Tottenham Hotspur. European Cup Semi-finalists.

“Unfortunately for a lot of you, you’re going to have to put up with me for a little bit longer”

That is how Ange Postecoglou left his press conference after our semi-final win in Frankfurt last night, and I think that is the perfect response to send to all the critics and haters because he knows more than anyone else what kind of pressure he’s under and how much criticism is being sent his way.

That away performance has to be up there as one of our top this season. The grit, hard work and determination shown by the team is the exact reason why we won that game. Credit needs to go to Ange and his coaching staff, too. Tottenham played a more reserved defensive game, as they knew Frankfurt would come out firing, being at home, and it showed. However, thanks to the defensive solidity of our backline, Frankfurt were reduced to minimal chances despite having 61% possession. To win important games, you need a top-quality backline, Udogie, Van de Ven, Romero, Porro and Vicario, a backline we haven’t fielded a lot, but on nights like last night, will be the difference maker.

Another mention needs to go to Dominic Solanke, who’s been under criticism since returning from injury; he hasn’t produced the numbers expected of a £65m signing, but for the way we play, I couldn’t see another striker filling that position. His work-rate and final-third pressures are second to none, not to mention the composure he kept slotting the penalty that would send us to the semi-finals. Scoring will give him a lot of confidence, and hopefully it can springboard him to a strong end to the season.

I hope that win instils belief in our fanbase who’ve been putting a lot of their energy into willing Ange to be sacked, because I was so happy Ange and the team showed they’ve still got some fight and they’re not done yet. I know this season has been a mad bust and now is an easy time to criticise and abuse the team, even diminish Ange Postecoglou and his achievements, but we are 2 games away from a European Cup final. For the season to be so dark and negative, the UEFA Europa League would be such a Cinderella story for Tottenham Hotspur; for the players; for the club and Ange Postecoglou. Also, I’m all here for that second-season trophy for Ange Postecoglou. COYS.