Ange Postecoglou can happily work on rebuilding if Tottenham avoid banana skin Sheffield United

The heated talk surrounding Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester City and Ange Postecoglou’s angry reaction to the result has distracted from the bigger picture for Tottenham: they are now five defeats in six games and Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea are could catch on the last day.

The Spurs couldn’t screw this up, could they? Fortunately for Postecoglou’s side, they end the season with a visit to long-relegated Sheffield United, who have shown little on their return to the top flight to suggest they are capable of coming out on top, even with the pressure completely off.

Postecoglou’s copious suggestion that Spurs’ foundations were “fragile” – as much due to the relaxed mood at the club in the build-up to the City game as the subdued atmosphere on the night – also distracted from a performance much his improved. side.

Spurs went toe-to-toe with the champions and lacked only a killer instinct, highlighted when captain Heung-min Son uncharacteristically missed a one-on-one that would have probably earned his side a draw – and would potentially hand Arsenal the title.

If Spurs play with the same grit and commitment against the Blades on Sunday, they will surely get the point they need to secure fifth place and Europa League football.

James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur looked back to pre-injury levels, Pape Sarr excelled in a new role and January signing Radu Drăgușin more than held his own, suggesting Postecoglou’s theory has merit according to which the poor form of its players is due to lack. of rhythm and regular playing time.

In that sense, perhaps the curtain is coming down just as Spurs are ready to rise, and yet it feels like they need the season to end as much as any club.

Their dismal run and the disconnect between Postecoglou and most fans around the City game has put a bit of a strain on his previously excellent relationship with the fan base. Summer vacation should provide a welcome reset.

Provided Spurs get the job done at Bramall Lane, Postecoglou can turn his attention to a further transformation in the summer.