-to-toe with their opponents for as long as they could despite the obvious disadvantage, earning the respect of experts and fans around the globe. (More Football News)

"It is just who we are mate, it is who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. If we go down to five men we will have a go," Postecoglou said in his post-match interview, explaining his tactics to the media. 

Tottenham took the lead just six minutes in through Dejan Kulusevski, whose shot took a huge deflection off of Levi Colwill and confounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, much to the delight of the home support. But, Spurs' joy turned to misery in a blink after Cristian Romero conceded a penalty and received a red card for a dangerous foul on Enzo Fernandez. Cole Palmer leveled the score from the spot, converting his third penalty for the Blues since joining from Manchester City in the summer. 

Desinty Udogie's second yellow on the other side of the break meant that Spurs played much of the second half with just nine men. However, Postecoglou instructed his players to stick to their task, resulting in a confounding situation with the home team defending with nine players on the halfway line. Striker Jackson took advantage, scoring thrice late on to hand the Blues the win. 

Chelsea play Manchester City next in the Premier League, while Tottenham take on Wolves.